The Windows 11 25H2 update has reached the Release Preview channel, signaling that its public rollout is imminent. This phase represents the final step before the update becomes broadly available. However, expectations for the 25H2 release should be tempered, as it introduces few notable new features.
According to Microsoft, build 26200.5074, which corresponds to the 25H2 update, is now available for final testing. The company’s communication mainly highlights the removal of certain legacy components, such as PowerShell 2.0, with minimal discussion of consumer-facing enhancements. While new features are technically part of the update, Microsoft’s recent changes will be implemented in advance of the official release via standard Windows 11 updates. The 25H2 update itself predominantly acts as an enablement package, activating background features rather than introducing substantial changes with the update package alone.
As such, the upcoming release is expected to include a variety of minor tweaks and bug fixes but will not deliver significant architectural changes or prominent new functionality. Some enhancements, particularly those related to artificial intelligence or Copilot+ PCs, are anticipated to be available only to a select subset of users.
The limited scope of the update has sparked criticism, particularly as Microsoft is increasingly encouraging Windows 10 users to transition to Windows 11 before the former’s end-of-support deadline. The absence of a compelling update or attention-grabbing features could make it more difficult for undecided users to justify an upgrade, potentially reducing the effectiveness of Microsoft’s migration strategy. The company is also offering an additional year of paid support for Windows 10, indicating that substantial changes could be deferred to a future release, such as 26H2, or even to a possible Windows 12 launch.
On the positive side, the incremental nature of 25H2 should result in a more stable and reliable update process compared to previous, more disruptive releases. Microsoft is expected to make the 25H2 update available, potentially as early as October 2025, pending the outcomes of final testing.
The Windows 11 25H2 update has reached the Release Preview channel, signaling that its public rollout is imminent. This phase represents the final step before the update becomes broadly available. However, expectations for the 25H2 release should be tempered, as it introduces few notable new features.
According to Microsoft, build 26200.5074, which corresponds to the 25H2 update, is now available for final testing. The company’s communication mainly highlights the removal of certain legacy components, such as PowerShell 2.0, with minimal discussion of consumer-facing enhancements. While new features are technically part of the update, Microsoft’s recent changes will be implemented in advance of the official release via standard Windows 11 updates. The 25H2 update itself predominantly acts as an enablement package, activating background features rather than introducing substantial changes with the update package alone.
As such, the upcoming release is expected to include a variety of minor tweaks and bug fixes but will not deliver significant architectural changes or prominent new functionality. Some enhancements, particularly those related to artificial intelligence or Copilot+ PCs, are anticipated to be available only to a select subset of users.
The limited scope of the update has sparked criticism, particularly as Microsoft is increasingly encouraging Windows 10 users to transition to Windows 11 before the former’s end-of-support deadline. The absence of a compelling update or attention-grabbing features could make it more difficult for undecided users to justify an upgrade, potentially reducing the effectiveness of Microsoft’s migration strategy. The company is also offering an additional year of paid support for Windows 10, indicating that substantial changes could be deferred to a future release, such as 26H2, or even to a possible Windows 12 launch.
On the positive side, the incremental nature of 25H2 should result in a more stable and reliable update process compared to previous, more disruptive releases. Microsoft is expected to make the 25H2 update available, potentially as early as October 2025, pending the outcomes of final testing.
