Windows 11 25H2 (build 26200.5074) final version released as preview

• You can now download the Windows 11 25H2 official preview from the Release Preview Channel as build 26200.5074.
• The new feature update is available as an enablement package for version 24H2 without the need for reinstallation.

On August 29, 2025, Microsoft released the first official preview of Windows 11 version 25H2 (2025 Update) in the Release Preview Channel of the Windows Insider Program. The update is rolling out as an enablement package for devices already running version 24H2, which means no full reinstallation is required.

According to the official announcement, Windows 11 build 26200.5074 will update the version number from 25H2 to 25H2, introducing several new features and removing others, such as PowerShell 2.0 and Windows Management Instrumentation command-line (WMIC).

In addition, this release adds the ability to debloat the operating system when creating a new account with a new policy available through the Group Policy Editor.

Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2 use the same underlying system files and architecture. That means there’s no need to reinstall or replace the core operating system to move between them. Instead of delivering a large, full-featured update, the software giant simply “flips the switch” with a small enablement package that activates the 25H2 features already present in 24H2. This makes the update faster, less risky, and easier to roll back.

By pushing 25H2 first to the Release Preview Channel, Microsoft can get feedback on new features, stability, and compatibility from a large but still controlled group of testers before shipping it to the public. Also, the Release Preview Channel is the last stop before general availability. So making 25H2 available here signals that the final release is close, and it helps Microsoft test servicing, cumulative updates, and ISOs before everyone gets it.

In early September, the company will also be making available the official preview of the Windows 11 25H2 ISO file, which you can use to perform a clean installation of the operating system.

Alongside Windows 11 build 26200.5074, Microsoft is also rolling out Windows 11 build 26220.5770 (KB5064093) in the Dev Channel, which is part of the version 25H2 development and includes various new features and changes, such as Click to Do Excel table actions, an on-screen Braille viewer, and improvements to Windows Share.

Windows 11 25H2 build 26200.5074 new features

Some of the features that you can expect to find on Windows 11 25H2 include:

• Start menu redesign: Wider layout, more pinned apps, a new “All” apps section, and optional removal of “Recommended.”
• File Explorer dark mode: More dialogs now match the theme, including copy and delete prompts.
• Notification Center: Now shows full clock (with seconds) on secondary monitors.
• Android app resume: Continue mobile app activity directly from the Taskbar.
• Start menu sidebar: Expanded access to messages, calls, and photos from your phone with a new interface.
• Click to Do: New “Describe Image” action, selection modes (Freeform, Rectangle, Ctrl + Click), and touch gestures.
• Admin Protection: Prompts for elevation on untrusted apps—adds a visual warning layer.
• Passkeys with 1Password: Native support for plugin-based passkey managers.
• Text & image AI activity log: Track recent AI usage from third-party apps.

Related

Windows 11 25H2 new features, release details, upgrade options (so far)

Install version 25H2

If you want to install the first official preview of the Windows 11 2025 Update, you must enroll your computer in the Release Preview Channel. Once you enroll the computer in the program, you can download the build from the “Windows Update” settings by turning on the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” option, clicking the “Check for Updates” button, and then clicking the “Download & install” button for the “Windows 11, version 25H2 is available” option.