Forum Discussion

EmilyCow's avatar
EmilyCow
Iron Contributor
Oct 30, 2025

Question about Windows 11 24H2 to 25H2 update

Hi everyone,

I'm not very good with all the computer stuff, so I was hoping someone could help me out. I'm currently running Windows 11 version 24H2 on my laptop, and I keep hearing about the next big update, 25H2. I'm just a bit confused about the whole process.

At the time I am writing this post, my laptop still does not receive the update notice for Windows 11 25H2. Just because it is an unsupported hardware? In addition, I want to keep my files and apps. How can update Windows 11 24H2 to 25H2 manually?

 

 

6 Replies

  • Daofenw's avatar
    Daofenw
    Iron Contributor

    It is because your PC is not supported by Windows 11 so you can't upgrade to Windows 11 24H5 to 24H2 automatically.

  • EstherMom's avatar
    EstherMom
    Bronze Contributor

    The Windows 11 Installation Assistant is another easy way to manually update Windows 11 from version 24H2 to 25H2. It's designed for users who want a straightforward, step-by-step upgrade process without creating bootable media. It's a one-click solution that does all the work for Windows 11 24h2 to 25h2 update. This is the best method for most users.

    1. Go to the official Microsoft Windows 11 for downloading the "Windows 11 Installation Assistant" section.
    2. Run and Upgrade:
      * Run the Windows11InstallationAssistant.exe file.
      * It will check your hardware for compatibility.
      * If your device is eligible (and it will be, since you're already on 24H2), it will download and install Windows 11 25H2 directly over your existing setup.
      * This process preserves all your files, apps, and settings.
  • Almaiw's avatar
    Almaiw
    Iron Contributor

    Since Windows 11 25H2 is a future release, the "manual" methods are all about using official Microsoft tools to bypass the staged rollout of Windows Update. These are safe, legitimate, and intended for this exact purpose.

    How to update Windows 11 24H2 to 25H2? The Mounted ISO File gives you the most control and is useful if you have a slow or metered internet connection, as you can download the file once.

    1. Get the ISO: On the official download page, under "Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO)", select Windows 11 (25H2) from the dropdown and download the ISO file.
    2. Mount the ISO: Once downloaded, right-click the .iso file and select "Mount". This will create a virtual DVD drive in your File Explorer.
    3. Run Setup: Open the newly mounted virtual drive and double-click the setup.exe file.
    4. Perform the Upgrade: The Windows setup wizard will launch. Ensure you select the option to "Keep personal files and apps" to perform an upgrade instead of a clean install.

     

    You have a local copy of the installation files, which can be faster for reinstalling on multiple PCs or if the update fails and needs to be rerun. While this method is very safe, always ensure your important files are backed up to an external drive or cloud service before a major update.

  • JamieDimon's avatar
    JamieDimon
    Iron Contributor

    Using an Enablement Package. It is often abbreviated as eKB, which is a small, quick-to-install update file used by Microsoft to transition a Windows operating system from one version to the next, specifically when the two versions share the same core code base. It is essentially a "master switch" that flips a feature update on instantly.

    This is the simplest method for updating Windows 11 24H2 to 25H2 an unsupported PC, provided it is already running Windows 11 version 24H2. Since Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 share a common code base, the enablement package acts as a small "master switch" to instantly activate the new version's features.

    Step to upgrade Windows 11 24H2 to 25H2:

    1. You need to manually download the Microsoft Update file for the enablement package, which is typically labeled KB5054156.
    2. Locate the downloaded .msu file (the enablement package).
    3. Double-click the file to launch the installer. It will be a quick process.
    4. The installer will prompt you to restart your computer.
    5. Click Restart now. The actual update process is extremely fast because the required files were already downloaded with previous cumulative updates.
  • Kaydenyo's avatar
    Kaydenyo
    Iron Contributor

    When it come to the Windows 11 24h2 to 25h2 update. Using the Media Creation Tool is a reliable and free method to perform a clean installation or upgrade of Windows 11, including Windows 11 24h2 to 25h2 update. It can help resolve stubborn update errors like 0x8024a205 by ensuring you have a fresh, uncorrupted installer.

    Benefits of Using the Media Creation Tool:

    • Provides the latest version of Windows 11.
    • Bypasses issues with Windows Update.
    • Allows for a clean install or an in-place upgrade.
    • Keeps your files and apps if you choose the upgrade option.

     

    Steps:

    1. Go to the same official Microsoft Windows 11 download page.
    2. Under the "Create Windows 11 Installation Media" section, click "Download Now".
    3. Run the tool. When prompted, select "Upgrade this PC now" instead of creating installation media.
    4. It will download the latest Windows 11 image and perform an in-place upgrade, which is functionally identical to using the Installation Assistant.    

  • Pattismooo's avatar
    Pattismooo
    Iron Contributor

    You will not receive the Windows 11 25H2 update automatically through Windows Update if your PC does not meet the minimum official hardware requirements for Windows 11 (like TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and a supported CPU).

    Microsoft's official policy prevents updates from being offered through Windows Update for unsupported systems.

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-11-on-devices-that-don-t-meet-minimum-system-requirements-0b2dc4a2-5933-4ad4-9c09-ef0a331518f1

    However, there are unofficial methods that people use to manually install or upgrade to Windows 11 25H2 on unsupported hardware.

    Update Windows 11 24H2 to 25H2 on Unsupported Hardware

    Make a bootable Windows 11 USB drive.

    During a manual installation from a bootable USB, you can press Shift + F10 to open the Command Prompt.

    Next, launch regedit.

    Now, add specific keys (LabConfig with values like BypassTPMCheck, BypassSecureBootCheck, etc.) to the Windows Registry to skip the compatibility checks. This also usually leads to a clean install.

Resources