It’s been just over a month since Microsoft released Windows 11 25H2 and anyone who wants to install the major Fall 2025 update can do so. But what if you’d rather hold off instead? Turns out, Microsoft is now forcibly installing the big update on Windows 11 PCs running on older versions that have reached end of support.
Notably, that means Windows 11 23H2, which officially ended support on November 11th. Anyone who’s still on Windows 11 23H2 will be forced to update their system to Windows 11 25H2. And if you’re somehow still on an even older version, like Windows 11 22H2 or 21H2? Yup, Microsoft is also forcing the update on your system, too.
Here’s how the forced update works
If you’re currently on a PC running Windows 11 23H2, 22H2, or 21H2, your system will automatically receive the bump up to Windows 11 25H2 via Windows Update. Microsoft will not ask your permission before downloading and installing this year’s big update.
This forced update will only be applied to Windows 11 Home and Pro. Windows 11 PCs running Enterprise versions that are centrally managed are exempt. Windows 11 PCs on Education versions—mainly computers in schools and universities—are also exempt.
If you’re offered the automatic update, you can set when your system should perform the necessary restart, or you can postpone the update up to a maximum of a few weeks. The update can’t be permanently avoided. Learn more about taking control of Windows updates.
Windows 10 users aren’t affected
Microsoft is not forcing Windows 11 25H2 (or any other version of Windows 11) on PCs that are still running Windows 10, whether those PCs are enrolled in the ESU program or not.
That means if you’re on Windows 10 and are successfully getting extended security updates, you’re safe for now. If you haven’t enrolled in the ESU program yet, your system is at growing risk of malware threats and hack attempts, and you should consider upgrading your PC to Windows 11 or maybe even trying another operating system.
