How to install Windows 11 25H2 for early access to new features

To install Windows 11 25H2 early, download the update through Windows Update or manually force the upgrade by installing the Enablement Package (KB5054156).
Alternatively, download the official ISO file to create a bootable USB for a clean installation.

UPDATED 10/1/2025: Windows 11 25H2 (2025 Update) is officially available starting September 30, 2025, and you can install it now on compatible devices through the Windows Update settings, manually by running the Enablement Package (KB5054156), or it’s possible to get it from the Windows Insider Program.

Alternatively, you can download the preview ISO file to create a bootable USB and perform a clean installation of the operating system.

It’s important to note that version 25H2 shares the same file system as version 24H2, meaning that these two versions are identical, and you won’t find any new features. However, you’ll be renewing the support for another 24 months if you’re a regular consumer. If you’re a commercial customer, the support will last 36 months.

In this guide, I’ll outline the ways to upgrade to Windows 11 25H2 from version 24H2, 23H2, 22H2, the original release, or Windows 10.

Install Windows 11 25H2 using Windows Update
Install Windows 11 25H2 using Enablement Package
Install Windows 11 25H2 using bootable USB
Install Windows 11 25H2 using Insider Program

Important: It’s recommended to create a full backup of your computer in case you need to roll back in the event of an issue. You have been warned.

Install Windows 11 25H2 using Windows Update

To upgrade to Windows 11 25H2 manually from Windows Update starting September 30, 2025, follow these steps:

Open Settings on Windows 11.
Click on Windows Update.
Click the “Check for updates” button.
Turn on the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” toggle switch.
Click the “Download & install” button to install Windows 11 25H2.
Click the Restart now button.

After you complete the steps, the setup will upgrade the system to version 25H2.

Install Windows 11 25H2 using Enablement Package

To force the upgrade from version 24H2 to 25H2 manually with the official KB5054156 enablement package (eKB), follow these steps:

Open Settings.
Click on Windows Update.
Click the Check for updates button.
Click the Restart now button to apply the most recent updates.
Click to download the eKB for Intel and AMD (or this link for ARM64).
Save the enablement package on your computer from the Microsoft delivery servers.
Double-click the “.msu” file to launch the installer.
Click the Yes button to apply the upgrade.
Click the Restart now button.

Once you complete the steps, the device will upgrade automatically to Windows 11 25H2 (2025 Update).

The steps are the same as those in the upgrade process for unsupported hardware, as shown in the video tutorial below.

Install Windows 11 25H2 using bootable USB

You can also download the ISO file containing the latest Windows 11 25H2 to create a bootable USB for a clean install. These steps are only recommended to upgrade from versions 23H2, 22H2, 21H2, or Windows 10.

Before proceeding, make sure your device is configured to boot from a USB flash drive. This may require changing the UEFI firmware settings. Since these settings vary by device, it’s best to visit your computer manufacturer’s support page for detailed instructions.

To perform a clean install of Windows 11 25H2 from a bootable USB media, follow these steps:

Start the PC with the Windows 11 25H2 USB flash drive.
Press any key to continue.
Choose the installation language and format.
Click the Next button.
Choose the keyboard and input method.
Click the Next button.
Select the “Install Windows 11” option.
Check the “I agree everything” option to confirm that this process will delete everything on the computer.
Click the “I don’t have a product key” option.

Quick note: The computer will activate automatically after reinstallation. If this is a new computer, you must provide a product key. You can always provide the product key to activate later through the Settings app.
Select the edition of “Windows 11” your license key activates (if applicable).
Click the Next button.
Click the Accept button
Select each partition on the hard drive where you want to install Windows 11 25H2 and click the Delete button. (Usually, “Drive 0” is the drive that contains all the installation files.)
Select the hard drive (Drive 0 Unallocated Space) to install the operating system.
Click the Next button.
Click the Install button.
Choose your region setting on the first page of the out-of-the-box experience (OOBE) after the installation.
Click the Yes button.
Select your keyboard layout setting.
Click the Yes button.
Click the Skip button if you do not need to configure a second layout.
The computer will automatically connect to the network using an Ethernet connection. You must set up the connection manually on a wireless connection (a security key may be required).
(Optional) Confirm a name for the computer.
Click the Next button. (The device will restart automatically.)
Select the “Set up for personal use” option for Windows 11 Pro. This option is not available for the “Home” edition.
Click the Next button.
Click the Sign in button.
Confirm your Microsoft account email to create a Windows 11 account.
Click the Next button.
Confirm your Microsoft account password.
Click the Next button.
Click the Create PIN button.
Create a new four-digit Windows Hello PIN.
Click the OK button.
Choose your privacy setting that best suits your preferences.
Click the Next button.
Click the Next button again.
Click the Accept button.
Click the More options setting.

Quick tip: You can also click the “Restore from this PC” button to restore your files, apps, settings, and credentials from the system backup available in your OneDrive account. You can learn more about the Windows Backup app in this guide.
Click the “Set up as a new PC” option.
Click the “Set up as a new PC” option again.
(Optional) On the “Let’s customize your experience” page, select one or more ways you plan to use the device to allow the operating system to suggest tools and service customization during this experience.
Click the Accept button to continue. Or click the Skip button to skip this part of the setup.
(Optional) Use the code to link your Android phone or click the Skip option.
(Optional) Use the code to download the OneDrive on your phone or click the Skip option.
Click the “Not now” button if you will be using a browser other than Microsoft Edge.

After completing the steps, Windows 11 25H2 will complete the clean installation on the computer.

Install Windows 11 25H2 using Insider Program

The Windows Insider Program is still an option, but since the Windows 11 2025 Update has officially been released on September 30, 2025, it’s recommended to use the Windows Update settings, Enablement Package, or the ISO file approach.

To upgrade to Windows 11 25H2 early from version 24H2 using the Windows Insider Program, follow these steps:

Open Settings.
Click on Windows Update.
Click the Windows Insider Program tab.
Click the Get started button.
Click the “Link an account” button.
Sign in with your Microsoft account credentials.
Click the Continue button.
Under the “Pick your Insider settings” section, select the “Release Preview” channel option.

Quick note: You can also choose the “Dev Channel” option, but the previews in this branch are not as stable as the ones in the Release Preview Channel.
Click the Continue button.
Click the Continue button to agree to the terms and conditions.
Click the Restart button.
Open Settings after the reboot.
Click on Windows Update.
Click the “Check for updates” button.
Click the “Download & install” button for the “Windows 11, version 25H2 is available” option (if applicable).
Click the Restart now button.

Once you complete the steps, the system will download and install the Windows 11 2025 Update. Additionally, the computer will continue to receive preview builds (approximately every week) from this channel, featuring new features, changes, and fixes.

Update October 1, 2025: This content has been updated with new information, and it’s been revised to ensure accuracy.