Windows 11 25H2: What You Need to Know
Good news, Windows fans! Microsoft has officially confirmed that the next version of Windows 11, known as version 25H2, is on its way. While some of us might have been hoping for Windows 12 this year, it looks like we'll need to wait a bit longer for that. Instead, 25H2 is set to roll out to everyone starting around October this year, possibly coinciding with the end of support for Windows 10.
What is 25H2?
Think of 25H2 as a refined evolution of 24H2. Microsoft calls this process "feature updates via servicing." This means that if you're already on Windows 11 24H2, upgrading to 25H2 will be incredibly easy – almost like a quick restart! This is because 25H2 shares the same core code as 24H2. New features for 25H2 are actually developed within the 24H2 branch and remain "disabled" until a small "enablement package" (eKB) flips a switch to turn them on. This makes the update process much faster and smoother than a full operating system upgrade.
If you're on an older version of Windows 11 (before 24H2) or still on Windows 10, the update process will be more like a traditional feature update through Windows Update.
What's New?
While 25H2 is a "small update" in terms of core changes, it will bring improvements and potentially some new features. Here's a glimpse of what to expect based on current information:
New Start Menu: One of the biggest changes expected is a redesigned Start menu that's more customizable. This will make it easier to find and organize your apps.
Refined App Organization: The "All apps" section will be streamlined, allowing you to find all your apps on one page without needing to navigate through multiple pages. The categorized view for apps (like Productivity, Utility and Tools, Games, Creativity, Accessibility) is also highlighted as a great way to find your apps easily.
Support Lifecycle Reset: Upgrading to 25H2 will reset your support clock. This means if you're on 25H2, your device will be supported with security and bug fixes for 24 months (for Home, Pro, Pro Education, and Pro for Workstation editions) or 36 months (for Enterprise and Education editions) from the release date.
How to Get It Now
If you're eager to try out Windows 11 25H2 before its general release, it's currently available in the Windows Insider Preview channel (specifically the Dev Channel). Keep in mind that Insider builds are for testing and may have bugs, so it's not recommended for your primary device.
This update focuses on making the Windows 11 experience even more stable and efficient, with a smoother update process for many users. Get ready for 25H2 later this year!
More information at Microsoft's official blog post here : https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/windows-itpro-blog/get-ready-for-windows-11-version-25h2/4426437
I’ve also made a video on this topic — you can watch it below.
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