Microsoft Confirms Upcoming Release of Windows 11 Version 25H2 Later This Year

The release of Windows 11 version 25H2 is set to occur by the end of this year, as confirmed by Microsoft. This announcement is supported by information found in the operating system build on the Dev channel for members of the Windows Insider program.

Similar to Windows 11 24H2, the new version will be based on the Germanium platform. Both versions are on the same servicing branch, and features from 25H2 will gradually make their way to 24H2.

The update process is expected to be quite efficient, thanks to the availability of enablement packages (eKB). These packages allow users to activate pre-downloaded features without needing to perform a complete OS reinstall. To install the eKB, users need to restart their devices just once.

Windows 11 25H2 will be available through Windows Update. Because both 24H2 and 25H2 share a common codebase, there should be no compatibility issues with drivers or software.

Microsoft has provided guidance to organizations on how they can prepare for the upcoming Windows 11 25H2 release.

Users running Windows 11 23H2 or Windows 10 will need to download a full feature update instead of the eKB. This is due to the differences in the platforms that the OS versions are built upon, and such an update may take a significant amount of time.

Earlier this spring, insider @XenoPanther uncovered code in a Windows 11 Canary Channel build that hinted at the release of 25H2 this year.