Microsoft is starting to automatically install Windows 11 25H2 on unmanaged devices as previous versions of Windows 11 draw closer to the end of their support cycle.
While October seems like it is some time off, it will soon roll around – and this is when Windows 11 24H2 will stop receiving updates. Keen to ensure that security updates are available to as many people, this is the reason for Microsoft pushing Windows 11 25H2 to more devices.
In a message update on the Windows release health page for Windows 11 24H2, Microsoft says: “Windows 11, version 24H2 Home and Pro editions will reach the end of updates on October 13, 2026. Devices running these editions will no longer receive fixes for known issues, time zone updates, technical support, or monthly security and preview updates containing protections from the latest security threats. Windows 11, version 25H2 is the latest version of Windows available.
It continues:
Devices running Home and Pro editions of Windows 11, version 24H2 that are not managed by IT departments will receive the Windows 11, version 25H2 update automatically. You can choose the time to restart your device or postpone the update.
If you have an eligible Windows 10 or Windows 11 device, you can check whether the update is available by selecting Settings > Windows Update and selecting Check for updates. If your device is ready for the update, you’ll see the option to Download and install Windows 11, version 25H2.
In a separate notice posted to the Windows 11 25H2 section of Windows release health, Microsoft says:
Windows 11, version 25H2 is now available to all eligible devices. The machine learning-based intelligent rollout has expanded to all devices running Home and Pro editions of Windows 11, version 24H2 that are not managed by IT departments. These devices will automatically receive the update to Windows 11, version 25H2 when they’re ready. No action is required, and you can choose when to restart your device or postpone the update.
If you have an eligible Windows 10 or Windows 11 device, you can check if the update is available by selecting Settings > Windows Update and selecting Check for updates. If your device is ready for the update, you’ll see the option to Download and install Windows 11, version 25H2.
For more information, see the How to get the Windows 11 2025 Update video.
Image credit: Alexey Novikov / Dreamstime.com
