Why Microsoft is forcing Windows 11 25H2 update on all eligible PCs

Why Microsoft is forcing Windows 11 25H2 update on all eligible PCs

By Lance Whitney
Publication Date: 2026-04-06 17:17:00

Screenshot by Lance Whitney/ZDNET

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ZDNET’s key takeaways

  • Microsoft is forcing eligible Windows 11 PCs to update to 25H2.
  • Support ends for Windows 11 24H2 in October, so you’ll need 25H2.
  • Windows 11 25H2 is stable, so there’s no reason not to update.

Are you still running the 2024 version of Windows 11? If so, the 2025 flavor is headed your way. In a recent status update, the software giant said that all eligible computers running the Home and Pro editions of Windows 11 24H2 will automatically receive the 25H2 update. No action is required on your part. You can postpone the update, but you can’t stop it.

Also: If Microsoft wants Windows 12 to succeed, it can’t let history repeat itself – let me explain

To determine whether your PC is eligible, Microsoft is using machine learning. OK, and what does that mean?

In a Microsoft Build game plan for Windows 11, the company explained that its machine learning uses a combination of testing,…