Microsoft officially launched Windows 11 version 25H2 on September 30, 2025, marking the company's 2025 Update with full ISO availability across all supported architectures. If you're ready to upgrade, here's everything you need to know about downloading and installing this latest release.
Here's where things get interesting: Windows 11 25H2 shares the exact same core file system as version 24H2, with virtually no new features between the two releases. Both versions receive identical updates through the same servicing pipeline, meaning feature additions roll out to both simultaneously.
So why upgrade? The primary advantage is support lifecycle. Version 25H2 resets Microsoft's support clock, offering 24 months of security updates and bug fixes from its release date—while 24H2 is already one year into its support window.
Two Installation Methods Available
For 24H2 Users: The upgrade process is remarkably simple through the enablement package (KB5054156). Download the .msu file for your architecture, double-click to install, and restart. The transition takes minutes rather than hours since both versions share identical core files.
For 23H2 or Windows 10 Users: You'll need the full ISO file. The official ISOs come in build 26200.6584, available in 38 languages for both x64 (Intel/AMD processors) and ARM64 (Snapdragon-based PCs like Copilot+ devices).
Download Links and File Sizes
The ISO files average around 7.2GB for x64 systems and 6.8GB for ARM64 devices. Microsoft hosts these directly on its servers, with English (US) versions being the most commonly downloaded. All editions—Home, Pro, and Education—are included in a single ISO.
Popular language options include English (US/UK), German, French, Spanish, Japanese, and Chinese variants. Users can access direct download links through Microsoft's official support website or Windows Central's comprehensive download page listing all 38 language options.
Installation Tips
Mount the ISO in File Explorer to launch setup directly for in-place upgrades, or use tools like Rufus to create bootable USB media for clean installations. Because 24H2 and 25H2 share source code, compatibility issues should be minimal—focus testing efforts on verifying new features rather than core system stability.
The enablement package approach offers the smoothest experience for current 24H2 users, requiring only a quick restart to complete the version switch. For users coming from older versions, budget approximately 30-60 minutes for the full installation process depending on your hardware specifications.
The Enablement Packages (KB5054156) are available in the form of “.msu” files, and you can download them with these direct Microsoft download links:
- Enablement Package for AMD and Intel (x64) | for ARM64
To install the update, simply double-click the “.msu” file and select the option to apply the enablement package KB5054156.
Should You Upgrade?
While there's no rush given the feature parity with 24H2, upgrading to 25H2 makes sense for extended support coverage. Both versions receive cumulative updates simultaneously, but 25H2's fresh support timeline ensures you'll receive patches well into 2027.