Microsoft Rolls Out New Dev and Beta Builds for Windows 11, Confirming Early Arrival of Version 25H2
Today, Microsoft released new builds for both the Dev and Beta Channels of Windows 11. While the updates share nearly identical changelogs, a notable detail has emerged: users in the Dev Channel can now see version 25H2 listed under Settings > System > About and via the winver command .
Although rumors about this update have been circulating for some time, this is the first official confirmation from Microsoft regarding what will be the next major feature update for Windows 11.
How Organizations Can Prepare for Windows 11 Version 25H2
In a recent blog post, Microsoft provided guidance to businesses on preparing for the upcoming release. One key point mentioned is that versions 24H2 and 25H2 share the same servicing branch , which streamlines the upgrade path between them.
This shared codebase allows for faster upgrades using enablement packages (eKBs) — pre-installed sets of inactive features that Microsoft activates during a feature update. As a result, devices already running Windows 11 version 24H2 can upgrade to version 25H2 with minimal downtime , often requiring just a single restart.
However, for devices not yet updated to version 24H2 , the upgrade process won’t be as smooth. Since earlier versions don’t share the same servicing branch, they’ll need to go through a traditional update process via Windows Update or Windows Autopatch , which may involve multiple restarts and longer installation times.
Support Period for Windows 11 Version 25H2
As with previous releases, Microsoft has outlined different support timelines based on edition:
- Enterprise editions : 36 months of support starting from general availability
- Pro and Home editions : 24 months of support
It’s also worth noting that while Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 11 version 25H2 will begin rolling out later this year , an exact release date has not yet been announced.