Microsoft Windows 11 Update Rolls Out in Release Preview with New Features and Enhancements.

Microsoft has released Windows 11 version 25H2 (Build 26200.5074) in the Release Preview Channel. The update will be made generally available later this year and includes new features and enhancements. It will also remove PowerShell 2.0 and WMIC. Users can install the update through settings in the Release Preview Channel and receive new servicing updates through Windows Update.

Title: Microsoft Releases Windows 11 Version 25H2 for Testing

Microsoft has released Windows 11 version 25H2 (Build 26200.5074) in the Release Preview Channel, marking the beginning of its annual feature update cycle. The update is set to become generally available later this year and includes new features and enhancements. Notably, it will remove PowerShell 2.0 and Windows Management Instrumentation command-line (WMIC). Users can install the update through settings in the Release Preview Channel and will continue to receive regular monthly servicing updates via Windows Update.

Key highlights of the update include:
- Feature Continuity: Windows 11, version 25H2 shares the same new features and enhancements as the previous version, 24H2, which introduces updates throughout the year.
- Feature Removal: The update removes PowerShell 2.0 and WMIC, which are likely not widely used by most users.
- IT Management Enhancements: Commercial customers will have the ability to remove select pre-installed Microsoft Store apps via Group Policy/MDM CSP on Enterprise/EDU devices.
- Seamless Upgrade: Using a shared servicing branch, the update requires a single restart to enable new features, ensuring a smooth upgrade process.

For enterprise and education users, the update will also be available through Windows Update for Business (WUfB) and Windows Server Update Service (WSUS), with Azure Marketplace access expected soon. Microsoft is encouraging feedback from both consumer and business users before the update moves to general availability later in 2025.

Users can install the update by joining the Windows Insider Release Preview Channel and navigating to Settings Windows Update. The update will appear as an optional update in Windows Update until version 24H2 runs out of support, at which point version 25H2 will be automatically installed to keep PCs supported.

References:
[1] https://www.theverge.com/microsoft-windows/768227/windows-11-25h2-release-preview-test
[2] https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/windows-11/microsoft-confirms-windows-11-version-25h2-no-new-features
[3] https://windowsreport.com/microsoft-rolls-out-windows-11-25h2-preview-build-26200-5074-to-insiders/