How to Upgrade from Windows 11 Version 24H2 to 25H2 Early

Microsoft has started rolling out Windows 11 version 25H2 in the Release Preview Channel. If you don’t want to wait for the official release in October, you can upgrade today. In this guide, we’ll show you step by step how to make the switch from 24H2 to 25H2 safely.

⚠️ Note: This process won’t delete your files, but it’s strongly recommended to create a full backup before starting, just in case.

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Step 1: Join the Release Preview Channel

Open the Start menu and go to Settings.
Navigate to Windows Update → Windows Insider Program.
Click Get Started.
Select your Microsoft account and continue.
Choose Release Preview Channel.
Confirm and restart your PC.

This step gives you access to early builds of Windows before they’re released to the public.

Step 2: Enable Early Updates

After restarting, open Settings → Windows Update.
Turn on “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available.”
Click Check for updates.

👉 Your PC will first download and install the latest 24H2 updates. Let the process complete and restart when prompted.

Step 3: Upgrade to Windows 11 25H2

Open Settings → Windows Update again.
Click Check for updates.
You should now see the option to install Windows 11 version 25H2.
Select Download and Install.

⚡ Pro Tip: Don’t worry if the download looks stuck at 0%—it will begin shortly and continue as normal.

Once the installation is complete, click Restart Now to apply the update.

Step 4: Confirm the Upgrade

Go to Settings → System → About.
Under Windows Specifications, you should now see Version 25H2. ✅

Congratulations! You’re officially running Windows 11 25H2 early.

Step 5: (Optional) Opt-Out of Insider Builds

If you don’t want to keep receiving preview updates:

Open Settings → Windows Update → Windows Insider Program.
Click Stop getting preview builds.
Enable the Unenroll option.

This way, when Microsoft rolls out 25H2 officially, your PC will automatically switch back to the stable channel without needing to reinstall anything.

Final Thoughts

Upgrading through the Release Preview Channel is the easiest way to try Windows 11 25H2 before everyone else. Just remember to back up your files first and opt out of Insider builds if you prefer stable updates.

👉 Are you planning to upgrade early, or will you wait for the official release? Let us know in the comments below!