Microsoft Starts Forcing Upgrades to Windows 11 25H2 on Selected PCs as Rollout Expands

Microsoft has announced the expanded rollout of Windows 11 version 25H2, which is now available to all users actively seeking the upgrade. Notably, this update is being automatically installed for those operating versions of Windows 11 nearing or surpassing their end-of-life, particularly the Windows 11 23H2 version.

If you are using Windows 10, whether or not you have Extended Security Updates (ESU), you will not be compelled to upgrade to Windows 11 25H2. Upgrades to Windows 11 are only initiated selectively at the user’s discretion, typically through upgrade notifications.

For users still on versions like Windows 11 23H2, 22H2, or 21H1, the transition to Windows 11 25H2 will occur automatically. Microsoft has indicated that they will not seek user permission to install this annual upgrade, which will specifically affect users of the Home and Pro editions of Windows 11.

According to Microsoft, “Devices running Home and Pro editions of Windows 11, version 23H2 that are not managed by IT departments will receive the Windows 11, version 25H2 update automatically.” Though users will have the option to postpone the installation, this delay is limited to only a few weeks.

Understanding the Justification for Automatic Upgrades to Windows 11 25H2

The rationale behind the automatic installation of Windows 11 25H2 is clear: it represents the latest iteration of the operating system, while version 23H2 has officially reached the end of its support lifecycle.

End-of-Life for Windows 11 23H2

The Windows 11 version 23H2 update, also referred to as the 2023 Update, was rolled out on October 31, 2023, and has now exited the support stage as of November 11, 2025. After this date, users will not receive new features or security updates unless they are using the Windows 11 Enterprise version.

Despite its stability and reliability, many users may choose to remain on version 23H2 influenced by the troubled reception of its successor, version 24H2. This newer version encountered numerous issues that may have discouraged upgrades.

Interestingly, Windows 11 25H2 replicates the characteristics of version 23H2, serving primarily as an enablement package with no significant new features. Testing has confirmed that while version 23H2 exhibits stability, cumulative updates have historically introduced complications.

For instance, a recent bug impacted Windows Recovery (WinRE) functionality on both versions 24H2 and 25H2, while version 23H2 remained unaffected, illustrating a trend where unsupported versions can occasionally offer better stability than their supported counterparts.

Windows 10 Users: No Compulsory Upgrades to Windows 11 25H2

Furthermore, Microsoft confirmed to Windows Latest that the Windows 11 25H2 upgrade will now appear as an optional update for Windows 10 users without any mandatory installations. This was anticipated based on earlier observations during testing.

Previously, users on Windows 10 had the choice to upgrade to earlier versions like 23H2 or 24H2 directly, but they will now see the option for 25H2 if they are utilizing Windows 10.

Transitioning to Windows 11 25H2 may feel substantial, especially for those coming from older versions, and subsequent builds are expected to incorporate the newly designed Start menu by default.

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