Microsoft automatically updates Windows 11 23H2 to 25H2

On computers not managed by an IT department using Microsoft management tools and running Windows 11 23H2, Microsoft is now automatically distributing the upgrade to Windows 11 25H2. This affects the Home and Pro editions of Windows 11 23H2.

This is reported by Microsoft in the Release Health notes. “The Home and Pro editions of Windows 11, version 23H2, have reached end of service on November 11th,” Microsoft writes there. “Enterprise and Education editions will continue to receive monthly security updates until November 10, 2026.” Windows 11 25H2, also known as the Windows 11 2025 Update, is the latest available Windows version. “We recommend that you move to version 25H2 to take advantage of the latest Windows innovations,” the responsible parties try to make the update appealing to those impacted.

Automatic Migration

“Devices running Home and Pro versions of Windows 11 23H2 that are not managed by IT departments will automatically receive the update to Windows 11 25H2,” Microsoft further explains. The restart time can be influenced by setting the computer's usage times; the automatic installation can be delayed in “Start” – “Settings” – “Windows Update” under the menu item “Pause updates.” Windows 11 22H2 has also fallen out of support; here, Microsoft has distributed an automatic update to a newer Windows 11 version has been distributed – without explicitly mentioning which one. However, for devices with Windows 11 24H2, Microsoft is currently only automatically distributing the update to 25H2 if the option “Get the latest updates as soon as they're available” has been enabled in the Windows Update settings.

In August, Microsoft last pointed out the expiring support for several Windows 11 development branches.

(dmk)