Microsoft forces Windows 11 25H2 update and previews 26H2 enablement upgrade

Microsoft has begun automatically installing the Windows 11 25H2 update on millions of home and Pro PCs worldwide, regardless of the previous version. The forced rollout excludes devices managed by corporate IT departments and is intended to extend support after the 24H2 branch ends in October 2026. The update is delivered as a small enablement package that installs in minutes because it builds on the same code base as 24H2.

Microsoft confirmed that the next major annual release, Windows 11 26H2, will arrive later in 2026 as another enablement package rather than a full reinstall. Devices already on 24H2 or 25H2 can upgrade with a single reboot, restarting the support cycle for Home and Pro editions (24 months) and for Enterprise/Education editions (36 months). Separate development tracks are planned for ARM‑based PCs.

Following the mandatory 25H2 rollout, users in several regions reported issues such as Office applications crashing when launched via third‑party shortcuts and a bug that changes the displayed name of items in the Recycle Bin. Microsoft has acknowledged the Office problems and is working on a fix, while the Recycle Bin naming issue is visual only and a remediation is expected by mid‑July.