Microsoft releases Windows 11 25H2: Major autumn update as a small download

Windows 11 can now be updated to version 25H2. Microsoft has now released the annual autumn update of its current PC operating system. New features include support for Wi-Fi 7 in the corporate environment and some AI functions, for example in File Explorer. Users receive the 25H2 update via the conventional Windows update, but Windows 11 25H2 is also available for download as a complete ISO version.

The software company announced Windows 11 25H2 at the end of June, promising that “switching to Windows 11 25H2 is as easy as rebooting.” To achieve this, Microsoft is relying on “Enablement Packages” – small packages that activate program parts already installed on the computer that are still unused. This should enable a quick changeover to 25H2 and not require any new installations. Settings should also be adopted. At the same time, the download of this actually large update should be less time-consuming and data-intensive.

25H2 without PowerShell 2 and WMIC, but with AI functions

As announced at the beginning of July, Microsoft is throwing Windows PowerShell 2.0 overboard. Windows 11 25H2 no longer contains this administrator tool. The WMIC tool (Windows Management Instrumentation Command-Line), which has been classed as obsolete for several years, is also no longer included. What is new, however, is that the snipping tool can record window videos. New selection options for the click-to-do function have also been introduced. The selection can now be made as a free-form selection, as a rectangular selection, or by pressing the “Ctrl” key and clicking. The latter makes it possible to select multiple, even different content types that are to be included in further processing by the AI function.

In its blog for Windows professionals, Microsoft also lists the introduction of an AI agent for the Windows settings under 25H2 in addition to the click-to-do function. However, these two features are reserved for users of modern PCs that are categorized as “Copilot+.” The company is also announcing AI functions for File Explorer, but without describing these in more detail.

Internal improvements against security vulnerabilities

The 25H2 update also resets the time for security updates. This means that Windows 11 25H2 will receive corresponding patches for the next two years. Microsoft promises this to all its annual Windows updates. 25H2 will also include some under-the-hood optimizations. “Version 25H2 offers significant improvements in build and runtime vulnerability detection and AI-powered secure coding,” the Windows blog states. “We developed version 25H2 to address and minimize security threats while adhering to robust Security Development Lifecycle (SDL) policies and requirements.”

Those who have enabled their Windows settings to receive the latest updates as soon as they are available should already be able to receive the 25H2 update for Windows 11. However, if the system detects possible problems with installed applications or incompatibilities with drivers, the update will not be carried out until this has been resolved. At the same time, Microsoft is now also offering Windows 11 25H2 as a complete download for new installations.

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