According to notices posted on the Windows Release Health pages for both editions, Microsoft has started automatically rolling out Windows 11 25H2 to unmanaged Home and Pro devices running Windows 11 24H2. This update is linked to the end of support for Windows 11 24H2, which is scheduled for October 13, 2026.
In the 24H2 release health notice, Microsoft says: “Devices running Home and Pro editions of Windows 11, version 24H2 that are not managed by IT departments will automatically receive the Windows 11, version 25H2 update. You can choose when to restart your device or defer the update.”
Why is Microsoft forcing a 25H2 upgrade?
Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro editions will no longer receive security updates, bug fixes, time zone updates, or technical support after October 13, 2026. Microsoft says the goal of the automatic upgrade push is to keep unmanaged consumer devices on a supported version before that date.
Devices managed by IT departments are not affected by the automatic upgrade, and configurations managed through organizational policies in enterprise or education settings are also excluded from the rollout.
How the 25H2 rollout works on Home and Pro
Microsoft is rolling out the 25H2 update to compatible devices using its machine learning-powered intelligent deployment system. The company has said that no action is required from users, and devices will automatically receive the update when the system determines they are ready.
Users can manually check for updates settingsThen Windows Updateand click check for updates. If a device is eligible, an option to download and install Windows 11 25H2 will appear. After the update is downloaded, users can delay the restart, but on unmanaged Home and Pro systems, they cannot block the upgrade indefinitely.
What to do if you want to delay Windows 11 25H2 upgrade
Users who wish to delay the upgrade can use the defer option available on restart. Microsoft has not set any limits on how long an upgrade can be deferred before it is automatically applied. Devices managed through organizational IT policies will not be affected and will follow the update schedule set by the administrator.
Microsoft has not announced any way for unmanaged Home or Pro users to permanently opt out of the 25H2 upgrade.
