- Windows 11 2025 Update (version 25H2) is available for download starting September 30, 2025.
- The feature update is available for devices that are compatible with the version.
Windows 11 25H2 (2025 Update) has been released, and it’s officially available for download on compatible computers starting September 30, 2025. This new version is the fourth feature update that Microsoft has made available for the operating system, but don’t expect any new features. At least, not initially.
In this new version, Microsoft isn’t introducing any new features or significant changes compared to Windows 11 24H2, because both versions share the same core system. This also means that version 25H2 receives the same improvements as version 24H2.
If you’ve noticed, cumulative updates in previous years haven’t included significant changes. However, in 2025, the company has been introducing new features and improvements in every update, and that’s where all the enhancements that your device should have received with version 25H2 are located.
Windows 11 25H2 launches on September 30, 2025
Here’s what you need to know about the Windows 11 2025 Update rollout for compatible devices.
Release date for version 25H2
The official release date of Windows 11 25H2 is September 30, 2025. The feature update is now available for seekers who have the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” toggle switch enabled on the “Windows Update” settings page.
Although this is an enablement package that installs like a regular monthly update, Microsoft plans to gradually make the new version available to devices, starting with configurations that are known to have a good upgrade experience. This means that not every device will see the install option on day one.
Forced automatic installation
No, version 25H2 will not install automatically on your computer. You will receive a notification automatically when it’s ready for your device, but you will have to trigger the upgrade manually through the “Windows Update settings.
However, as time passes, if you have a device with a version of Windows that is nearing the end of support, the feature update will eventually download and install automatically.
Reinstallation requirements
No, Windows 11 25H2 doesn’t require a complete reinstallation of the operating system if your device is already running version 24H2.
However, if your computer is running version 23H2, another version, or Windows 10, then the answer is yes, meaning that the feature update will require reinstallation.
On devices with older releases of the operating system, you must first upgrade to version 24H2 before the option to upgrade to version 25H2 becomes available.
It’s always recommended to plan accordingly and create a temporary backup of your device before proceeding.
No new features with this update
Windows 11 25H2 doesn’t include any new features compared to version 24H2, but it does introduce a slew of changes that originated from version 23H2.
For example, after installing the feature update, you’ll notice improvements in the Lock Screen, like a new battery icon design and new settings to manage widgets.
The Settings app gains a new feature to track the apps requesting actions from AI models available on the computer. You’ll find a new “Advanced” page that replaces the “For developers” page. On the Notifications page, a new feature allows you to adjust the position of hardware indicators on the screen. In addition, a lot of features from the Control Panel have now been ported to the Settings app.
Microsoft has also been working on a new design for the Second Chance Out-of-box Experience that introduces a simplified experience and reminders about your Microsoft subscription plan.
The Windows Search experience now displays photo results in grids, the Notification Center includes the ability to show a full clock, File Explorer is receiving dark mode improvements, and more.
It is worth repeating that versions 25H2 and 24H2 have the same set of features. Some of the features mentioned above are already available for version 24H2 or will be introduced in future updates.
Here’s a comprehensive guide with all the new features that Microsoft has been adding to Windows 11 since the company officially changed the version number to 25H2 in the Dev Channel of the Windows Insider Program.
Updated hardware requirements
The minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11 25H2 will be the same as those for version 24H2, meaning that if your computer is already running version 24H2, it will remain compatible.
However, if you’re upgrading from version 23H2 or an older release, in addition to the security, storage, and memory requirements, the system will also require a newer processor that supports the “POPCNT” instruction to boot correctly. This requirement affects AMD and Intel processors released before 2007.
Since the operating system requires processors from Intel’s 8th Gen, AMD’s Zen 2, Qualcomm’s 7 and 8 Series processors, or newer, if you have a supported device already running Windows 11, this requirement won’t be an issue.
Windows 11 25H2 upgrade process
Microsoft is releasing version 25H2 as an enablement package that installs as a regular monthly update. This means that the easiest way to upgrade a computer already running version 24H2 is to use the “Windows Update” settings.
If you’re on version 24H2, it’s not recommended to use another upgrade method, as it will trigger a complete reinstallation, which is not necessary for this release.
Also, if you have a computer running version 23H2, an older release, or Windows 10, then the easiest way to force the upgrade to Windows 11 25H2 is to use the “Windows Update” settings. However, you can install the new version using the Installation Assistant, the ISO file by mounting it in File Explorer, or a bootable USB flash drive. Alternatively, you can perform an in-place upgrade with the official ISO file.
If you perform a clean installation of Windows 11 2025 Update, the process will delete your files, apps, and settings.
If the feature update is causing problems, you have at least two ways to uninstall version 25H2.
You can also follow these instructions to create a USB bootable media for version 25H2, or you can use the Media Creation Tool. If you want to download the ISO file directly, use these instructions.
You can also use the Rufus tool to create a USB offline installer for version 25H2.
After the installation, verify that the new version has been applied correctly using the following instructions.
Unsupported hardware install to version 25H2
Although it’s not recommended to install the operating system unsupported, if you have a computer that doesn’t meet the hardware requirements, you will be able to upgrade to version 25H2.
The only caveat is that this process won’t happen through the “Windows Update” settings. You will have to perform a clean installation with specially crafted USB bootable media. You can use these instructions to install version 25H2 on unsupported hardware.
Now, if your device is already running version 24H2, you can upgrade directly using the enablement package without having to perform an in-place upgrade or clean installation.
In addition, the device will be in an unsupported state, meaning that Microsoft won’t be able to provide support for installation, updates, and drivers.
If you upgrade anyway, the device will still require a 64-bit processor with at least two cores, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, and an enabled TPM 1.2 chip.
Early preview of version 25H2
If you are a Windows Insider Program participant with a computer enrolled in the Release Preview Channel, you already have the latest version of the Windows 11 2025 Update.
If you want to stay on the latest release, it’s now time to enable the “Unenroll this device when the next version of Windows releases” option on the “Windows Insider Program” settings page.
After enabling the setting, the computer will gracefully opt out of the program and continue receiving updates for as long as version 25H2 is supported.
What do you think about the next version of Windows 11? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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.
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