Microsoft delays Windows 12 release and confirms Windows 11 version 25H2 will be released in late 2025

Taras Mishchenko - 30 June, 06:23 PM

Microsoft has officially postponed any plans to release Windows 12, instead continuing to support Windows 11 with the 25H2 update, which will be released in the second half of 2025. The company has released an Insider Preview build of Windows 11 version 25H2, inviting Windows Insider program members to test it, Tom's Hardware reports.

"Today, Windows 11 version 25H2 became available to the Windows Insider community, in advance of broader availability planned for the second half of 2025," Jason Leznek, senior manager of the Windows Insider program, wrote on the company's blog.

Technically, 25H2 uses the same platform and update mechanism as the current 24H2, which will allow users to install the update "as a regular cumulative update" instead of the complete OS reinstallation that was required when moving from 23H2 to 24H2.

Insiders who are already testing the first build of 25H2 haven't noticed any new features yet; the changelog is identical to the 24H2 build in the Beta Channel. Leznek explained that upcoming features for 25H2 are already included in the 24H2 branch in a disabled state and will be enabled when they are ready for release. "The new features we are developing for Windows 11 version 25H2 are part of the 24H2 branch. When the code is complete, we include it in the monthly cumulative updates for Windows 11 version 24H2 in a disabled state," he said.

With the release of 25H2, Microsoft will reset the support counter to 35 months for Enterprise editions and 24 months for Home and Pro editions. Organizations and users who wish to remain on supported versions are advised to plan to migrate to 25H2 immediately after release.

The exact release date has not yet been announced, but analysts expect the release to take place in September-October 2025, coinciding with the end of support for Windows 10 in October. "Pinning the release of 25H2 to the end of the Windows 10 lifecycle will facilitate the transition of users to Windows 11," said analyst Maria Chen of TechInsights Research.

Rumors of a Windows 12 release have been swirling for months, but now Microsoft is betting on expanding Windows 11 with new features and updates. "We remain focused on adding value to Windows 11 users through regular feature updates, rather than immediately launching a new major version of the OS," a Microsoft spokesperson said.

Windows Insiders can download the 25H2 preview build in the Beta and Release Preview channels today, with the update expected to be widely available to all Windows 11 users in the second half of 2025.