Microsoft is preparing to release the next version of Windows, Windows 11 25H2 , to the public. On Friday, the update entered the Release Preview Channel for Windows Insider testers.
According to an official blog post , 25H2 will not introduce any new features at launch, and existing users will see no changes in their regular experience compared to 24H2. In fact, 25H2 removes some features, including PowerShell 2.0 and Windows Management Instrumentation command-line (WMIC). The update package for 25H2 , called an "enablement package," which means users upgrading from 24H2 should have a relatively quick and painless download and install experience.
Both versions of Windows 11 use the same stack, so apps and games that work on 24H2 should continue working with 25H2 with no trouble, Windows Central reports .
Users interested in getting 25H2 now can join the Windows Insider Release Preview Channel and search for the update in the Windows Update section of Settings. For 25H2's general rollout, Microsoft says the new version will appear first as an optional update. Existing users will only need to install it before 24H2 support ends in October 2026, after which 25H2 will automatically install.
