You can't download and install Windows 11 25H2 yet as Microsoft delays ISO release date

Last week, Microsoft began rolling out Windows 11 25H2 to the Release Preview channel for Insiders. The move was sort of on the cards as the company seems to be releasing new Windows versions right around this September-October timeframe every year, and thus, it should become available as an optional update at the end of this month for non-Insiders, followed by general availability next month.

Alongside that, the company had promised that ISOs would also become available this week for users to try and test it out. Sadly for those who were eager to try the ISOs out, the company has confirmed that it is not happening, yet. The company has updated the changelog for the announcement and it now states:

[UPDATE 9/4] The ISOs for Windows 11, version 25H2 are delayed and coming soon.

Aside from that, Microsoft also confirmed that Windows 11 25H2 will not be a full OS swap, unlike 24H2. Instead, the move from version 24H2 to 25H2 will be more like what happened on 23H2 when users upgraded from Windows 11 22H2. Version 25H2 will be delivered as an enablement package (eKB).

According to Microsoft, 25H2 and 24H2 "share the same core operating system and identical system files." So the latest monthly quality update for 24H2 will have 25H2’s new features, but they will simply remain dormant until activated, which can be done via the eKB, a small, quick-to-install update that acts as a "master switch". Once applied, it upgrades 24H2 to 25H2 with a single restart thus reducing system downtime.

That does not mean there won't be any underlying changes though. Drivers for example could see the biggest improvement perhaps as the company recently explained. And there is a high possibility we will see the OS heading up towards the clouds propelled by AI.

Microsoft also pointed out some of the new features Windows 11 25H2 will have, like the new ways in which pre-installed Microsoft Store apps could be wiped, as well as the removal of features like PowerShell 2.0.

Source

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Posted Friday 5 September 2025 at 5:26 pm AEST (my time).

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