Photo credit: Windows

Microsoft today announced the general availability of the Windows 11 2025 Update (version 25H2), the newest annual feature release for the operating system used by over a billion people for work, learning, and connection.

This year's feature update emphasizes security and efficiency, delivered in a streamlined fashion that leverages the same servicing technology used for monthly updates, promising a fast and reliable installation experience.

A Streamlined and Secure Platform

The Windows 11, version 25H2 update is being delivered as an enablement package (eKB). This small-footprint package activates features already built into the Windows 11, version 24H2 code base, ensuring a quick transition with a single restart. Both versions now share a common code base and servicing branch, streamlining the overall update process. This approach maintains Microsoft's continuous innovation model, where users can expect new features to be delivered through monthly updates throughout the year.

In line with the Microsoft Secure Future Initiative, version 25H2 includes significant security enhancements:

• Advanced Threat Detection: It features advancements in build and runtime vulnerability detection.

• AI-Assisted Security: The update incorporates AI-assisted secure coding to address and mitigate threats, adhering to a robust Security Development Lifecycle (SDL) policy.

• Leaner OS: The update also reduces the OS footprint by removing legacy components like PowerShell 2.0 and Windows Management Instrumentation command-line (WMIC), thereby reducing the overall attack surface.
Availability and Rollout Details
The rollout of Windows 11, version 25H2 begins today via a controlled feature rollout (CFR) for eligible devices currently running version 24H2. Users who have enabled the "Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available" toggle in Windows Update are among the first to receive the eKB.
Microsoft confirmed that the rollout will expand over the coming months. A safeguard hold system remains in place, which may temporarily prevent the update from being offered to devices with known application or driver incompatibilities until those issues are resolved. Microsoft encourages users to monitor the Windows release health hub for updates on the rollout status.
Information for Commercial and Education Sectors
For business and education customers, version 25H2 is immediately available via Windows Autopatch and the Microsoft 365 admin center. Targeted deployments are recommended for organizations to validate application and device compatibility.

New features tailored for commercial and education environments include:

• Wi-Fi 7 Support: Enhanced connectivity options for enterprise networks.

• App Control: IT administrators now have the ability to remove select pre-installed Microsoft Store apps using Microsoft Intune or Group Policy on Enterprise and Education devices. Additionally, select features and enhancements that were initially disabled by default in version 24H2 will be enabled by default in version 25H2.

The release of version 25H2 resets the support lifecycle for Windows 11, continuing the annual feature update cadence:

• Home and Pro Editions: 24 months of support.
•Enterprise and Education Editions: 36 months of support.

IT administrators can find more detailed information on tools and policies.