Microsoft Announces Wide Release of Windows 11 25H2 Update via WSUS

While anticipation for the release of Windows 11 25H2 is building, users may need to temper their expectations. Scheduled for a broader rollout on October 14, 2025, businesses will have the option to download and install this update through Windows Server Update Services (WSUS).Consumers may also start to notice the update becoming available through the usual update checks, although this may not apply to everyone.

The official launch of Windows 11 2025 Update took place on September 30, but many users have yet to see it reflected on their devices. Even with the “Get latest updates…” feature activated, the gradual deployment strategy employed by Microsoft means that only a select number of users are currently receiving the update.

In a recent announcement on the Admin portal aimed at business users, Microsoft confirmed that version 25H2 would be accessible through WSUS starting October 14, 2025. The following statement was highlighted:

“For commercial organizations, Windows 11, version 25H2 is available today [Sept, 30] through Windows Autopatch and the Microsoft 365 admin center. It is also available for download from the Microsoft Software Download Service and Visual Studio Subscriptions.On October 14, 2025, it will be available via Windows Server Update Services (WSUS).” – Microsoft.

Historically, Microsoft has made updates available to both consumers and businesses simultaneously. This was the case for previous versions, including 21H2, 22H2, 23H2, and 24H2, where updates were released on the same date. However, the scenario surrounding version 25H2 differs, potentially contributing to the slower rollout for individual users. With the WSUS availability approaching, the release strategy may see further changes.

Install Windows 11 25H2 update via Windows Update

It’s important to note that Windows 11 25H2 will remain an optional update, meaning it will not download or install automatically. Users will need to actively select “Download & Install” to proceed with the update, as illustrated in the accompanying screenshot.

For those eager to experience the new features ahead of the general rollout, the Installation Assistant or Media Creation Tool can be employed to initiate a safe installation of version 25H2.

What to Expect When Windows 11 25H2 Arrives

If you’re currently operating on Windows 11 24H2, there’s no reason to hesitate in upgrading to version 25H2, as the two versions are essentially interchangeable.

Windows 11 25H2 enablement package — Windows 11 25H2 real size

Notably, the initial download size of Windows 11 25H2 is only 167KB when upgrading from version 24H2 via Windows Update. This minor update represents an enablement package (eKB) that transitions the OS version to 25H2 while updating the build number to 26200. The eKB will only be downloaded upon selecting the “Download & Install” option in the Windows 11 25H2 notification.

This points to the relatively minimal changes that come with this release concerning new features. However, users can expect improvements in stability, minor bug fixes, and a reset of the operating system’s lifecycle.

The support timeline reveals that Windows 11 24H2 will be supported until October 13, 2026, while version 25H2 extends support until October 12, 2027. With both versions being virtually identical, users essentially gain an additional year of operating system usage.

In the event of issues following the deployment of the Windows 11 2025 Update, it’s prudent to check for other recent updates that may have been installed concurrently.

2025-09 Cumulative Update Preview for Windows 11 Version 24H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5065789) (26100.6725)

This is especially relevant since enabling the “Get the latest updates…” option will lead Windows to automatically install any available optional preview updates. Currently, the latest optional update is Windows 11 KB5065789, which has been noted to cause DRM-related issues when viewing protected media on older applications.

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