KB5054156: Microsoft explains how easy upgrading to Windows 11 25H2 from 24H2 is

Earlier today, Microsoft formally announced the "Windows 11 2025 Update" or Windows 11, version 25H2, which is the annual major feature update for the OS.

The new update adds new features and improvements over Windows 11 24H2, but unlike 24H2, Microsoft has noted that version 25H2 is not a full OS swap. Thus you can refer to KB5065789 (Build 26200.6725/26100.6725) to get an idea of the changelog of features.

The move from 24H2 to 25H2 is more in line with how 22H2 was upgraded to 23H2, ie, via what the company refers to as an Enablement Package, as the two versions "share a common core" OS with "an identical set of system files."

In a new support article, Microsoft has explained how this works. It writes:

"Windows 11, versions 24H2 and 25H2 share a common core operating system with an identical set of system files. Therefore, the new features in Windows 11, version 25H2 are included in the latest monthly quality update for Windows 11, version 24H2 but are in an inactive and dormant state. These new features will remain dormant until they are turned on through the “enablement package,” a small, quick-to-install “master switch” that activates the Windows 11, version 25H2 features."

Microsoft has also highlighted how this makes upgrading to Windows 11 25H2 really easy as it can be done with only a single restart after installing the enablement package, as system files remain the same with only the dormant new features getting activated via the "master switch".

Getting the required enablement package or eKB for Windows 11 25H2 (KB5054156) requires nearly no effort from the user side either as it will automatically download via the Windows Update channel for home PCs and Windows Server Updates Services (WSUS) for office PCs.

The company notes that the feature update is named "Windows 11, version 25H2" in general and on WSUS it should be available classified under "Upgrades". It is noteworthy that the eKB is not available for manual downloading through the Update Catalog website.

However, there is one prerequisite as Microsoft notes that the August 2025 C-release (KB5064081) must be on your device to be eligible to receive the eKB from Windows Update or WSUS. You can find the support article here on Microsoft's official website.

Source

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Posted Wednesday 1 October 2025 at 5:14 pm AEST (my time).

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