Blog Post

Windows IT Pro Blog
4 MIN READ

An IT pro’s guide to Windows 11, version 25H2

AriaUpdated's avatar
AriaUpdated
Icon for Microsoft rankMicrosoft
Sep 30, 2025

Windows 11, version 25H2 is now available through Windows Autopatch and the Microsoft 365 admin center.i It is also available for download from the Microsoft Software Download Service and Visual Studio Subscriptions. Windows 11, version 25H2 will become available via Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) on October 14, 2025, with the October security update.

Here is your guide to tools and resources to support your rollout of this update, plus some additional helpful information.

In this release

Windows 11, version 25H2 includes the same new features and enhancements delivered through our Windows 11 continuous innovation efforts.

Some features that were behind temporary commercial control in Windows 11, version 24H2 are now enabled by default in version 25H2. These include:

  • AI actions in File Explorer

The latest advances in update innovation also carry over with capabilities like quick machine recovery and hotpatching for Windows client available on version 25H2.

Version 25H2 includes Wi-Fi 7 for enterprise connectivity. It’s designed to address evolving security needs while helping support reliable connectivity in high-density, high-throughput scenarios. You can start deploying Wi-Fi 7 enterprise-grade access points to eligible devices to take advantage of the same benefits already available to consumer devices.

You also have the ability to remove select preinstalled Microsoft Store apps using policies on Windows 11 Enterprise and Windows 11 Education, version 25H2. By avoiding custom imaging and complex scripts, you’ll reduce operational overhead and create a cleaner, work-ready experience. This new capability is available via mobile device management (MDM) tools and Group Policy today, and it lights up in the Microsoft Intune Settings Catalog tomorrow!

Deploying Windows 11, version 25H2

Windows 11, versions 24H2 and 25H2 use a shared servicing branch. That means that version 25H2 will be delivered as an enablement package, offering a fast, easy installation process like monthly Windows updates.

If you’re not familiar with enablement packages, the features in Windows 11, version 25H2 were included in the latest monthly update for version 24H2. However, they were in an inactive and dormant state. An enablement package works like a small switch that activates the features in version 25H2, so the update from Windows 11, version 24H2 to version 25H2 takes place in roughly the same time as typical monthly Windows updates.

As with all feature updates, you can use Windows Autopatch in Intune, or your preferred endpoint management solution, to roll out the update across your organization.

We recommend that commercial organizations begin targeted deployments to validate that their apps, devices, and infrastructure work as expected with this new release.

Tools and resources

The deployment, security, and management tools you rely on have been refreshed for this update.

We’ve also updated the Windows release health hub with release information for Windows 11, version 25H2 as well as the pages for sharing information on known issues.

The Windows 11, version 25H2 update history page—where you’ll find release notes for monthly and out-of-band updates—has also been updated, and release notes will be available with the first monthly update for version 25H2 on October 14, 2025.

Lifecycle information for Windows 11, version 25H2

Today, September 30, 2025, marks the start of 36 months of servicing support for Enterprise and Education editions of Windows 11, version 25H2. Home and Pro editions receive 24 months of support. For more information, see the Windows 11 Lifecycle FAQ.

Where can I get help with deploying Windows 11 feature updates?

If you want to lower the cost of managing updates for your IT team, benefit from built-in protections such as feature update safeguards, and get Windows security updates faster without a restart, get started with Windows Autopatch. Windows Autopatch is included with Windows Enterprise E3 (or higher), Windows A3 (or higher), F3, and Microsoft 365 Business Premium, and can help you easily deliver both feature and quality updates for Windows, as well as driver updates.

If you need additional help, tips, or best practices, join Windows Office Hours every third Thursday on the Windows Tech Community! We assemble experts from the Windows, Microsoft Intune, and Windows 365 product teams, as well as adoption and security specialists, to answer your questions in chat. Submit questions during the live one-hour event or post them in advance if that time doesn’t work for you. Our next event is Thursday, October 16, 2025.

It's also a good idea to follow the Windows IT Pro Blog—and follow us on LinkedIn or @MSWindowsITPro on X—to keep up with the latest Windows announcements and new feature releases!

Finally, if you’re interested in exploring new features in Windows 11 prior to release, join the Windows Insider Program. Access preview builds of Windows 11, provide feedback directly to Microsoft, and assess how your apps, hardware, and processes perform in early environments. Want to work directly with the Windows engineering teams to develop solutions that better meet your needs? Join the Customer Connection Program.

iDownloads in the Microsoft 365 admin center and similar channels may be delayed.

iiThe Arm64 Enterprise Evaluation will be released at a later date.


Continue the conversation. Find best practices. Bookmark the Windows Tech Community, then follow us @MSWindowsITPro on X and on LinkedIn. Looking for support? Visit Windows on Microsoft Q&A.

Updated Sep 30, 2025
Version 3.0

6 Comments

  • The "Group Policy Settings Reference Spreadsheet" file does not seem to be publicly accessible.

  • mikehartstein's avatar
    mikehartstein
    Copper Contributor

    FYI, the link https://aka.ms/Windows/PolicyAppRemoval in the "In this release" section seems to not be live yet? (just goes to bing.com)

    • AlexR91's avatar
      AlexR91
      Brass Contributor

      I believe this link is meant to point here: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/policy-based-removal-of-pre-installed-microsoft-store-apps-e1d41a92-b658-4511-95a6-0fbcc02b4e9c