Guide to Installing Windows 11 25H2: Latest Version Now Available

Windows 11 25H2 is now officially available for public download. To initiate the download and installation process, navigate to Settings > Windows Update, and select check for updates. If the update is available for your system, you will see the message “Windows 11, version 25H2 is available.” Click on “Download & install” to begin. However, it’s important to note that Microsoft is conducting a gradual rollout, meaning not every user will receive the update immediately.

After extensive testing over the past several months, Windows 11 25H2 is here, though it’s not a major overhaul. Contrary to various online claims, this new version does not introduce significant features. Most of the enhancements will simultaneously arrive with Windows 11 24H2.

While you may notice subtle visual tweaks and a few additional features, they are also part of the rollout for Windows 11 24H2. Essentially, Windows 11 25H2 operates as a 200 KB enablement package that modifies the OS build and version without introducing substantial changes, primarily focusing on removing support for Windows Image file format (WIMC) applications.

1

One anticipated feature is the upgraded Start menu, which includes the ability to disable the Recommended feed. However, this feature will not be accessible immediately, with Microsoft indicating a staggered rollout for the Start menu in the upcoming weeks, applicable also to Windows 11 24H2.

How to Install Windows 11 25H2

You can obtain the Windows 11 2025 Update through the Windows Update feature. Follow these instructions:

Go to Settings > Windows Update.
Check for updates on the Windows Update page.
If available, you might find Windows 11 25H2. If not, turn on the option “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available.”
After activating the toggle, check for updates again; the Windows 11 2025 Update should now appear.
Select “Download & install” to start the installation process.

It’s essential to understand that Windows 11 25H2 is being rolled out in phases. The update may not appear even with the toggle enabled, as availability varies by region. Users with existing upgrade blocks from Windows 11 24H2 will also not see the 25H2 update.

System Requirements for Windows 11 25H2

Since Windows 11 25H2 builds on Windows 11 24H2, the system requirements remain identical. Ensure your PC meets the following minimum specifications:

1 GHz dual-core processor
4 GB RAM
64 GB storage
Support for UEFI and Secure Boot
TPM 2.0
Compatibility with SSE4.2 instruction set with POPCNT, which is lacking in only some older processors.
For the Recall AI feature, a CPU with NPU capacity of up to 40 TOPs is required.
Certain AI functionalities demand 16 GB RAM and 256 GB SSD storage.

Installing Windows 11 25H2 Using Installation Assistant

You can also use the Installation Assistant to upgrade to Windows 11 25H2. Follow these steps:

Download and install the PC Health Check app to confirm Windows 11 eligibility.
Visit Microsoft’s download portal to get the app.
Launch the PC Health Check app and click on “Check now.” This should take about 20 seconds.
Upon confirmation that this PC meets Windows 11 requirements, proceed to the Microsoft download portal and download Windows11InstallationAssistant.exe.
Run the Installation Assistant, which will begin the upgrade process without affecting your personal files.
On the Installation Assistant home screen, choose “Accept and install” to move forward.
Follow the on-screen prompts; the download process should complete in less than an hour.
Installation will require reboots, so save your work prior to starting the update.

The Installation Assistant will download a complete version of Windows 11 25H2, approximately 3 GB in size, compared to the smaller 200 KB package available through Windows Update. During installation, your PC will reboot multiple times.

Verifying Installation of Windows 11 25H2

After installation, confirm that Windows 11 25H2 has been successfully installed by going to Settings > System > About. You should see version 25H2 displayed along with Build 26200. Alternatively, you can simply run the command winver to check the version.

Using Media Creation Tool for Installation

The Media Creation Tool is another option for downloading and installing Windows 11 25H2. This tool allows users to perform an in-place upgrade or create a bootable USB drive. Here’s how:

Access the Microsoft Download Portal to download the Media Creation Tool.
Run the MediaCreationTool.exe and agree to the terms of service.
Select “Next” when prompted on the “Install Windows 11” screen.
Decide between creating a USB flash drive or downloading an ISO file. A USB drive with at least 8 GB of capacity is recommended.
Select the ISO file option to download and save the Windows 11 25H2 ISO file, which is about 7.2 GB.

What to Anticipate After Installing Windows 11 25H2

While Windows 11 25H2 does not introduce groundbreaking new features, upgrading with the latest cumulative update (KB5065789) will yield enhancements like AI Actions within File Explorer.

Additionally, the revamped Start menu is set to arrive shortly but will be accessible to users of both versions 25H2 and 24H2 simultaneously.Note that support for Windows 11 25H2 will conclude on October 12, 2027.

Source & Images