- Windows 11 25H2 has been confirmed as a feature update that will include faster installation via an enablement package.
- Microsoft has yet to officially announce the new features and changes, and it’s expected to arrive sometime in the fall, presumably in October 2025.
UPDATED 8/29/2025: Microsoft has officially announced Windows 11 25H2 (2025 Update), the fourth feature update planned for the operating system, and there’s a lot to like about this one. It’s faster to install, easier to manage, and brings improvements without the hassle. Or at least that’s the intention. Let me break it down for you.
What’s Windows 11 25H2?
Windows 11 25H2 is the next major feature update of the operating system, sharing the same core as version 24H2, and it’s expected to be released in October 2025.
However, it won’t be a full-blown upgrade, such as upgrading to a new operating system. Since both versions share the same core, Microsoft will push new features and changes belonging to version 25H2 to a device running 24H2. The enablement package then updates the version number from 24H2 to 25H2, unlocking the new features that were previously dormant on your device.
What’s the support cycle for Windows 11 25H2?
If you’re on Windows 11 Pro or Home, you’ll get 24 more months of updates. For Enterprise and Education users, the term is 36 months. This update keeps your system secure and supported for a longer period.
When is the release date for Windows 11 25H2?
Windows 11 25H2 is expected to be released in October 2025, but the company hasn’t officially announced the exact date.
Is Windows 11 25H2 a free upgrade?
Windows 11 25H2 will be a free upgrade for compatible Windows 11 and 10 devices. If you’re already running version 24H2, you’ll experience a quick upgrade process like a monthly update. However, if you’re using an older version of Windows 11 or Windows 10, it’ll require a full reinstallation of the operating system.
Will Microsoft force Windows 11 25H2 on PCs?
No, the company won’t (initially) force version 25H2 on your computer. Once the feature update is ready, you will be notified to download the new version manually through Windows Update. If you’re a “seeker,” you can force the upgrade by turning on “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” and then clicking the “Check for updates” button in Settings, followed by the “Download and install” button.
Alternatively, you will be able to install the new version using a USB installation media or ISO file to perform an in-place upgrade or clean installation. In addition, you can use the Installation Assistant to upgrade. If you want to upgrade to Windows 11 25H2 early, you’ll have to enroll your computer in the Windows Insider Program once the feature update is in the Release Preview Channel.
If you want an even earlier start, you can enroll your computer in the Dev Channel or Release Preview Channel starting August 29, 2025. Or you can download the Windows 11 25H2 ISO file using the UUP Dump script.
Will every PC receive all the features in version 25H2?
The short answer is “No” because some features will require new hardware. While many features will be available for existing supported devices, some improvements will be specific to Copilot+ PCs.
Additionally, even after the Windows 11 2025 Update becomes available, Microsoft will continue the gradual rollout of new features and changes, meaning you won’t likely have immediate access to all the new features with this feature update after the official launch.
This guide highlights the most important features and changes appearing in previews through the Windows Insider Program and will be updated regularly to reflect the changes. The last update was on August 29, 2025, with the changes available to build 26200.5770 in the Dev Channel.
What features are being introduced in version 25H2?
These are new features and improvements that are expected to become available with the release of Windows 11 25H2.
Microsoft hasn’t officially revealed the list of new features and improvements that will become exclusive to version 25H2. In this guide, you’ll find the most significant changes that the company has made available since the first preview build of version 25H2 became available in the Dev Channel. However, since the newer version shares the same core as the current version, the company will make the same features available in both versions.
In other words, only devices coming from version 23H2 or an older release will find the biggest differences after the upgrade.
New Start menu design
In addition to the changes highlighted below, the company is also working on a new Start menu. However, it remains unclear whether it’ll arrive in version 24H2 or will be exclusive to version 25H2.
The new design includes a wider frame that can list up to eight pins, up to three suggestions of files and apps, and up to eight apps or four groups in one row.
The “Pinned” section lists two rows of pins by default, and if you pin more apps, the section will show an option to expand all the pins.
You can always turn on “Show all pins by default” on the “Start” settings page to show every pin at all times.
The “Recommended” section remains virtually unchanged, but the system can now display up to six files or apps using two rows. You are not getting a collapsible button, but when you click the “Show more” button, you’ll be taken to another page to view more recent files.
Also, you can now hide the “Recommended” section by turning off the “Show recommended files in Start, recent files in File Explorer, and items in Jump Lists” toggle switch from the “Start” settings page.
In addition, you will have to turn off the “Show recently added apps,” “Show most used apps,” and “Show recommendations for tips, shortcuts, new apps, and more” toggle switches.
The “All” section is perhaps the most noticeable addition, which means that you will not have to open another page to access all your installed apps. Furthermore, you can also change the view to grid, list, and category.
The menu still supports groups and all the previous features.
Microsoft is also updating the “Start” settings page, which no longer includes options to change the layout since you can now see the default two rows or all the pins with the new “Show all pins by default” option.
Start menu sidebar redesign
Although the Start menu sidebar to access your mobile phone features remains unchanged, the company is now adding the ability to scroll through more activities. In addition, this new layout will allow you access to messages, calls, photos, mobile app updates, and more from your iPhone or Android device.
Android app resume from Taskbar
Windows 11 is also adding the ability to resume Android apps on your computer from the Taskbar.
The feature works by turning on the “Allow this PC to access your mobile devices” option in the “Manage Devices” settings, under Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mobile devices to connect your PC with your Android phone.
When the feature is turned on, you can start using an app (such as Spotify) on your Android phone, and then you’ll receive a “Resume alert” notification in the Taskbar that allows you to launch the Spotify app on your computer to resume the same track or anything else you were listening.
If the app isn’t available on your computer, you’ll see the option to install it from the Microsoft Store.
Click to Do image description, selection modes, and more
If you have a Copilot+ PC, starting with version 25H2, Click to Do is adding a new “Describe image” action that uses AI to generate a description of an image, chart, or graph.
When selecting this action for the first time, the system must configure another AI model that runs on the device to generate the information.
The feature is now available for devices with Snapdragon processors, as well as for AMD and Intel chips.
Interactive tutorial
In addition, Microsoft is also adding a quick interactive tutorial with text and images to help users understand how to start using Click to Do on Windows 11.
Selection Modes
Windows 11 is getting an updated version of Click to Do that adds new controls known as “Selection Modes,” including Freeform Selection, Rectangle Selection, and Ctrl + Click, to make it easier to select parts of what’s on the screen.
- Freeform Selection: This mode allows you to use your finger or pen to draw around the items you want to select.
- Rectangle Selection: This mode creates a rectangle selection.
- Ctrl + Click: Hold down the “Ctrl” key and click on each item to select multiple entities across types, including text, images, and more.
Touch gesture
You can now also press and hold two fingers on the screen to bring up Click to Do to select an element and access its AI actions.
Microsoft 365 text actions
In this release, the Click to Do feature can now recognize a table in the snapshot to offer the “Convert to table with Excel” action to extract the content directly into an Excel table.
The option is currently available for Copilot+ PCs featuring the Qualcomm Snapdragon processor. In addition, you’ll need the latest version of Excel available with a Microsoft 365 subscription. Microsoft also notes that this feature is still not available for users in Europe.
Click to Do is also adding the “View Microsoft 365 Profile Cards” action that brings up a card with the person’s information from the organization or school when hovering over any of their information visible in a snapshot.
Narrator with more AI integration
Windows Narrator can now also generate descriptions for images to assist further users who are blind or have low vision.
When pressing the “Narrator key + Ctrl + D” shortcut, the Narrator will read out a contextual description of the image, including people, objects, colors, text, and numbers.
The feature is now available for devices with Snapdragon processors, as well as for AMD and Intel chips.
On-screen Braille for Windows 11
Windows 11 25H2 also introduces a new “Braille viewer” feature as part of the Windows Narrator, which allows you to view an on-screen textual and Braille representation of the output for teaching purposes.
If you want to launch the feature, use the “Windows key + Ctrl + Enter” keyboard shortcut to open the Windows Narrator features, and use the “Narrator key + Alt + B” shortcut to open Braille.
Microsoft notes that you also need to configure Windows Narrator for Braille output, which requires downloading a package from Settings > Accessibility > Narrator > Use a Braille display with Narrator.
Lock Screen widgets suggestions
Windows 11 25H2 also introduces a new “Discover widgets” toggle switch in Settings > Personalization > Lock screen, which periodically updates the experience with suggested widgets.
In addition, on the Lock Screen page, the “Your widgets” setting includes some interface changes. For example, each widget will display a pin icon after being added to the experience, and a new message will notify you when you have reached the maximum number of widgets.
Lock Screen new battery icon
In this release, the development is updating the battery icon for the Lock Screen to more clearly communicate its status and remaining percentage, similar to the current battery icon graphic available on the Taskbar.
- Green: Indicates the computer is currently charging and the battery is in good condition.
- Yellow: Signifies that the device is running on battery power and has entered “energy saving mode.” This mode automatically activates when the battery level drops to 20% or lower to conserve power.
- Red: Warns of a critically low battery. It’s crucial to plug in the PC immediately to prevent unexpected shutdowns.
Text and image AI generation activities
You’ll notice a new “Recent activity” option in Settings > Privacy & security > Text and image generation, which allows you to view recent requests to use text and image generation with AI from different third-party applications installed on your computer.
AI agent changes in Settings
This release also updates the AI agent for the Settings app to include a new entry point to access the corresponding setting page available in the result.
New admin protection for app elevation
The “Administrator protection” is a security feature available through the Windows Security app. Once enabled, it provides a new security layer that prompts for authorization when an untrusted or unsigned app requires elevation to make system changes.
The interface provides a yellow color scheme for applications that may be harmful to run on your computer. However, it’s also available with a light color scheme to allow elevation for trusted and signed programs.
To enable the security feature, open Windows Security > Account protection, click on the “Administrator protection settings” page, turn on the “Administrator protection” toggle switch, and restart the computer.
Although this feature may resemble the “User Account Control” (UAC) feature, it’s different. The UAC feature is a broader security feature within Windows 11. In contrast, the Administrator protection feature ensures that any access attempt or tampering with the code or data of an elevated session requires authorization.
Redesigned app permission dialogs
The company is also redesigning app permission dialogs for a more consistent experience. When an app requests access to sensitive resources, such as location, camera, or microphone, the system now displays a centered modal dialog with a dimmed background to draw more attention and improve clarity.
Passkeys with 1Password support
Microsoft is also taking another step toward eliminating passwords on Windows 11 with the seamless support for plugin-based passkey managers, with 1Password (beta) as the first integrated provider.
This means you can now store and use passkeys directly through 1Password and log in using Windows Hello (face, fingerprint, or PIN).
If you want to try this feature, you’ll need to install the 1Password (beta) on your computer. Then, in Settings > Accounts > Passkeys > Advanced options, you’ll need to enable the plugin.
Once you have done this configuration, you can use your existing passkeys saved to the plugin credential manager or save new passkeys.
Redesigned SCOOBE page
The Second Chance Out-of-Box Experience is the page you typically receive after updating or randomly after signing into your account to configure additional features, such as backing up your data to the cloud, changing your browser settings to Microsoft’s recommendations, and importing your browsing data to Microsoft Edge.
The page has now been updated to streamline the setup to one page, eliminating the need for multiple pages to configure these changes. You can always disable the SCCOBE from the Settings app.
Windows Search grid view for images
Starting with this feature update, when you perform an image search, the results for photos will be displayed in a grid view.
Notification Center for multiple monitor setups
In this update, the Notification Center will now appear on secondary monitors with the full clock, with seconds, and all available information in this experience.
You will have to click the time and date area in the System Tray on the monitor you want to open the Notification Center.
Task Manager with new CPU calculation view
Windows 11 25H2 ships an updated version of the Task Manager that provides consistent CPU usage information. You’ll now see the same CPU workload across all pages, matching industry standards.
If you need the previous CPU value, you can display the “CPU Utility” column, located in the “Details” tab.
Control Panel to Settings changes
On Settings > Time & language > Date & time, this flight brings the following changes:
- Option to add additional clocks from the “Show time and date in the system tray” setting.
- Setting to change the time server under the “Additional settings” section.
- An option to access the date and time formatting is now available through the “Date & time” page, rather than from “Language & region.” The page also includes the option to change the AM and PM symbols.
On Settings > Time & language > Language & region, you can now find these improvements:
- Option to change the number and currency format under the “Region” section.
- Option to enable Unicode UTF-8 for worldwide language support under the “Language” section.
- Option to copy current user language and region settings to the welcome screen and system account, and new user accounts under the “Additional settings” section.
On Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard, Microsoft is adding:
- Setting for character repeat delay and rate.
On Settings > Accessibility > Text cursor, you’ll find:
- Setting to control the cursor blink rate.
In addition, as part of the Settings app changes, the company is updating more dialogs to match the design of Windows 11.
File Explorer dark mode changes
Microsoft is giving some long-overdue attention to the dark mode experience in File Explorer, with more dialogs now respecting the theme, including those for copying files, confirming administrative permissions, and deleting items.
Additionally, the company is also updating the context menu, more specifically, the “Open with” submenu, to remove colored backplates from icons.
Windows Share new features
Also, you can now pin your frequently used or favorite apps to share content in the “Share using” section. Simply hover over the button and click the “pin” button.
Also, when using the “Windows Share” interface, you can now use the “Find apps” option to select the app that you want to use.
Additionally, when searching, if the app isn’t available, you can download it directly from the Microsoft Store.
Other changes
In addition, it has been discovered that version 25H2 will include a new policy called “Remove Default Microsoft Store packages from the system,” which will enable you to uninstall most of the default apps that come preinstalled on Windows 11.
Instead of having to open the Emoji Panel to access the symbols section to enter an En dash (–) or an Em dash (—), Windows 11 is updatings its shortcut system so that you can use the “Windows key + Minus” will insert En dash, and “Windows key + Shift + Minus” will insert Em dash.
In addition, Microsoft is also making it easier to configure Auto SR from toast notifications, so you don’t have to perform extra steps in the Settings app.
Windows 11 25H2 – Update History
- Dev Channel releases:
Update August 29, 2025: This content has been updated with new information, and it’s been revised to ensure accuracy.
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].