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SamiraRuhi's avatar
SamiraRuhi
Iron Contributor
Jul 08, 2025

How can I upgrade Windows 11 24H2 to 25H2 without losing data?

Hi all, My HP EliteBook 820 G3 laptop is powered by Windows 11 24H2 and I heard a few folks managing to install Windows 11 25H2 on their devices. However, there is no upgrade notice on my laptop yet...
Update management
Barbiewan's avatar
Barbiewan
Iron Contributor
Jul 08, 2025

How to upgrade Windows 11 24H2 to 25H2 without losing data?

1. Check for Compatibility
Use the PC Health Check app: Download from Microsoft's official site to verify if your device meets Windows 11 25H2 requirements.
Key requirements for Windows 11 25H2 may include:
* TPM 2.0 (your device has TPM 1.2; this may prevent official upgrade)
* Secure Boot enabled
* Compatible CPU (your 6th Gen CPU may not be officially supported)

Conclusion: Your hardware may not meet the official requirements, which can block the upgrade via Windows Update.

2. If your device is compatible or you choose to proceed
Note: Proceeding with unsupported hardware may cause stability issues. Consider this carefully.

3. Methods to Upgrade Windows 11 24H2 to 25H2
A. Use Windows Update (if the upgrade becomes available)
Go to Settings > Windows Update and check for updates.
If 25H2 is available, you'll see a prompt to upgrade.

B. Manual Upgrade via Media Creation Tool
Download the Windows 11 ISO for 25H2 from Microsoft
Use the Media Creation Tool or create a bootable USB.
* Run the setup from within your current Windows environment:
Double-click the ISO or run setup.exe from the mounted ISO.
Choose "Upgrade this PC now".
Follow prompts to upgrade Windows 11 24H2 to 25H2, ensuring "Keep personal files and apps" is selected.

This method upgrades without removing your data but always back up first.

4. Bypass Compatibility Checks
* Modify Registry to bypass TPM and CPU checks:
Warning: This is unsupported and may cause stability issues.
Before proceeding, back up your registry.
* Create a registry key:
Open Registry Editor (regedit)
Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup
Create a new key: LabConfig
* Inside LabConfig, create DWORD values:
BypassTPMCheck = 1
BypassSecureBootCheck = 1
BypassCPUCheck = 1
Run the Windows 11 installation media setup again.

  • y0himba's avatar
    y0himba
    Copper Contributor
    Oct 13, 2025

    Wasn't there a way with 24H2 to use POLEDIT or the registry to force an upgrade?

    Edit: Confirmed working!

    Updating to Windows 11 25H2 via Group Policy or Registry

    Using Group Policy Editor

    If you have access to the Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc), follow these steps:

    1. Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.
    2. Navigate to:
      • Computer Configuration
      • Administrative Templates
      • Windows Components
      • Windows Update
    3. Find and double-click on Manage updates offered from Windows Update.
    4. Select Enable for the Select the Target Feature Update version policy.
    5. Enter Windows 11 in the first field and 25H2 in the second field.
    6. Click Apply and then OK.
    7. Restart your PC and check for updates in the Settings app.

    Using Registry Editor

    If you do not have Group Policy Editor, you can modify the registry:

    1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
    2. Navigate to:
      • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate
    3. Create a new String Value named ProductVersion and set its value to Windows 11.
    4. Create another String Value named TargetReleaseVersionInfo and set its value to 25H2.
    5. Create a DWORD (32-bit) Value named TargetReleaseVersion and set its value to 1.
    6. Close the Registry Editor and restart your PC.

    Final Steps

    After making these changes, go to Settings > Windows Update and check for updates. The Windows 11 25H2 update should now be available for download.

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