Everything you need to know about Windows 11 version 25H2 in 2026: what it changed, how long it lasts and whether to move on to 26H2.
Quick answer: Windows 11 version 25H2 was released on September 30, 2025, with builds starting at 26200. It uses the same platform as 24H2 and installs as a small enablement package with one restart. It removed the old PowerShell 2.0 engine and the WMIC command-line tool. Home and Pro editions are supported until October 12, 2027. A newer version, 26H2, is now available.
If you saw “25H2” in Windows Update or in a support guide, you are looking at Windows 11’s 2025 feature update. It was a quiet release compared with past updates, focused on stability rather than flashy new features.
This guide explains what 25H2 changed, how long it is supported, how it compares with 24H2 and the newer 26H2, and how to install it or move on.
We also explain the “enablement package” approach Microsoft now uses, which is why recent Windows updates install so much faster than they used to.
In this article
- What is Windows 11 25H2?
- What is an enablement package?
- What changed in 25H2?
- How long is 25H2 supported?
- How does 25H2 compare with 24H2 and 26H2?
- Who can stay on 25H2 for now?
- How do you install 25H2 or a newer version?
- What should small businesses do?
- What problems might you see?
- Frequently asked questions
- Final thoughts
What is Windows 11 25H2?
25H2 stands for the second half of 2025. Microsoft made it generally available on September 30, 2025, according to its release information page. Builds for 25H2 start with 26200.
Unlike some earlier updates, 25H2 shares its core platform with 24H2. Microsoft delivered it as a small “enablement package” that switches on features already present on 24H2 PCs, so the upgrade is quick and usually needs only one restart.
What is an enablement package?
An enablement package, sometimes called an eKB, is a tiny update that flips a switch rather than replacing Windows. Microsoft ships the code for new features inside regular monthly updates, but keeps them turned off. When the enablement package arrives, it turns those features on and changes the version number.
- Fast: It downloads and installs in minutes on an up-to-date PC.
- Low risk: Because the code was already on your PC, there are fewer surprises.
- One restart: Usually just a single reboot is needed.
This is why moving from 24H2 to 25H2, or from 25H2 to 26H2, feels much quicker than older Windows feature updates, which often took an hour or more.
What changed in 25H2?
- No big new features at launch: According to Windows Central, features arriving on 25H2 also arrive on 24H2 through monthly updates.
- PowerShell 2.0 removed: The old, insecure PowerShell 2.0 engine is gone. Modern PowerShell versions still work.
- WMIC removed: The legacy WMIC command-line tool was removed. Scripts should use PowerShell instead.
- New business controls: IT teams gained policies to control which built-in apps are installed.
- Fresh support period: Installing 25H2 resets the support clock compared with 24H2.
An IT contractor found an old maintenance script that used WMIC to list installed software. After moving client PCs to 25H2, the script failed. Rewriting it with a short PowerShell command fixed the issue in minutes.
How long is 25H2 supported?
| Version | Released | Home and Pro support ends |
|---|---|---|
| 24H2 | October 1, 2024 | Already ended |
| 25H2 | September 30, 2025 | October 12, 2027 |
| 26H2 | September 29, 2026 | October 10, 2028 |
Enterprise and Education editions usually get 36 months of support instead of 24. Once a version reaches end of servicing, it stops receiving security updates, so plan your next update before the deadline.
How does 25H2 compare with 24H2 and 26H2?
All three share the same underlying platform, which means apps and drivers behave much the same. The main differences are support dates and the features switched on. 26H2, released in September 2026, is described by Windows Central as a checkpoint that turns on features shipped to 25H2 over the past year, with another single-restart install.
For most people, the sensible path today is to move from 25H2 to 26H2 for the longer support window. Read our guide to the latest Windows version for details.
If you manage several PCs, update one first and use it for a few days. Because 25H2 and 26H2 share 24H2’s platform, problems are rare, but a quick test still catches issues with older printers or business apps before they affect everyone.
Who can stay on 25H2 for now?
If your PC is on 25H2 and working well, you are still supported until October 12, 2027. You do not have to rush to 26H2, but moving sooner gives you an extra year of support and has little downside, because it is another small enablement update. Businesses with strict testing rules sometimes wait a few months before moving every PC, which is a reasonable approach as long as they finish well before the deadline.
How do you install 25H2 or a newer version?
- Open Settings > Windows Update.
- Select Check for updates.
- If a feature update appears, select Download and install.
- Restart when prompted. On 24H2 PCs, it usually needs one restart.
Windows Update now offers the newest version, 26H2, to most eligible PCs. If you want a clean installation, use the official Windows 11 ISO. To confirm your current version, see how to tell what version of Windows you have.
What should small businesses do?
- List every PC and its current Windows version.
- Update any PC still on 24H2 first, since its Home and Pro support has ended.
- Test the latest version on one or two PCs with your key apps and printers.
- Roll it out to the rest of your devices once testing passes.
- Check any scripts or tools that used WMIC or PowerShell 2.0.
A short plan like this keeps your devices secure without disrupting your team.
What problems might you see?
- Old scripts failing: Anything relying on WMIC or PowerShell 2.0 needs updating.
- Delayed offer: Updates roll out in phases, so some PCs see them later.
- Older hardware: PCs that do not meet Windows 11 requirements are not offered feature updates.
If an update fails, Windows lets you reinstall the current version without losing files. Our guide on how to reinstall Windows 11 explains the options.
Bilal’s 25H2 update stalled at 0% for an hour. He restarted, ran the Windows Update troubleshooter and tried again. The update then downloaded normally, as the first attempt had simply hung.
Press Windows + R, type winver and press Enter. If it shows 25H2, plan your move to 26H2 before October 2027. If it shows 24H2, update now, as security updates have ended.
Frequently asked questions
What is Windows 11 25H2?
It is the 2025 feature update for Windows 11, released on September 30, 2025.
What build number is 25H2?
25H2 builds start with 26200.
When does 25H2 support end?
For Home and Pro editions, on October 12, 2027.
Is 25H2 the latest version?
No. Windows 11 26H2, released in September 2026, is newer.
What was removed in 25H2?
The PowerShell 2.0 engine and the WMIC command-line tool.
Will updating to 25H2 delete my files?
No. A normal feature update keeps your files, apps and settings.
Final Thoughts
- 25H2 arrived on September 30, 2025, as a small enablement update.
- It removed PowerShell 2.0 and WMIC, so update old scripts.
- Home and Pro support ends on October 12, 2027.
- Most users should move on to 26H2 for longer support.