Win11 25H2 Update Brings Faster, Easier Install
Win11 25H2 Update Brings Faster, Easier Install
Submitted by John Lister on Fri, 10/17/2025 - 13:47
Microsoft has officially released Windows 11 version 25H2, marking the company's annual "feature update" for 2025. It's a quicker install than many updates, which is down to both the delivery and content of the update.
Unlike traditional Windows updates that replace entire system files, version 25H2 utilizes a streamlined "enablement package" approach. The update activates feature code already present on machines running 24H2, requiring only a single restart to complete the installation process.
Shared Codebase Simplifies Update Process
Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2 share the same codebase and the update only replaces system files that have actually changed. Normally all system files are replaced completely in a major update. (Source: zdnet.com).
More cynical analysts have noted the update is small because it doesn't actually add any notable new features. The company's official announcement states that the update is focused on prioritizing enhancements to security and stability above all else
It's still something of a surprise given Microsoft now only issues one major feature update each year. It effectively means there's nothing new for Windows 11 in 2025, though some users may prefer an emphasis on security and performance rather than a continued drive to add new features.
Update Not Glitch-Free
Despite the streamlined rollout, Microsoft has confirmed two known issues with version 25H2. One problem may prevent users from playing protected content through DVD or Blu-ray applications, with no current workaround available. The other affects businesses which use a dedicated standalone tool for installing updates. (Source: windowscentral.com)
What's Your Opinion?
Do you welcome this new approach of smaller, stability-focused updates over annual releases packed with new features? Does the existence of known issues at launch make you hesitant to update immediately? How valuable is a fast, single-restart update process in your workflow?
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Comments
So far, so good - minus a few issues
So far Windows 11 is relatively glitch-free (for me anyways), though some parts of the operating system are missing or rearranged from Windows 10 that I don't like.
Examples:
1. The right click menu on the desktop requires you select "Show more options" to access things like 'refresh' and similar, which is highly annoying. You can get around this by installing third party tools like StartAllBack which combines what's missing into the current menu style.
2. Another major disappointment was that Windows 11 got rid of the Quick Launch option on the task bar and the ability to make the task bar more than 1 level high. Again, you can get around this with StartAllBack. I also combined OpenShell with StartAllBack to give me the start menu I prefer. The StartAllBack menu is decent but it doesn't find things when I do a search like OpenShell does.
3. The 'Settings' menus have changed dramatically and make it very difficult to find anything. You are better off using the search to 'find a setting' when trying to locate something specific. Even Device Manager is buried.
That aside, Windows 11 is pretty much a continuation of Windows 10.
So Far, So Good
"That aside, Windows 11 is pretty much a continuation of Windows 10."
which begs the question: WHY do we require new equipment to run WIN11?
aside from some idiotic question about "security", was it all just a means to increase sales of computers since most who would have a computer ALREADY had one without an incentive to purchase a new one? if auto makers did the same thing, your old car works with tegular oil but we will stop servicing them because the new cars work with synthetic oil, the population would be in an uproar.
I look forward to some firm becoming the updater for WIN10 since MS is abdicating.