Windows 11 25H2 Is Here: What’s New and How to Upgrade

[UK Sentinel]

Release Date: September 26, 2025 (Commercial Preview)

Update Type: Enablement Package (eKB) for 24H2 users

Support Reset: 24 months for Home/Pro, 36 months for Enterprise/Education

Microsoft has quietly rolled out Windows 11 version 25H2, and while it’s not a headline-grabber, it’s a strategic update worth noting. Built on the same core as 24H2, this release arrives as a lightweight enablement package—meaning no full OS reinstall for those already on 24H2.

Key Features:

• Taskbar Speed Test: Right-click your network icon to launch a built-in browser-based speed test. Works with Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and cellular. (Windows 11 build 26220.6760 (Dev 25H2) and build 26120.6760 (Beta 24H2))
• Copilot Onboarding: Managed devices now get a guided intro to Microsoft 365 Copilot during setup.
• Semantic Search (Copilot+ PCs): File Explorer now supports smarter search—describe what you’re looking for, not just filenames.
• Emoji 16.0 Pulled: Microsoft removed the new emoji set from Insider builds without explanation. Expect it to return later.

Upgrade Notes:

• If you’re on 24H2, the update installs like a cumulative patch—fast and clean.
• Older versions require a full upgrade.
• Microsoft won’t force this update yet; opt-in via Windows Update by enabling “Get the latest updates…”

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• This topic was modified 22 hours, 34 minutes ago by UK Sentinel. Reason: added: Windows 11 build 26220.6760 (Dev 25H2) and build 26120.6760 (Beta 24H2)

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[UK Sentinel]

Minimum Requirements for Standard PCs – Windows 11 version 25H2

Windows 11 version 25H2 uses the same minimum hardware requirements as the original release of Windows 11 (21H2) and all subsequent updates like 22H2 and 24H2. Microsoft hasn’t changed the baseline specs.

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[Grisu]

Really?
So even my originally Win-XP computer may be updated.

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• This reply was modified 1 day, 12 hours ago by Grisu.

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[UK Sentinel]

. Grisu Said:

Really?
So even my originally Win-XP computer may be updated.

Yes, with a few of your special registry changes maybe in your case

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[Superhands]

I updated with the enablement package manually but seem to have zero of the new features like new start menu, speed test etc.

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[UK Sentinel]

I had a quick look and does seem, Starting with Windows 11 build 26220.6760 (Dev 25H2) and build 26120.6760 (Beta 24H2), Microsoft is gradually rolling out the ability to do built-in network speed test accessible from the taskbar.

Work in progress on that one I think and I will amend my above list to reflect this.

 

https://www.windowslatest.com/2025/09/17/hands-on-with-windows-11s-network-speed-test-feature-but-it-just-opens-bing-com

 

 

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[UK Sentinel]

My Windows 11 24H2 already seems to have a lot of the new Stat Menu changes.

I am currently running Windows 11 build 26100.6584 for version 24H2 which was released on September 9, 2025.

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