Microsoft has released Windows 11 version 25H2 to the Release Preview Channel, marking the company’s next annual update scheduled for the second half of 2025. This continues Microsoft’s annual “H2” update cycle, reinforcing a consistent release cadence.
Highlights
- Release Cycle: Windows 11 version 25H2 enters Release Preview, continuing Microsoft’s annual “H2” update cadence for the second half of 2025.
- Refinement Overhaul: No major UI or AI shifts — 25H2 mainly consolidates improvements from 24H2, making it a stability-focused release.
- Feature Deprecations: PowerShell 2.0 and the legacy WMIC tool are officially removed, requiring script updates for compatibility.
- Enterprise Control: IT admins can now remove select pre-installed Microsoft Store apps on Enterprise and Education devices via Group Policy/MDM.
- Lightweight Update: Delivered as an enablement package, requiring just one restart for systems already on 24H2.
- Previewed Additions: Insider builds are testing Android app resume, battery color indicators, File Explorer refinements, and AI-powered “Click to Do” actions.
- Performance Focus: New diagnostic tools log sluggish behavior locally to help engineers resolve issues faster.
- Support Lifecycle Reset: Installing 25H2 restarts support timelines — 36 months for Enterprise/Education, 24 months for Home/Pro editions.
What’s New in Windows 11 25H2?
Windows 11 25H2 is not designed as a sweeping overhaul. Instead, it consolidates improvements already introduced in version 24H2 throughout the year.
For most users, this means no major UI changes or headline-grabbing AI features. Instead, 25H2 activates previously shipped features, making it a refinement release rather than a reinvention.
That said, there are some notable differences,
- Feature removals – Microsoft is officially deprecating PowerShell 2.0 and the legacy Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) tool.
- Enterprise flexibility – IT administrators can now remove certain pre-installed Microsoft Store apps on Enterprise and Education devices using Group Policy/MDM — a small but valuable change for streamlined deployments.
How Microsoft Is Delivering the Update
Windows 11 25H2 uses Microsoft’s shared servicing branch model. Devices already running 24H2 will only require a single restart, as the update is delivered via a lightweight enablement package.
This method has become Microsoft’s preferred update approach, reducing downtime and minimizing disruption for users.
Preview Features Seen in Insider Builds
While 25H2 officially aligns with 24H2, Insider builds are testing additional features that may appear later.
- Resume Android apps from the Taskbar via Link to Windows.
- Battery icon color indicators (green, yellow, red) on the Lock Screen.
- File Explorer refinements, including better dark mode, updated icons, and improved “Open with” menus.
- New AI-powered “Click to Do” actions, such as converting data into an Excel table or viewing Microsoft 365 profile cards.
Performance and Diagnostic Enhancements
Microsoft is also working to address long-standing performance concerns in Windows 11:
- A new telemetry tool will log sluggish behavior, triggered when users file reports through Feedback Hub.
- Diagnostic data will be stored locally (
%systemRoot%\Temp\DiagOutputDir\Whesvc) to help engineers identify issues faster.
End of PowerShell 2.0
Windows 11 25H2 officially removes PowerShell 2.0, a legacy component dating back to the Windows 7 era.
- Modern versions — PowerShell 5.1 and 7.x — remain fully supported.
- Scripts explicitly tied to 2.0 may fail, and Microsoft advises updating them for compatibility.
Updated Support Lifecycles
Installing 25H2 resets support lifecycles across Windows 11 editions:
- Enterprise & Education editions: 36 months of support.
- Home, Pro, Pro for Workstations editions: 24 months of support.
