Is it a good idea to install the Windows 11 25H2 update right now, or should I wait?

What is the difference between upgrading to Windows 11 25H2 from version 24H2 versus 23H2?

Microsoft is preparing to release the next update for its operating system, called Windows 11 25H2. The company has already placed the final update files onto its official servers. This step usually indicates that the public release is very close, likely within one or two weeks. While the exact date is up to Microsoft, the groundwork for the new version is now complete. Computer manufacturers are receiving what is known as the RTM (Release to Manufacturers) version, specifically Build 26200.6584, so they can prepare new devices.

This article will guide you through what this update contains, explain the different ways to install it, and help you decide if you should update now or wait for the official public rollout. Understanding these details will help you make a safe and informed choice for your computer.

Key Changes in Windows 11 25H2

You might hear about new features being exclusive to version 25H2, but that is not the complete story. The main changes are also planned to arrive for users of the current version, Windows 11 24H2. This is an important point to consider before deciding to update early.

A New Start Menu

The most visible change in 25H2 is the redesigned Start menu. This new menu gives you the option to remove the “Recommended” section, which many users have asked for. It provides a cleaner, single-page layout. You can simply scroll through all your apps without switching views. However, Microsoft has confirmed this new Start menu will also be released to Windows 11 24H2 users. It may even appear on 24H2 systems before 25H2 is officially launched.

Performance Improvements

Some users who install new Windows updates report that their system “feels faster” immediately after. While 25H2 may include some performance tuning, this initial speed boost can be temporary. The system may return to its normal performance level after a few days of use. Version 25H2 is expected to perform similarly to 24H2, which is already a stable and efficient system.

Other Minor Adjustments

Any other small features or quality-of-life improvements associated with 25H2 are also expected to be delivered to 24H2 through regular cumulative updates. This means you do not need to install 25H2 to get the latest enhancements.

Understanding Microsoft’s Update Process

Sometimes, even after you update, new features might not appear right away. This is because of how Microsoft releases new software. They use methods that can cause confusion if you are not familiar with them.

One method is called a staged rollout. Instead of sending an update to every computer at once, Microsoft releases it in waves. Your computer might get the update today, while another might get it next week. This helps Microsoft monitor for problems and pause the rollout if a major issue is found. This also applies to features within an update. You and a friend could both be on version 25H2, but one of you might have the new Start menu while the other does not.

Another method is A/B testing. Microsoft sometimes gives different groups of users slightly different versions of a feature to see which one works better or which one people prefer. For example, some users who installed 25H2 noticed that the new Start menu appeared, but the Phone Link panel, which provides quick access to your connected phone, was removed. This panel might disappear after the update and then reappear later. This is not a bug but a controlled experiment. It shows that even final release builds can behave in unexpected ways.

How to Get the Windows 11 25H2 Update

Before you consider any update, the most important first step is to back up your important files. While the update process is generally safe, problems can happen. A backup ensures your personal documents, photos, and other data are protected. Once you have a backup, you can choose the update path that is right for you.

For Users Already on Windows 11 24H2

If your computer is currently running Windows 11 version 24H2, you are in the simplest position. You do not need a large download to get to version 25H2. All the necessary features are already on your computer, just hidden. To activate them, you only need a very small file called an Enablement Package.

• This package is identified as KB5054156.
• It is a tiny file, around 170 KB in size.
• Think of it as a switch. Installing it simply flips the switch to turn on the 25H2 features.
• This package will be offered through Windows Update to everyone when 25H2 is officially released.

For Users on Windows 11 23H2 or an Older Version

If your system is on version 23H2 or an earlier release, the process is different. You will need to perform a full update using an ISO file. An ISO file is a single digital file that contains the entire operating system, similar to an installation DVD.

• You can use the ISO file to perform an in-place upgrade. This process installs the new version over your old one while keeping your personal files, settings, and applications.
• Alternatively, you can do a clean install. This erases your computer’s main drive completely and installs a fresh copy of Windows 11 25H2. A clean install is for advanced users or for situations where you want to start over with a fresh system to resolve persistent problems.
• The ISO files for 25H2 are quite large. The 64-bit (x64) version is approximately 7.2 GB, and the ARM64 version is about 7.0 GB.

Advanced Step: Verifying Your Downloaded Files

If you choose to download the ISO file manually, it is a good idea to verify its integrity. This means checking to make sure the file you downloaded is the exact, unaltered file from Microsoft. A corrupted or modified file could cause installation to fail or even harm your computer.

You can do this using a tool built into Windows called Command Prompt. You will check something called a checksum (or hash). A checksum is a unique digital fingerprint for a file. If your downloaded file’s fingerprint matches the one published by Microsoft, you know it is authentic.

1. Open Command Prompt on your PC.
2. Type the following command, replacing <filename> with the full path and name of the downloaded file: certutil -hashfile <filename> SHA256
3. Press Enter. It will generate a long string of characters.
4. Compare this string to the official ones from Microsoft.

For the advanced user, Microsoft has published the checksums for the final ISO files. They should match one of the following official values to be considered safe.

SHA384: e7b6a3049f787bdbdadf21c5f39a708e33a99b719764b1803716277d423201a603e1afd08efd40fa6dc650bdb7b6df0f

SHA512: 43f866358d228050c31fdb260cbd3fba3aadca0ade89561538d434451a6d27b3a1534b4650d84b3ad9167bde4a96d279dee49b20a5fdd1fa5205bb72e34b236b

SHA3-256: 7242b2efea88a56d3cb8108adac9b804ce29f618c58636c97b7e35a29b0a0cfe

The Best Advice: There Is No Need to Rush

Given all this information, the best course of action for most people is to wait. Windows 11 25H2 is not a large release with must-have features. All its key improvements are also scheduled to arrive on version 24H2.

By waiting for the official release through Windows Update, you ensure you get the most stable version. Let early adopters discover any potential bugs or unexpected behaviors. Rushing to install the update now offers very little benefit and introduces unnecessary risk. Your computer will run just as well if you wait a week or two for Microsoft to offer it to you through the standard, safe update channel.