Windows 11 25H2 expands rollout with forced upgrades for 23H2 PCs

If you're still on Windows 11 23H2, Microsoft will upgrade your PC to version 25H2 automatically.

Windows 11 23H2 force upgrade to 25H2
Windows 11 23H2 force upgrade to 25H2 / Image: Mauro Huculak
  • Microsoft makes Windows 11 25H2 an automatic install on devices running version 23H2.
  • The automatic upgrade phase began on November 11, 2025, as version 23H2 reached end of support.

Microsoft has begun the automatic upgrade of Windows 11 25H2 on devices running version 23H2. Although version 25H2 was originally released on September 30, 2025, the update has been an optional install for compatible devices. However, starting November 11, 2025, the company began the forced upgrade phase through the “Windows Update” settings.

The dashboard health website’s status note reveals that on November 11, 2025, computers still running Home and Pro editions of Windows 11 23H2 will automatically receive Windows 11 25H2. However, the company won’t automatically update managed devices running the Pro, Enterprise, and Education.

The main reason is that Windows 11 23H2 reached the end of support on November 11, 2025, and if these devices don’t upgrade immediately, they will no longer receive security updates.

If you still have a computer running version 23H2, you can upgrade to version 25H2 without going through Windows Update settings, the Installation Assistant, or the ISO file. It’s important to note that regardless of the option you choose, the process will trigger a full reinstallation.

Also, even though version 24H2 is still supported, it’s recommended to upgrade directly to version 25H2, because the two operating systems are identical. The only difference is the version number and the support schedule. 

If you are ready to upgrade to version 25H2, you can do this from Settings > Windows Update, turn on the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” toggle switch, click the “Check for updates” button, and click the “Download & install” button.

You don’t need to do anything if you want the update to install and apply automatically. In the coming days, the computer will upgrade automatically. 

It’s important to note that automatically installing the new version doesn’t mean your device will upgrade immediately. Instead, the company plans to roll out the update gradually, ensuring that only devices with a good upgrade experience receive it first.

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert and founder of Pureinfotech in 2010. With over 22 years as a technology writer and IT Specialist, Mauro specializes in Windows, software, and cross-platform systems such as Linux, Android, and macOS.

Certifications: Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), VMware Certified Professional (VCP), and CompTIA A+ and Network+.

Mauro is a recognized Microsoft MVP and has also been a long-time contributor to Windows Central.

You can follow him on YouTube, Threads, BlueSky, X (Twitter), LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].