- Windows 11 25H2 RTM ISOs are now available on official Microsoft servers (build 26200.6584) for x64 and Arm64, in 38 languages.
- It is an enablement package type update: light download (~300 MB), one reboot and no reinstallation of the entire system.
- You can update via Windows Update or perform a clean install; each method has advantages and disadvantages depending on the condition of your computer.
- Same hardware as 24H2, 24-month renewed support, and gradual rollout; PowerShell 2.0 and WMIC are being retired.
The next big update to Microsoft's system is just around the corner, and for those who don't want to wait, Windows 11 25H2 can be obtained through ISO images hosted on the company's serversIts public arrival in the stable branch will occur shortly and, as usual, will be phased in via Windows Update.
It is important to be clear that we are facing an Enablement Package- The improvements are already in the system through previous cumulative updates, but they remain disabled until this patch is applied. In practice, the update weighs very little, requires a single reboot, and does not force you to reinstall Windows.
Availability, RTM status and what actually changes
Microsoft already has the Windows 11 25H2 ISOs in RTM phase (Released To Manufacturing), indicating that the release has reached maturity for general deployment. The build reported by multiple sources is the build 26200.6584, available in 38 languages and for architectures x64 and Arm64, including Home, Pro, and Education editions, with an approximate size close to 7 GB in x64.
Although the term RTM is rarely used publicly, its publication on official servers is a sign that the release is very close. In fact, The ISO has already been offered in Release Preview for Insiders, reinforcing the idea that global deployment is imminent. If you decide to install early, remember that they may still appear small glitches or instability.
The 25H2 does not seek to be a revolution: shares base with 24H2 and acts as a "master switch" that activates functions present under the hood. That's why the patch is around 300 MB in size, and installation typically completes in a few minutes, after a single reboot.
Schedule and deployment
The release on the stable branch is planned for these weeks and, as usual, it will be done gradually through Controlled Feature Rollout (CFR)It's completely normal for it not to appear for everyone at once in Windows Update and to be released in waves.
Requirements, support and technical basis
If your PC moves 24H2, it will move 25H2: the requirements remain the same (TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, 2-core/1 GHz CPU, 4 GB of RAM, and 64 GB of storage, among others). Moving to 25H2 restarts the support cycle, with 24 months of security updates, extending coverage for those who continue on 24H2.
Under-the-hood changes and removed features
Included in the package are security and maintenance settings, and remove obsolete components such as PowerShell 2.0 and WMIC. If your organization has very old scripts that depend on them, it is important review them before updating to avoid surprises.
Full screen mode for handheld consoles
Another of the new features that gains prominence with this version is the Xbox-style full-screen experience for ROG Ally-type handhelds. On devices running 25H2 (Release Preview), it can be enabled in Settings > Game > Full-screen Experience; if it doesn't appear, some users report that ViVeTool allows you to enable it. In certain titles it has been observed 1–2 GB reductions in RAM usage and slight FPS improvements (e.g. from 35 to 37 in Red Dead Redemption 2).
Advanced Customization: Tiny11 Ready for 25H2
Those seeking to reduce the system to a minimum have available Tiny11 Builder with support for 25H2, designed to remove bloatware and telemetry and start with a lighter image. It uses official Microsoft features and requires licenseIf your PC is not TPM 2.0 compliant, tools like Rufus can bypass checks to time to create the USB, although doing so carries risks and is not recommended for critical environments.
How to install: Windows Update or clean install
There are two main paths: upgrade from Windows Update or make a clean installation with the ISO. Since this is an enablement package, the Windows Update route is the quickest and easiest for most people.
Updating via Windows Update: pros and cons
Among its advantages, the installation time is very short (when downloading and applying only the eKB), It does not generate a complete Windows.old folder and respects your files, programs and settings.. It is ideal if you don't want to complicate things and everything works fine.
In return, can persist legacy errors (conflicting drivers, previous corruption, network/sound problems) and, on very busy computers, the performance may suffer by loading software at startup.
Clean Install: Pros and Cons
Formatting and installing from the ISO allows you to get the most out of your system: better performance, Goodbye to junk files and corrupted settings, and is the recommended option if you have made major hardware changes.
Its drawbacks are clear: You will need to backup your data, reinstall programs, and reset everything.It's more laborious, but the gain in stability and cleanliness of the environment makes up for it on problematic equipment.
Which method to choose and prerequisites
If your PC is running smoothly, choose Windows Update; if you're experiencing crashes or slowness, clean installation. Remember that, when sharing a base with 24H2, from Windows Update you need to already be on 24H2 to receive the Enablement Package; Alternatively, you can use the ISO or official wizard when available to jump directly.
Those who want to try it first can use the RTM ISOs hosted by Microsoft or access it from the Windows Insider Release Preview channel. However, until Microsoft formally announces general availability, there is a chance find some bug punctual.
25H2 is shaping up to be a restrained but convenient update: Light discharge, fast activation, common base with 24H2, renewed support, and useful tweaks for security, handheld gaming, and WSL2 development. The choice between upgrading or starting from scratch will depend on the condition of your rig and the amount of time you're willing to invest in getting it perfect.
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