The 25H2 update for Windows 11 is due to be released before the end of this calendar year. Windows Insiders can download and test the preview version now.
Microsoft has taken a significant step forward by making the upcoming 25H2 update for Windows 11 available in the Release Preview Channel. This allows participants in the Windows Insider program to download and explore the preview version, marking a pivotal moment in the software’s development cycle. While the exact public release date remains uncertain, Microsoft assures users that the update will be rolled out this year.
Approximately two months ago, Microsoft announced the 25H2 update, emphasizing that “switching to Windows 11 25H2 is as easy as rebooting.” This seamless transition is facilitated by the use of “Enablement Packages,” which are compact bundles designed to activate previously installed but unused components of the operating system. This approach aims to streamline the upgrade process, eliminating the need for fresh installations while ensuring that user settings are preserved.
Upon the release of the preview version, Microsoft did not disclose extensive details about the 25H2 update. However, reports from Ars Technica indicate that this update is relatively modest in scope, primarily serving to reset the timeline for security updates. As a result, Windows 11 25H2 will be eligible for patches over the next two years, a commitment that Microsoft extends to all of its annual updates.
25H2 without PowerShell 2.0 and WMIC, but with a few new features
In a notable shift, Microsoft has decided to retire Windows PowerShell 2.0, which will not be included in the 25H2 update. Additionally, the WMIC tool, long considered obsolete, will also be absent. While a comprehensive overview of the changes in 25H2 has yet to be released, new test versions have recently emerged in the Insider channels, introducing enhancements to the snipping tool and AI capabilities. For instance, the latest previews allow users to record window videos using the snipping tool, along with new selection options for the click-to-do function. Users can now select content in various ways, including free-form selections, rectangular selections, or by holding the “Ctrl” key while clicking, enabling the inclusion of diverse content for further AI processing.
25H2 initially for Windows Insiders, from October probably for everyone
For those in the Windows Insider program who have access to the Release Preview Channel and meet the necessary hardware specifications, the 25H2 preview version can be found in the Windows Update settings. This follows the standard update protocol applicable to all users. A complete ISO version of Windows 11 25H2 is anticipated to be available for download later this week.
For the broader Windows 11 user base not participating in the Insider program, the 25H2 update is expected to roll out in October. Microsoft typically initiates updates with a limited number of devices before gradually expanding the rollout, allowing for the identification of any potential issues. In the weeks or months following, the 25H2 update should become accessible to all Windows 11 installations via Windows Update.
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[1] https://www.heise.de/news/Windows-11-25H2-im-Anflug-10463256.html?from-en=1
[2] https://blogs.windows.com/windows-insider/2025/08/29/releasing-windows-11-version-25h2-to-the-release-preview-channel/
[3] https://blogs.windows.com/windows-insider/2025/08/29/releasing-windows-11-version-25h2-to-the-release-preview-channel/
[4] https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/08/windows-11-25h2-update-hits-its-last-stop-before-release-to-the-general-public/
[5] https://www.heise.de/news/Microsoft-wirft-Windows-PowerShell-2-0-ueber-Bord-10466182.html?from-en=1
[6] https://www.heise.de/news/Microsoft-Insider-Vorschauen-Snipping-Tool-kann-Fenster-Videos-aufnehmen-10539553.html?from-en=1
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