Windows 11 25H2 Update Nears Public Release
▼ Summary
– Windows 11 25H2 has entered the Release Preview Channel, the final stage before general release, about two months after initial preview builds were shared.
– This update resets the security update clock, providing two years of security patches, similar to previous yearly releases.
– Microsoft states that 25H2 and last year’s 24H2 use a shared servicing branch, meaning there are no major underlying differences between them.
– Installing 25H2 may enable some previously installed but disabled-by-default features on 24H2 systems.
– The update removes deprecated tools like PowerShell 2.0 and allows IT admins to automatically remove certain preinstalled apps via Group Policy, but lacks major user-facing new features.
The upcoming Windows 11 25H2 update is now in its final testing phase, signaling an imminent public rollout. Microsoft has moved this latest version into the Release Preview Channel, a clear indication that general availability is just around the corner. This step follows roughly two months of broader testing across earlier Insider channels, marking the last major checkpoint before the update reaches users worldwide.
Transitioning to the Release Preview Channel serves as the modern equivalent of what was once called “release to manufacturing.” In earlier eras, this meant finalizing code for physical distribution. The new build carries version numbers starting with 26200, distinguishing it from last year’s 24H2 release, which began with 26100.
While the 25H2 update doesn’t introduce sweeping changes, it plays a crucial role in resetting the security update timeline. Each annual release qualifies for two full years of security support, ensuring continued protection. Microsoft emphasizes that 24H2 and 25H2 operate on a shared servicing branch, meaning structural differences between the two are minimal. Some features already present in 24H2 but inactive may become enabled after installing the newer update.
Notable under-the-hood adjustments include the removal of deprecated components like PowerShell 2.0 and the Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line tool. Additionally, IT administrators gain new control through Group Policy, allowing automatic removal of certain preinstalled Microsoft Store apps. Despite these backend improvements, Microsoft has not highlighted significant user-facing features exclusive to 25H2. This approach mirrors the 23H2 update, which served as a low-key enhancement to Windows 11 22H2.
(Source: Ars Technica)
