Windows 11 version 25H2 is rolling out broadly to eligible devices. It’s a measured release that mainly turns on features shipped over the past year and extends the support window, rather than a sweeping redesign. For most home users on Windows 11 today, the update is stable enough to install now. If you rely on niche media apps with strict content protection or you manage web servers, you’ll want to scan the known issues first.

Install now or wait?

If you’re already on Windows 11 and your daily workflow doesn’t hinge on Blu‑ray/DVD or Digital TV apps with DRM, 25H2 is a safe, incremental upgrade. The headline issues currently target specific scenarios (server workloads using HTTP.sys, certain protected playback apps, WUSA installs from network shares, and the Media Creation Tool on Arm64). None of these affect typical web browsing, productivity, or gaming setups.

More cautious users can wait a couple of weeks while fixes propagate via monthly updates. Windows 11 Home and Pro devices that aren’t IT‑managed will receive 25H2 automatically over time, and you can choose when to restart or pause updates from Settings.

How to get Windows 11 25H2

  • Open Settings > Windows Update.
  • Turn on “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available.”
  • Select “Check for updates,” then choose “Download and install” when 25H2 appears.
  • Pick a restart time that works for you.

If the toggle isn’t visible on your device or you need a walkthrough, use Microsoft’s install flow for the Windows 11 2025 Update at aka.ms/how-to-get-25H2.

Windows 11 25H2 known issues and current status

Issue Who is affected Status Workaround or mitigation
IIS websites might fail to load (HTTP.sys) Server-side apps relying on HTTP.sys Confirmed Install the latest updates and monitor release notes. A fix is being prepared in a future update.
Protected content problems in some Blu‑ray/DVD/Digital TV apps Apps using Enhanced Video Renderer with HDCP enforcement or DRM for digital audio Partially resolved Install the latest cumulative updates. Issues with EVR+HDCP are addressed in the September 2025 preview update and later; some digital audio DRM apps may still see errors. Restart after updating. Managed environments can use Known Issue Rollback policy.
WUSA installs from a network share may fail IT environments installing .msu from a share containing multiple .msu files Mitigated Copy .msu files locally before installing. After reboot, wait 15+ minutes for Update History to refresh if it still shows “restart required.”
Media Creation Tool won’t run on Arm64 hosts Arm64 devices using the Media Creation Tool (version 26100.6584) Under investigation Download a Windows 11 ISO directly and create media without the tool: microsoft.com/software-download/windows11. Error seen: “We’re not sure what happened, but we’re unable to run this tool on your PC.”
Note: Streaming services are not impacted by the protected content issue. If you don’t use the affected media apps, you likely won’t encounter it.

What’s actually changing in 25H2

This update mostly consolidates “continuous innovation” features already delivered to Windows 11 and enables several of them by default. It’s less about new UI or sweeping system changes and more about bringing every device to the same baseline while extending the support timeline for the release.

Who should wait before installing

  • You host websites or services that depend on HTTP.sys (IIS). Hold until a fix for the confirmed issue is available, or validate in a test environment first.
  • You use Blu‑ray/DVD/Digital TV apps that enforce HDCP or DRM for digital audio. Install the latest updates and verify playback; delay if your workflow is sensitive to interruptions.
  • Your organization deploys .msu updates from network shares via WUSA. Apply the local‑install workaround or wait for full resolution before broad rollout.
  • You rely on an Arm64 device to create installation media with the Media Creation Tool. Use the ISO download instead, or wait for a tool update.

25H2 is a steady, catch‑up release rather than a disruptive one. If you’re on Windows 11 and don’t depend on the edge‑case scenarios above, it’s reasonable to install now. If you do, give it a little time—monthly updates are already addressing the few issues that remain.