How to upgrade to Windows 11 25H2

Windows 11 25H2 is the fourth major release of Windows 11, arriving in October 2025.
You can upgrade using Windows Update, ISO file, Installation Assistant, or the Insider Program.
If you’re on version 24H2, the update installs as a small enablement package. In contrast, Windows 10 devices must meet minimum requirements, including TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and supported processors.
Currently, version 25H2 is only available through the Release Preview Channel.

Windows 11 25H2 (2025 Update) is expected to be available sometime in September or October 2025. If you plan to upgrade a device running Windows 11 24H2, 23H2, an older release, or Windows 10, you will have to use Windows Update, the official ISO file, or Installation Assistant. You can also use the Windows Insider Program to upgrade a device while the feature update is still in preview.

This release represents the fourth major update of Windows 11. However, since it shares the same file system as version 24H2, you won’t find any significant new features or changes. However, upgrading to the new version will change the version number to 25H2, renew support for another two years, and enable specific improvements that were previously dormant in version 24H2.

Although it isn’t a good idea to rush and install a new feature update as soon as it becomes available to avoid potential bugs and other problems during the early days, you can upgrade manually in at least four ways using the different tools and Windows Update. However, starting August 29, 2025, and until the feature update becomes available to everyone, you can only use the “Windows Update” settings if your device is enrolled in the Release Preview Channel.

I’m also including the steps to use Windows Update, the ISO file, and the Installation Assistant. However, these instructions will work once version 25H2 becomes available to everyone in October.

If you have a device running version 24H2, the recommended upgrade method is Windows Update since version 25H2 will be delivered as an enablement package without the need for reinstallation. If you use any other tool, you will perform an in-place upgrade, which will reinstall the operating system.

If you are still on Windows 10, you can upgrade to Windows 11 25H2. However, you must check that the hardware meets the minimum requirements. You’ll need an Intel 8th Gen or AMD Zen 2 processor or newer, or a Qualcomm 7 and 8 Series processor. This is in addition to the requirements of TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and a minimum of 64GB of storage.

In this guide, I will teach you four ways to upgrade to the Windows 11 2025 Update. You can also upgrade the system using a clean installation in six ways.

Upgrade to Windows 11 25H2 from Insider Program
Upgrade to Windows 11 25H2 from Windows Update
Upgrade to Windows 11 25H2 from ISO file
Upgrade to Windows 11 25H2 from Installation Assistant

Warning: If you plan to upgrade an existing system, it is also recommended to create a backup before proceeding. Starting on August 29, 2025, version 25H2 is only available through the Release Preview Channel. The other instructions to use Windows Update, Installation Assistant, and ISO file will work once the feature update becomes officially available for everyone. If you try to use the other options, you’ll install version 24H2, not version 25H2.You have been warned.

Upgrade to Windows 11 25H2 from Insider Program

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

Open Settings.
Click on Windows Update.
Click the Windows Insider Program page.
Click the Get started button.
Click the “Link an account” button.
Sign in with a Microsoft account.
Click the Continue button.
Select the “Release Preview” option under the “Pick your Insider settings” section.
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.

Quick note: This action will first install the latest update for version 24H2. Once the device has been updated, the option to upgrade to version 25H2 will be available in the “Windows Update” settings.
Click the Restart button.
Open Settings.
Click on Windows Update.
Click the “Download & install” button for the “Windows 11, version 25H2 is available” option.
Click the Restart now button.
Open Settings.
Click on Windows Update.
Click the Windows Insider Program page.
Click the “Stop getting preview builds” setting.
Turn on the “Unenroll this device when the next version of Windows releases” toggle switch.

Once you complete the steps, Windows Update will download and upgrade the device to Windows 11 25H2, and to prevent upgrading to the next version, the device will automatically unenroll from the Windows Insider Program once the feature update is officially released.

Once the device is out of the program, it’ll continue to receive regular updates for as long as this version is supported.

Upgrade to Windows 11 25H2 from Windows Update

To upgrade to Windows 11 25H2 manually from Windows Update (in October 2025, not before), 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 23H2.

Upgrade to Windows 11 25H2 from ISO file

To upgrade to Windows 11 25H2 from Windows 11 24H2, 23H2, or Windows 10 22H2 with an ISO file (in October 2025, not before), follow these steps:

Open the Microsoft Support website.
Select the Windows 11 option under the “Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) for x64” section.
Click the Confirm button.
Select the installation language.
Click the Confirm button.
Click the Download button to save the Windows 11 25H2 ISO file.
Right-click the ISO file and select the Mount option.
Click on the mounted drive from the left navigation pane.
Double-click the Setup file to begin the Windows 11 25H2 upgrade process.
(Optional) Click the “Change how Windows Setup downloads updates” option.
Select the “Not right now” option.
Click the Next button.
Click the Accept button to agree to the terms.
Click the Install button to upgrade to version 25H2 while keeping your files and apps.

If you want to start fresh with a clean installation of Windows 11 25H2, click the “Change what to keep” option, select the “Nothing” option, click the “Next” button, and then click the “Install” button.

Once you complete the steps, the Windows 11 2025 Update upgrade will start preserving your settings, apps, and files.

Upgrade to Windows 11 25H2 from Installation Assistant

The Installation Assistant makes it easier to force the upgrade of version 23H2 on devices running an older version of Windows 11 or Windows 10.

To upgrade to Windows 11 25H2 with the Installation Assistant tool (in October 2025, not before), follow these steps:

Open the Microsoft Support website.
Click the Download Now button under the “Windows 11 Installation Assistant” section.
Double-click the Windows11InstallationAssistant.exe file to launch the tool.
Click the “Accept and install” button to begin the upgrade to Windows 11 25H2.

After you complete the steps, the setup will continue with the upgrade to the latest operating system release, in this case, Windows 11 25H2.