Windows 11 Major Update: Mostly Just a Simple Switch Flip

Since the introduction of Windows 10, Microsoft has implemented significant biannual updates, a practice that slightly transitioned to annual updates following the release of Windows 11 in 2021. While we have grown accustomed to regular major feature enhancements, the reality now is that the yearly updates have become less substantial.

The most recent feature update for Windows 11, designated 25H2, brings minimal changes. Although it introduces a few minor adjustments, these are inconsequential, and most of the enhancements can be accessed without upgrading to the latest version.

Understanding the Latest Update Mechanism

The 25H2 update functions primarily as an “enablement package.” This means that the features included were already integrated into Windows during prior months. According to Microsoft’s support documentation:

Windows 11, versions 24H2 and 25H2 share a common core operating system with an identical set of system files.

This commonality allows Microsoft to preload new features on your system without waiting for the 25H2 installation. Instead, features are delivered with regular monthly updates, only becoming active following the “major” update.

The 25H2 update is not the extensive package experienced in previous annual updates. Users can expect a simple installation process, typically completed with just one reboot, minimizing downtime.

If you have enabled the Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available option in Settings > Windows Update, you may already be operating on the latest version. To verify your current version, press Win + R to open the Run dialog, then input “winver”.

Windows Winver Dialog and Run Command — Screenshot by Ben Stegner; no attribution required

For those still using version 24H2, continue to install the latest updates, and you will eventually receive the new version. However, there’s no immediate urgency, as the interim features are not game-changers.

What’s New in 25H2?

The 25H2 update is arguably recognized more for what it removes than for any new additions. Notably, it eliminates PowerShell 2.0, a feature from Windows 7 (2009) that has been largely obsolete since its deprecation in 2017. Most users will not miss this removal, considering the current default PowerShell version is 5.1.

Windows edition index list in PowerShell — Screenshot by Digvijay Kumar – No attribution is required

Among the announced modifications is an enhanced Start menu, which has become more customizable, now displaying a comprehensive app list directly on the main menu, negating the need for an additional click. Users can organize applications either alphabetically or through automatic categorization.

Additionally, there are improvements aimed at enhancing the gaming experience on handheld devices, such as the Asus ROG Xbox Ally. The layout now better accommodates smaller screens, addressing a common user complaint about interface usability on these devices.

ASUS ROG Ally running the Xbox app with a TV in the background — Image by Raghav Sethi

Some features are exclusive to Copilot+ PCs, such as enhanced webcam functionality for external USB cameras. Nevertheless, the overall changes appear minimal and are unlikely to prompt significant enthusiasm for upgrading.

The Update’s Significance Grows

While some users might argue that additions like the new Mobile section of the Start menu are unique to 25H2, this feature is accessible in version 24H2, suggesting that significant distinctions are still lacking.

Over time, it is expected that the differences between 25H2 and 24H2 will become more pronounced, potentially pushing 24H2 into a “maintenance mode” while 25H2 embraces new features.

The most substantial advantage of updating to 25H2 is the extended support period. Microsoft offers a two-year support window for each version of Windows 11. Therefore, 24H2 will reach the end of its support in October 2026, while 25H2 will remain supported until October 2027.

Microsoft’s Evolving Update Strategy

Microsoft has shifted away from the conventional annual release model utilized by competitors such as Apple and many Android device makers. Instead of accumulating vast new features for a singular launch, Microsoft opts to introduce enhancements as they become ready and activate them at the appropriate time.

This approach alleviates the waiting time for new features and minimizes the likelihood of introducing severe bugs that could impact user experience during major updates. However, it also dampens the thrill surrounding noteworthy upgrades.

In contrast, the latest offering from Apple, macOS Tahoe, showcases a more extensive range of new features, including a revamped user interface, improved Spotlight search capabilities, and enhanced Continuity with iPhone. These additions, while not groundbreaking, create a more compelling case for users to upgrade.

Determining your Windows version has become more complex, as newer updates blur the lines of distinction between versions. Although this isn’t a critical issue—since version details can be found in various menus—it complicates the perception of Windows 11’s evolution.

Ultimately, Windows 11 remains a work in progress. While updates may seem minor, they contribute to a stable operating environment, which, at times, is all users truly need.

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