Microsoft releases first preview of Windows 11 25H2 update for these users

Microsoft has released the first version of this year’s Windows 11 update called the 25H2. As announced by the company, the 2025 update is now available to Windows insiders. Announcing the new build in a blog post, the company said “Today, Windows 11, version 25H2 became available to the Windows Insider community, in advance of broader availability planned for the second half of 2025.” “Get ready for a reset of the 36-month support lifecycle for Enterprise and Education editions and the 24-month lifecycle for Pro, Pro Education, and Pro for Workstation editions,” it further added. The blog states that the 25H2 update installation package is 40% smaller than the previous version. Another improvement coming with the version is the Windows shared servicing branch. This capability applies the same technology used for the monthly update process to the annual feature updates. “This process is called "feature updates via servicing," and the updates are implemented through enablement packages (eKB). An eKB is an update package that helps update a device to the next version of Windows with a single restart that reduces downtime.”The blog post reveals that Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2 share the same source code.

How to install the new 25H2 build

As mentioned earlier, the first 25H2 version of Windows 11 is available for Windows insiders. Those interested can enroll in the Windows Insider Program and join the Dev Channel. Once enrolled, head to Settings, choose Windows Update, and allow the latest updates to download and install. After the usual beta testing, Microsoft will officially began rolling out the Windows 11 24H2 update to all users on October 1.