Microsoft has rolled Windows 11 version 25H2 into the Release Preview Channel, and it’s not bringing flashy new features—just the same enhancements already built into 24H2, quietly switched on via an enablement package that makes installation quick and headache-free. It also trims legacy tools like PowerShell 2.0 and WMIC, and gives IT-admins extra control over uninstalling pre-installed apps. Notably, Windows 11 SE gets left behind—it won’t receive 25H2 and is set to lose support by October 2026, signaling that enterprises and educational users should prepare accordingly. [Full-path sources below]
Sources: Windows Central, The Verge, Tom’s Hardware
Key Takeaways
– No new bells and whistles: 25H2 activates previously dormant features from 24H2 via an enablement package, avoiding bulky downloads and lengthy installs.
– Legacy trimmed, admin powers added: PowerShell 2.0 and WMIC are gone, while admins gain tools to remove select Microsoft Store apps via Group Policy or MDM CSP.
– Windows 11 SE is phased out: It won’t get 25H2 and will lose support by October 2026, meaning affected institutions need to plan a migration.
In-Depth
Microsoft’s upcoming Windows 11 update—version 25H2—is brushing aside novelty for reliability. Think of it as a maintenance update masquerading as a “new version.” Rather than rolling out flashy features, Microsoft is reactivating improvements already baked into Windows 11 24H2, using what they call an “enablement package.” That means what you’re getting is already on your PC—you just flip the switch. It streamlines the whole process: a fast download, a quick restart, and you’re up and running, with compatible apps, no surprises—ideal for users and IT teams who value consistency and less downtime.
The flip side? It also removes aging components like PowerShell 2.0 and WMIC. Good riddance—they’ve long overstayed their welcome. Meanwhile, enterprise and education IT administrators gain extra governance tools, like the ability to uninstall certain Microsoft Store apps through policy or mobile device management (MDM). It’s a smart move—empowering decision-makers to declutter and tailor installs across fleets.
However, not everyone’s invited: Windows 11 SE, the stripped-down education edition, is out of the loop. It won’t receive the 25H2 update and is slated for end of support by October 2026. For schools still running SE, that’s a clear signal—time to budget for updated hardware or transition to supported editions.
All in all, version 25H2 marks a conservative yet prudent chapter. It’s not about bells and whistles—it’s about smoothing surfaces and trimming excess. For institutions and users who prefer substance over flash, this is the kind of update that reassures rather than dazzles.