How to Upgrade to Windows 11 25H2 from 24H2/23H2

Learn how to upgrade to Windows 11 25H2 from 24H2 or 23H2 without losing data. Compare versions, key differences, upgrade steps, and best practices for disk space and installation.

Microsoft is rolling out Windows 11 version 25H2 in late 2025 as a long-term support update. Unlike major feature updates, 25H2 is a lightweight enablement package for devices already running 24H2, while users on 23H2 or earlier will undergo a full installation.

Key highlights of Windows 11 25H2:

• No new hardware requirements. - From Pureinfotech
• Focused on stability and long-term support (24 months for Home/Pro, 36 months for Enterprise/Education).
• Minimal visible features, but removes some legacy components like PowerShell 2.0 and WMIC.

If you're planning to upgrade to Windows 11 25H2 from 24H2 or 23H2, this guide covers the key precautions and exact steps to ensure a smooth transition without data loss.

How to Upgrade to Windows 11 25H2 from 24H2 Without Data Loss

Can I upgrade to Windows 11 25H2 from 24H2 without losing data(from Microsoft)? Sure! Windows 11 25H2 is released as a lightweight enablement package for devices already running 24H2; the upgrade is one of the easiest you'll ever install. It's fast, requires only one restart, and doesn't affect your files, apps, or settings.

Steps on how to upgrade to Windows 11 25H2 from 24H2:

Step 1. On the current Windows 11 24H2 PC, go to Settings > Windows Update.

Step 2. Click Check for updates. Windows will detect the 25H2 enablement package for eligible devices.

Step 3. Click Download and install Windows 11 25H2; then, restart your PC once prompted.

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Upgrade to Windows 11 25H2 from 23H2

For users running 23H2, Windows 10, or earlier versions, it's relatively difficult to upgrade to Windows 11 25H2. 25H2 is not a "full install image", but a lightweight enablement package based on 24H2. That is, Microsoft will not give you a "23H2 to 25H2" ISO, Installation Assistant, or One-Click Upgrade option if your device is still on 23H2 or earlier. 

The correct path is: upgrade to Windows 11 24H2 first (via Windows Update, Installation Assistant, or ISO).

Now, follow the methods below to upgrade from 23H2 or earlier versions to 24H2 first.

Method 1. Offline Upgrade using Windows 11 24H2 ISO file (then upgrade to 25H2)

Also, you can manually download the 24H2 ISO file and burn it to a USB flash drive to install Windows 11 24H2. With this method, you can install Windows 11 24H2 on multiple computers. To burn the Windows 11 24H2 ISO file to a USB flash drive, you need a professional Windows 11 ISO burner - EaseUS Partition Master. It allows you to burn an ISO file to a USB disk or CD and create a Windows 11 installation USB.

Preparations:

1️⃣A USB flash drive: 32GB or larger, FAT32, back up it in advance.

2️⃣Download the professional ISO file burner

Now, follow the instructions to burn Windows 11 24H2 to USB and create a USB installer:

Step 1. Launch EaseUS Partition Master and go to the Bootable Media section. Click "Burn ISO" and click "Next".

Step 2. Select the ISO image that you have downloaded on your PC, and click "Open".

Step 3. Click "Next" and select the target USB as destination and click "Burn" to execute the operation.

For users who are using old PCs, EaseUS Partition Master can help bypass Windows 11 installation requirements during the process.

Method 2. Upgrade to Windows 11 24H2 (and then 25H2) using Windows Update Assistant

You can directly use Windows Update Assistant to upgrade from 23H2 to 24H2. Follow the instructions below to do it.

Steps on how to upgrade from 23H2 or earlier versions to 24H2:

Step 1. Go to the official Microsoft website and download the Windows 11 Installation Assistant.

Step 2. Open the tool and click "Accept and Install". The tool will automatically download and install Windows 11 24H2 and upgrade your system.

Step 3. When it is done, go to Settings > Windows Update, check and install the 25H2 Enablement Pack to upgrade to 25H2.

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Conclusion

Windows 11 25H2 may not be a feature-packed release, but it represents Microsoft’s push for stability and long-term support. For users on 24H2, the upgrade is quick and seamless through a lightweight enablement package. For those on 23H2 or earlier, the path requires a full installation via 24H2 first, followed by 25H2.

To avoid upgrade failures, make sure you have enough free disk space and a reliable installation medium. Tools like EaseUS Partition Master can help you free up space on your C drive, resize partitions safely, and even burn ISO files to a USB for a smooth installation process.

FAQs About Windows 11 25H2 Upgrade from 24H2/23H2

1. When will Windows 11 25H2 be officially released?

It's expected that the official rollout will start in late September to October 2025, with a phased release depending on region and device type. Windows 11 25H2 has already reached the Release Preview Channel, which means it’s in the final stage before general availability.

2. Will it take a long time to upgrade from Windows 11 24H2 to 25H2?

No, unlike past feature updates, 25H2 is just an enablement package built on top of the 24H2 platform. That means the upgrade is as quick as a monthly cumulative update, usually just one restart and a few minutes.

3. Should I stay with 24H2 or upgrade to 25H2?

If you're currently on Windows 11 24H2, upgrading to 25H2 is generally recommended. While 25H2 does not introduce brand-new features — all major changes were already included in 24H2 — it does reset the support lifecycle, giving Home and Pro editions 24 months of updates and Enterprise and Education editions 36 months. Since the 25H2 update comes as a lightweight enablement package, the installation is quick and low risk, similar to a monthly cumulative update. Staying on 24H2 is still safe and fully supported, but moving to 25H2 ensures you benefit from the longest support window and the most up-to-date system improvements.