Microsoft is on the verge of launching its fifth major iteration of Windows 11, with the Windows Insider team announcing that the Windows 11 25H2 update has entered its Release Preview Channel. This is the final stage for most updates before they are made available to the general public. This significant milestone comes approximately two months after the initial Windows builds featuring the 25H2 label were rolled out to other preview channels.
Transitioning a new yearly Windows update to the Release Preview channel is comparable to the old "release to manufacturing" (RTM) phase. In the past, this stage signified that updates were ready for production and required physical media for distribution. The build numbers for this upcoming version of Windows will begin with 26200, differentiating it from the previous 24H2 version, which started with 26100.
While the 25H2 update does not introduce significant new features, it serves an important purpose by resetting the timeline for Microsoft's security updates. Each yearly release is entitled to two years of security patches, ensuring users remain protected against vulnerabilities. Microsoft has indicated that both the 24H2 and 25H2 updates utilize a shared servicing branch, which suggests there are minimal differences between the two versions.
Users who install the 25H2 update may find that some features, which were previously installed on their 24H2 PCs but disabled by default, are now enabled. Furthermore, the 25H2 update will remove PowerShell 2.0 and the Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line tool, both of which had been deprecated. IT administrators will also benefit from the ability to automatically remove certain preinstalled Windows apps from the Microsoft Store using Group Policy.
For those eager to perform a fresh installation, Microsoft has announced that ISO files for creating installation media for Windows 11 25H2 will be available starting next week. Even if you're not part of the Windows Insider program, this build is expected to receive regular updates and will eventually align with the public release version of the update.
Historically, Microsoft begins rolling out these updates to the general public around October. The rollout process typically occurs in phases, starting with a small percentage of PCs before expanding to a broader audience. This approach allows Microsoft to monitor for any significant issues before a full-scale release. Updates typically become available through Windows Update and are installed automatically after a few weeks or months.
Alongside the 25H2 update, Microsoft has also launched new Insider Preview channels, including the less stable and more experimental Canary, Dev, and Beta channels. These channels, however, are relatively light on major new features. Among the notable updates is the Click to Do AI screen analyzer, which can now create an Excel spreadsheet from tables found on websites or documents. Additional enhancements have been made for users who rely on Braille in Windows, and the Windows Share window now includes functionality to search for apps for file sharing.
In summary, while the Windows 11 25H2 update may not bring groundbreaking features, it plays a crucial role in maintaining system security and enhancing usability for IT administrators and users alike. Stay tuned for the official rollout and expect regular updates as Microsoft continues to refine its operating system.
