Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET
Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.
ZDNET's key takeaways
Microsoft is gradually rolling out Windows 11 25H2.
You can wait for the update to arrive, or manually install it.
The 2025 version tightens security and tweaks certain features.
Microsoft typically starts rolling out its annual Windows update around this time of year, and that means the 2025 version is now officially afoot. On Tuesday, the company announced the availability of Windows 11 25H2 to both individuals and organizations. This year, however, the update is designed differently than in the past.
Windows 11 25H2 is more compact and installs quicker than previous annual updates. That's because Microsoft swaps out only the files that need updating rather than replacing all system files. The update also adopts the technology used in regular Windows updates, which means only a single restart is required to get you up and running again.
Also: Your complete Windows 11 upgrade guide: Everything to know - before you ditch Windows 10
Further, Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2 share the same code base and will receive the same updates moving forward. The only difference between the two is that certain features will be disabled in the 2024 version but enabled in the 2025 edition. Sharing the same code also means that Windows 11 25H2 should be more stable and reliable than the 24H2 version.
What will you find in Windows 11 25H2?
One key improvement is in the area of security.
"As part of the Microsoft Secure Future Initiative commitment, Windows continues iterating and improving its security features and posture to help protect customers from security threats in our software and services," John Cable, VP of Product Management for Windows Servicing and Delivery, said in a Tuesday blog post. "Version 25H2 includes significant advancements in build and runtime vulnerability detection, coupled with AI-assisted secure coding. We've designed version 25H2 to address and mitigate security threats in adherence to a robust security development lifecycle (SDL) policy and requirements."
Also: This new Windows 11 trick uses AI to tame your chaotic photo library - how to try it now
Other features that have slowly made their way to Windows 11 24H2 will all appear in the 2025 version, according to Microsoft's page on What's new in Windows 11, version 25H2. These include support for Wi-Fi 7, Quick Machine Recovery to resolve boot problems, tweaks to the Taskbar, and improvements to File Explorer and Task Manager. The difference is that these changes were gradually doled out to Windows 11 24H2. Update to 25H2, and they'll all be ready and waiting for you to try.
By updating to Windows 11 25H2, you also extend the support window offered by Microsoft. Windows 11 24H2 support ends in October 2026, but support for 25H2 will last until October 2027.
Also: Not a fan of Windows 11? Here's how I made my system look more like Linux or MacOS
Best of all, the 2025 version should avoid the bugs and glitches that Microsoft and Windows users bumped into with the 2024 edition. Almost from the get-go, Windows 11 24H2 was saddled with one problem after another. And in trying to fix one set of bugs through its monthly updates, Microsoft often introduced yet more bugs. After finally resolving most of the issues, the 2024 version is now relatively stable, though it took more time and effort than it should have.
Known bugs to watch for
However, that doesn't mean Windows 11 25H2 is going to be bug-free. Already, two issues have popped up that could cause headaches for some users.
As described on Microsoft's page for Windows 11, version 25H2 known issues and notifications, one glitch may prevent you from playing protected content through digital TV and Blu-Ray or DVD applications. This one was partly resolved, but Microsoft says it's working on a permanent fix.
Affecting only enterprise environments, the other bug might trigger an error if someone tries to install an msu file from a network share that contains multiple files of the same type. Microsoft says it's working on a resolution that should arrive in a future Windows update.
How to get Windows 11 25H2
If you want to snag the 2025 update, you have a few options. First, make sure you've updated your Windows 11 PC to the 24H2 version. Then head to Settings, select Windows Update, and turn on the switch to get the latest updates as soon as they're available. Click the button to check for updates. If the 25H2 flavor is available for your PC, you can download and install it.
Also: How to clear your Windows 11 PC cache (and why it makes such a big difference)
However, since this is a gradual rollout, the update may not yet present itself to you. In that case, you can either wait until it does pop up, or you can manually grab it. For that, browse to Microsoft's Download Windows 11 page. This page gives you three ways to install the update.
With the Windows Installation Assistant, you're able to install the update on your current PC. With the Windows 11 Installation Media, you can create a bootable USB or DVD with the installation package to install it on a different PC. And with the Windows 11 Disk Image, you can generate an ISO file that you can run anywhere. I typically opt for the ISO file as it's the quickest and simplest method.
Also: This free tool installs Windows 11 on unsupported PCs - without any bloatware
After the installation, your PC will reboot. Sign back in. Go to Settings, select System, and then click About. Scroll down to the Windows specifications section, and you should see 25H2 listed as the version.
Get the morning's top stories in your inbox each day with our Tech Today newsletter.