Microsoft’s next annual update for Windows 11 is in Release Preview testing

Microsoft has announced that the next annual update for Windows 11, version 25H2, is now available for testing in the Release Preview Channel. The update will bring new features and enhancements similar to the previous version, 24H2, which has been rolling out throughout the year. While Microsoft did not specify any major new UI features or AI tweaks, the update includes some notable changes. It will remove PowerShell 2.0 and Windows Management Instrumentation command-line (WMIC) functionalities. Additionally, the update will allow IT administrators in enterprise and education environments to remove select pre-installed Microsoft Store apps via Group Policy or MDM CSP. The update process is designed to be seamless, with a single restart required to transition from the current 24H2 version to 25H2, as new features are added in earlier updates but left disabled until the enablement package activates them. Users can access the 25H2 update by joining the Release Preview Channel and checking for updates in the Windows Update section of the Settings app.