Delay in the launch of Windows 12: Microsoft announces postponement of at least a year, unveiling Windows 11's 25H2 edition instead
Microsoft has announced that it will be releasing the next major update for Windows 11, known as Windows 11 version 25H2 or the 2025 Update, later this year. The update is expected to be rolled out in October 2025, coinciding closely with the end of official support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025 [1][2][3].
The 25H2 update will primarily be delivered as a small enablement package, under 1 MB in size, that upgrades systems from version 24H2 to 25H2 by unlocking new features already included but dormant in the previous version [1][2]. This means that the transition from Windows 11 version 24H2 to 25H2 will be quick and easy, similar to a typical cumulative update.
Key Features and Improvements
The 25H2 update is expected to bring several new features and improvements to Windows 11. These include:
- Faster installation facilitated via the enablement package.
- A refreshed Start menu available out of the box.
- A new feature that throttles CPU usage to reduce power consumption, improving efficiency on devices.
- Numerous bug fixes and system stability improvements.
- Better and more stable system driver support.
Since 25H2 shares the same core as 24H2, it is a minor feature update and not a full OS upgrade. This means that existing Windows 11 devices on 24H2 can update quickly with just a restart after applying the enablement package [1][2].
Aligning with Windows 10 Support End-of-Life
The 25H2 update aims to improve user experience through performance optimizations and energy-saving features while aligning its release with the Windows 10 support end-of-life timeline in October 2025 [1][2]. With the end of official support for Windows 10 approaching, this update could prompt more users to upgrade to Windows 11, making version 25H2 an important update in terms of user adoption.
Support for Enterprise Editions
For enterprise editions, the support clock will reset back to 35 months with the release of Windows 11 version 25H2. This means that businesses using Windows 11 Enterprise or Windows 11 Education will have an additional 35 months of support after the release of the update.
Insider Preview and Future Developments
The first Insider Preview build of Windows 11 version 25H2 is now available for testing. Microsoft plans to develop new features for Windows 11 version 25H2 and include them in the monthly updates for Windows 11 version 24H2 in a disabled state. These features will be gradually enabled as they are tested and ready for release in the 25H2 update.
It's worth noting that Windows 11 SE will not receive the 25H2 update and will continue to be supported only until October 2026 [4]. New features for Windows 11 version 25H2 will be developed and eventually made available to earlier versions, such as 24H2 and possibly even 23H2.
While the specific details about when version 25H2 might begin rolling out have not been confirmed yet, it's expected that more information will be shared in the coming months. Stay tuned for updates on this exciting new update for Windows 11.
[1] Microsoft Tech Community: Announcing Windows 11, version 25H2 (20H22)
[2] Windows Central: Windows 11 version 25H2 (2025 Update) is coming this October
[3] Windows Latest: Here’s what’s new in Windows 11 version 25H2 (2025 Update)
[4] Microsoft Support: Windows 11 SE support lifecycle
The 25H2 update for Windows 11, due in October 2025, will primarily be delivered as a small package that upgrades systems,ẃhile bringing features such as faster installation, a refreshed Start menu, CPU usage throttling for energy savings, numerous bug fixes, and improved system stability.
Since the 25H2 update shares the same core as the previous version, it is a minor feature update, not a full OS upgrade, allowing for quick and easy updates for existing Windows 11 devices.
