Forum Discussion
How can I update Windows 11 23H2 to 25H2 on my pc?
Hello everyone,
My PC is currently running Windows 11 23H2, and I just saw that Windows 11 25H2 is starting to roll out. I want to update to 25H2 but not sure what's the safest and most reliable way to do it.
I checked Windows Update, but it only says my system is up to date. Should I wait for the automatic rollout, or is there a way to manually update Windows 11 23H2 to 25H2 without losing my files and apps?
Also, if anyone has experience upgrading directly from 23H2 to 25H2, did you run into any issues?
Thanks in advance for the help!
6 Replies
- Hunter226Iron Contributor
If you can't upgrade or update Windows 11 23H2 to 25H2, pls try some workaround to get it fixed.
P.S. This one worked for me: https://www.weboftips.com/upgrade-to-windows-11-25h2-on-any-pc
- FelixsyuIron Contributor
Using a UUP Dump ISO to update Windows 11 23H2 to 25H2 is a viable method. UUP Dump provides unofficial, community-driven ISOs based on the latest Windows updates, including Insider builds or upcoming releases like 25H2.
How to Use a UUP Dump ISO to Update Windows 11 23H2 to 25H2
1. Generate the ISO:
Visit UUP Dump and select the latest Windows 11 build (e.g., 25H2 if available).
Follow the instructions to download the UUP files and build your ISO. The website typically provides a web-based guide.2. Create Bootable Media or Mount ISO:
Burn the ISO to a USB or DVD, or mount it directly in Windows.3. Run Setup for In-Place Upgrade:
From within your current Windows installation, open the mounted ISO and run setup.exe.
Choose "Keep personal files and apps" to upgrade without losing files/apps.
Follow the on-screen instructions to upgrade directly.Important Tips
- Backup your data before proceeding.
- Make sure your hardware drivers are compatible.
- Use a trusted source (UUP Dump) for ISO creation to avoid tampering.
- Be aware that UUP Dump ISOs are unofficial, so they might not undergo the same testing as official Microsoft releases.
- WaylonDieselIron Contributor
When Microsoft releases a new version of Windows 11like 25H2, one of the key questions for users and IT managers is: "Will my hardware still be supported?" Knowing the system requirements is crucial because if your PC doesn’t meet them.
For version 23H2, there was a baseline set of requirements (many of which date back to the original Windows 11 release). With version 25H2, one big difference when comparing to 23H2 is that the CPU must support SSE 4.2 instruction set, which was introduced by Intel in 2008 with the Nehalem microarchitecture (and later adopted by AMD in Bulldozer-based chips).
https://www.techspot.com/news/102041-windows-11-24h2-block-processors-lack-sse42-instruction.html
In short, if your CPU has to full support SSE 4.2 IF you want to update Windows 11 23H2 to 25H2. The other system requirements are almost the same for 23H2 and 25H2.
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/design/minimum/supported/windows-11-supported-intel-processors
- RyderNovaIron Contributor
Microsoft always releases major feature updates like 25H2 in stages.
- They start with a small percentage of PCs known to be compatible.
- Then, after monitoring feedback and stability, they expand to more devices.
So even if your system is eligible, it can take weeks or even months before the upgrade notification appears in Windows Update. You can check manually by going to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
Here are some common reasons why your PC can't update Windows 11 23H2 to 25H2:
1. Hardware Doesn't Fully Meet Requirements
If your PC is missing TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, or uses an unsupported CPU, Microsoft blocks the automatic update. Even if you’re running Windows 11 23H2 fine, 25H2 might stay hidden unless you bypass the checks manually or install it via ISO.
2. Regional or Language-Based Delay
Rollouts often differ by region and system language. For example, English (US) builds might go out first, while other language packs follow later.
If you're using a Single Language or N edition, it might take longer for Windows Update to offer the build.
3. Corrupted Windows Update Components
Sometimes, update files or services get stuck. You can reset them by running the following in Command Prompt (Admin):
net stop wuauserv net stop bits del /s /q %windir%\SoftwareDistribution net start wuauserv net start bits
- Allison_DeleonEIron Contributor
Using Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) to upgrade Windows 11 23H2 to 25H2 is an advanced method that involves applying a mounted Windows image (ISO) directly to your current system. It’s a powerful technique typically reserved for IT professionals, but I can outline the general steps if you're comfortable with technical procedures.
Prerequisites
- A full Windows 11 ISO (preferably the latest 25H2 version)
- Backup your important data — this method carries risks
- Administrative privileges on your PC
- Enough disk space to mount and process the ISO
How Update Windows 11 23H2 to 25H2:
1. Download the Windows 11 ISO (25H2)
Right-click the ISO file and select Mount
Note the drive letter assigned, e.g., D:\
2. Locate the install.wim or install.esd file
Usually found in D:\Sources\
Copy this file to a working directory, e.g., C:\Mount\
3. Use DISM to apply the image
Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
Run commands like:dism /Get-WimInfo /WimFile:C:\Mount\install.wim
Apply the image (this replaces your current Windows with the new image):
dism /Apply-Image /ImageFile:C:\Mount\install.wim /Index:1 /ApplyDir:C:\
- AprilPatelIron Contributor
Updating Windows 11 23H2 to 25H2 is generally straightforward and safe if you follow the recommended procedures. Since your system currently reports that it's up to date via Windows Update, the 25H2 update might still be rolling out gradually to your device or region. Here's what you can do to update Windows 11 23H2 to 25H2 manually and safely:
1. Check for Updates Manually:
- Go to Settings > Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates.
- If 25H2 appears, you can download and install it directly from there.
2. Use the Windows Update Assistant:
- Microsoft offers the Windows Update Assistant, a tool that helps you manually update to the latest feature update.
- Download it from the official Microsoft Windows page.
- Run the tool and follow the on-screen instructions. It will verify compatibility and proceed with the update without deleting your files or apps.
3. Use the Media Creation Tool (Advanced):
- For more control, you can use the Media Creation Tool to create a bootable USB or ISO.
- Download it from the Microsoft Windows download page.
- Run the tool and choose Upgrade this PC now.
- This method keeps your files, apps, and settings intact.