The final version of Windows 11 25H2 (2025 Update) is here. If your PC already runs version 24H2, you don’t need to reinstall Windows: you just install the small enablement package (KB5054156) and restart. If you’re on 23H2 or Windows 10, you need the full ISO. For unsupported PCs, I use my free Tips2Fix installer, as shown in the video.
In this guide, you’ll find the direct Microsoft download links for the enablement package and the ISO files, clear steps for every method, and fixes for common problems.
Update (October 2026): Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro stopped receiving updates on October 13, 2026, so upgrading to 25H2 is now important. 25H2 Home and Pro get updates until October 12, 2027. Windows 11 26H2 came out on September 29, 2026: see How to Install Windows 11 26H2 on Unsupported PC.
Microsoft’s official page: KB5054156: Feature update to Windows 11, version 25H2 by using an enablement package
In this article
25H2 vs 24H2: What’s the Difference?
- Both versions share the same core system.
- If you’re already on 24H2, moving to 25H2 is just a version switch with the enablement package (eKB).
- If you’re on 23H2 or Windows 10, you need the full ISO image to upgrade or to do a clean install.
- There are no major new features. It’s mostly a technical update for the version number and future cumulative updates.
Option A: Upgrade 24H2 to 25H2 With the Enablement Package
Before you start:
- Your PC must run 24H2 with the August 29, 2025 update (KB5064081, build 26100.5074) or a later cumulative update. Run Windows Update first to install all pending updates.
- Create a System Restore point before you apply the update.
- Check if you need the x64 or ARM64 file: Settings > System > About > System type.
- Download the enablement package (KB5054156, .msu file) for your device: Download for x64 (Intel/AMD) Download for ARM64
- Double-click the
.msufile. - Follow the on-screen instructions.
- Restart when prompted. Your PC starts with Windows 11 25H2.
Both files come directly from Microsoft’s servers:
| Device | File | Size |
|---|---|---|
| x64 (Intel/AMD) | windows11.0-kb5054156-x64.msu | about 170 KB |
| ARM64 | windows11.0-kb5054156-arm64.msu | about 175 KB |
Option B: Upgrade With the Full ISO (Windows 10, 23H2 or 24H2 to 25H2)
- Download the ISO file for your system:
- English (United States): x64 download (7.2 GB) or ARM64 download (6.8 GB)
- Other languages: Microsoft’s Windows 11 download page (full ISO list)
- Right-click the ISO file and choose Mount, then run
setup.exe. - Or create a bootable USB with Rufus for a clean installation.
Important: Download the ISO in the same language as your current Windows. Otherwise Setup can’t keep your files and apps. To check your current language, run this command in Command Prompt:
DISM /Online /Get-IntlEven if you don’t like using CMD, you can simply copy and paste this line from here.
Tips before you upgrade:
- Always back up your files.
- Free up at least 20 GB of storage space.
- Disconnect devices you don’t need (USB drives, printers, external drives) to avoid driver problems.
Option C: Unsupported PCs: Use the Tips2Fix Installer
If Setup says your PC doesn’t meet the requirements, use my Tips2Fix installer. It’s a simple tool with buttons and windows, so you don’t have to type any commands.
- Download it from the developer’s official page: https://github.com/tips2fix
- New updated script (recommended): Download Tips2Fix Installer 1.0.2
- Original script used in the video: Download Tips2Fix Installer
How to use the Tips2Fix installer
- Download the Windows 11 25H2 ISO first (Option B), in the same language as your Windows.
- Extract the
.zipfile with the built-in Windows extractor or 7-Zip. - Inside the folder, double-click Run-Installer.bat. Click Yes when Windows asks for administrator permission. A blue PowerShell window opens.
- Read the disclaimer and click Continue.
- The tool checks if your CPU supports SSE4.2 and POPCNT and shows the result. Windows 11 24H2 and newer don’t run without them.
- Choose an installation mode and click OK:
- 1) Fast install / upgrade (no registry edits)
- 2) Advanced install (applies the bypass registry keys)
- 3) Reset registry keys to original (removes the bypass)
- Select your downloaded Windows 11 25H2 ISO file.
- Confirm the extraction. The tool copies the ISO files to a folder on your Desktop.
- Confirm again to start Windows 11 Setup, then follow the setup screens.
- When the upgrade is finished, you can delete the extracted folder from your Desktop.
Note: The tool starts Setup in a special mode (/product server) that skips the hardware check. Don’t worry if you see “Windows Server” in the setup window: it still installs Windows 11.
If your CPU doesn’t support SSE4.2 and POPCNT, read How to Run Windows 11 on Older PCs Without SSE 4.2 & POPCNT Support.
Known Issues and Quick Fixes
| Problem | Cause | Tips2Fix solution |
|---|---|---|
| Update fails or rolls back | Missing updates or drivers | Run the DISM and SFC repair (commands below) and try again. |
| Low disk space | The ISO upgrade needs free storage | Use Storage Sense, delete temporary files or uninstall apps you don’t use. |
| Drivers not working after the upgrade | Old hardware drivers | Update them from the manufacturer’s website, or roll back in Device Manager. |
| The .msu file won’t install | Wrong version, or not running as administrator | Check x64 vs ARM64, and run it as administrator. |
To repair Windows system files, open Command Prompt as administrator and run these two commands, one after the other:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
sfc /scannowGet security updates manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog: https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Home.aspx
If it still fails, try my other video tutorials linked below the video or here on the blog.
Fix Boot Issues: Enable AHCI Mode in the BIOS
If your PC has boot problems, make sure AHCI is enabled in your BIOS:
- Restart your PC and enter the BIOS (usually by pressing
DEL,F2orF10when the system starts). - Go to the Advanced, Storage or SATA Configuration section (it depends on the motherboard).
- Find the setting called SATA Mode or Storage Mode.
- Change the value from IDE or RAID to AHCI.
- Save and exit the BIOS.
After enabling AHCI, your system should start Windows 11 without problems.
Warning: If Windows is already installed in IDE or RAID mode, switching to AHCI can stop it from starting. Use the safe method (Safe Boot first) from my guide How to Install Windows 11 25H2 on Unsupported PCs.
How to Convert MBR to GPT Using Command Prompt
Warning: Back up your files first. The conversion can’t be undone.
- Open Command Prompt as administrator: click Start, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
- Check that the disk can be converted. If the validation is successful, continue with the next step:
mbr2gpt /validate /allowFullOS - Convert the disk to GPT:
mbr2gpt /convert /allowFullOS - Restart, enter the BIOS and switch the boot mode from Legacy (CSM) to UEFI. Microsoft notes that the firmware must boot in UEFI mode after the conversion.
Release Details
- Release date: September 30, 2025.
- Build: the ISO files are build 26200.6584. Cumulative updates raise the build number later.
- Feature set: the same as Windows 11 24H2, with all recent updates and fixes included.
📝 More free scripts and tools: Tips 2 Fix Official GitHub
