Microsoft's Windows 11 25H2 update represents the second major annual feature update for Windows 11, bringing significant changes under the hood alongside several user-facing improvements. As with any major Windows update, the question isn't just what's new, but whether you should install it right away.
Copilot: Now Actually Useful
Windows Copilot received the most significant overhaul in 24H2. Rather than being a glorified Bing Chat sidebar, Copilot now integrates more deeply with Windows functions and actually performs useful system tasks.
What Copilot Can Do Now
You can ask Copilot to change system settings naturally: "Turn on dark mode," "Adjust volume to 50%," or "Enable Bluetooth" work reliably. It can search your local files with better accuracy, summarize documents, and even help troubleshoot basic system issues.
The new Copilot can analyze screenshots and help with context-aware tasks. Snap a screenshot of an error message, and Copilot can suggest solutions. Screenshot a product image, and it can search for similar items or provide information.
Microsoft added Copilot Vision (in preview), allowing the AI to see what's on your screen and provide contextual assistance. Privacy controls let you enable this only when needed, addressing concerns about constant screen monitoring.
AI-Powered Features
Windows Studio Effects expanded beyond video calls. The new AI-powered photo editing tools in the Photos app include background removal, object selection, and basic generative fill capabilities—features that previously required Photoshop or dedicated software.
Live Captions now supports more languages and provides real-time translation for video content and video calls. This accessibility feature works system-wide without requiring internet connectivity.
Performance Improvements That Actually Matter
Faster File Operations
Microsoft rewrote portions of the file copy engine, resulting in noticeably faster file transfers, especially for large numbers of small files. Copying 10,000 files from an SSD to USB drive is approximately 20-30% faster in 24H2 compared to 23H2.
The File Explorer also received performance optimizations. Navigating folders with thousands of files, especially network folders, feels more responsive. Search indexing is smarter, using fewer system resources while providing faster results.
Better Resource Management
Windows 24H2 includes improved memory compression algorithms, freeing up RAM more efficiently. Users with 8-16GB of RAM report smoother multitasking when running memory-intensive applications.
Background app management is more aggressive. Apps you haven't used recently consume fewer resources. Gaming performance improved slightly—benchmarks show 2-5% higher frame rates in some titles, primarily from reduced background CPU usage.
Battery Life Improvements
Laptop users see tangible battery life improvements, typically 10-15% longer runtime in mixed-use scenarios. Microsoft refined power management algorithms, more intelligently throttling background tasks when on battery power.
The new Energy Recommendations feature in Settings provides personalized suggestions for extending battery life based on your usage patterns.
User Interface Refinements
Redesigned Settings App
The Settings app received another redesign iteration, with improved organization and search functionality. Related settings are now grouped more logically, and the search actually finds settings reliably.
Quick Settings (Win + A) expanded to show more toggles without scrolling, and you can now customize which shortcuts appear. VPN connections and connected audio devices are directly accessible from Quick Settings.
Improved Snap Layouts
Snap Layouts gained memory: Windows now remembers your preferred window arrangements per monitor setup. When you disconnect and reconnect an external monitor, windows return to their previous positions automatically.
New snap layout options include better support for ultrawide monitors and portrait-oriented displays. Vertical monitor users finally get snap layouts that make sense.
Security and Privacy Updates
Enhanced Phishing Protection
Windows Defender SmartScreen now provides real-time protection against phishing attacks system-wide, not just in Edge browser. If you type a password into a suspected phishing site—even in Chrome or Firefox—Windows warns you.
The new Password Monitor checks your saved credentials against known breached password databases and alerts you to change compromised passwords.
Improved Bitlocker Management
Bitlocker encryption is easier to manage in 24H2. The Settings app provides clear status indicators and recovery key access. For devices with TPM 2.0, encryption happens automatically on new installations without user intervention.
Notable Removed Features
Microsoft deprecated several features in 24H2:
- Cortana: Completely removed. Copilot is its replacement, for better or worse.
- WordPad: Gone after 30 years. Microsoft recommends Notepad (which was significantly improved) for simple documents or Word for complex formatting.
- Legacy Windows Media Player: Removed in favor of the new Media Player app.
- VBScript: Disabled by default for security reasons. Legacy enterprise apps dependent on VBScript need updates.
Known Issues and Concerns
Compatibility Problems
As with any major update, early adopters reported issues:
- Some older USB audio interfaces experience driver compatibility issues
- Certain antivirus programs (particularly older versions of third-party security software) cause blue screens
- Intel's 13th and 14th gen desktop processors had instability issues initially, though patches addressed most problems
- Some gaming anti-cheat software flagged Windows components, causing game crashes
Microsoft maintains a compatibility hold list, preventing automatic updates on affected systems until fixes are available.
Disk Space Requirements
24H2 requires more disk space than previous versions—approximately 30GB for the update process. Systems with less than 64GB of storage may struggle to install the update without external storage assistance.
Should You Update Now?
Update If:
- You want Copilot's improved functionality and AI features
- You experience performance issues on 23H2 (the optimizations may help)
- You need the security improvements for work compliance
- You have a newer laptop and want better battery life
- You're comfortable troubleshooting potential issues
Wait If:
- You use specialized hardware with older drivers (audio interfaces, capture cards)
- You run critical business software without verified 24H2 compatibility
- Your system is stable and you follow "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" philosophy
- You prefer waiting 2-3 months for Microsoft to iron out early issues
Windows 11 25H2 is a meaningful update with genuine improvements, but it's not revolutionary. The performance gains are real but incremental, and Copilot's usefulness depends heavily on your workflow.
How to Update Safely
If you decide to update:
- Backup your data: Use File History or a third-party backup solution. Assume something will go wrong.
- Check compatibility: Visit manufacturer websites for your critical hardware and software. Verify 24H2 compatibility.
- Free up space: Ensure you have at least 50GB of free disk space before starting.
- Update drivers first: Install the latest GPU, chipset, and audio drivers before updating Windows.
- Delay if uncertain: You can defer feature updates for up to a year in Windows settings.
Final Verdict
Windows 11 25H2 is a solid update that improves performance, enhances AI capabilities, and refines the user experience. The performance optimizations alone make it worthwhile for most users, and the security improvements are valuable.
However, rushing to install major Windows updates on day one remains risky. If your current system works well, waiting a month or two for Microsoft to address early issues is prudent. For enthusiasts and those wanting the latest features, 24H2 is stable enough for daily use.