Windows 11 25H2 moves to Release Preview as enablement package

Microsoft moved Windows 11 version 25H2 into the Release Preview channel this week, signaling that the next annual feature update is on the final test ring ahead of a wider rollout later this year. The company is offering the build to Windows Insiders in the Release Preview channel and to commercial customers for validation while promising ISOs and marketplace availability shortly.

Microsoft says version 25H2 will be delivered as an enablement package, meaning most of the update's code has already been placed on devices running 24H2 and will be activated when the package is flipped on. The company and industry observers say that approach reduces installation time and downtime because the update typically requires only a single restart rather than a large version upgrade. Microsoft also confirmed that 24H2 and 25H2 share a servicing branch and will receive the same feature and quality updates on a monthly basis.

The company has outlined a number of changes that accompany 25H2, including the removal of legacy tools. Microsoft said PowerShell 2.0 and the Windows Management Instrumentation command-line tool WMIC will be removed. For commercial customers, IT administrators will gain...