Podcast Summary: Hands-On Windows 162 — “Get Windows 11 25H2 Today”

Host: Paul Thurrott
Date: October 16, 2025
Episode Focus: How to access and install Windows 11 version 25H2 before it’s rolled out to everyone.

Overview

This episode of Hands-On Windows sees Paul Thurrott delve into the recent release of Windows 11 25H2, Microsoft’s latest feature update. Although officially available, the roll-out is gradual and not everyone will see the update right away. Paul walks listeners through several methods—traditional and advanced—for obtaining 25H2 immediately and discusses tools for unlocking new features that might still be hidden by default.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Understanding the 25H2 Release

• Microsoft’s Staggered Roll-Out: Even though 25H2 is now in stable release, not everyone will be able to access it through Windows Update immediately.
  • Quote: "They're rolling it out on their own schedule. If you go through the normal methods, you might not see it immediately." (02:29)
• Functionally, 25H2 is nearly identical to 24H2; only minor build number differences exist for now.
  • Quote: "From a functional perspective, look and feel, etc. Windows 11 version 25.2 H2 is identical to 24H2." (02:47)

2. Traditional Methods for Updating

• Windows Update: Recommended first step, but can’t guarantee immediate access to 25H2.
  • Quote: "The first thing to try, of course, is the traditional approach, which is to go into Windows Update and check to see if you have an update." (03:12)
• Manual Download via Microsoft’s Website:
  • Search for “Download Windows 11.” Possible to download the ISOs directly for x86, x64, and ARM.
  • A separate link is available for ARM-based devices.
  • Users can use the Installation Assistant but Paul advises against relying on it.

3. ISO Downloads and the Enablement Package (EKB)

• Direct ISO Download: Create install media if you don’t want to wait.

  • Paul downloaded the 7GB ARM ISO as an example.
  • Tip: Use Rufus to create a bootable USB—especially important for ARM64 users.
  • Quote: "I recommend using Rufus. And if you're on ARM 64, you're going to have to use Rufus." (05:18)

• Enablement Package (EKB): Small update file to upgrade 24H2 to 25H2 if you’re already fully updated.

  • Quote: "If you're actually on the latest version of 24H2... you can download this little file. It's very small, 171 kilobytes. You reboot once and then you're in. And so that's actually. That's actually pretty cool." (04:44)

• Rufus Options When Making Install Media:

  • Remove blockers (RAM, Secure Boot, TPM 2.0): Paul's advice is, “I don't really have a problem leaving those checked. It's OK. But there's new stuff in here”—such as easier local account creation, setting region, and disabling data collection.
  • Don’t disable BitLocker/device encryption unless you’re sure.
  • Quote: "Very strongly recommend not doing that and not checking that box." (06:07)

4. Advanced: Enabling Features with ViVeTool (09:26)

• What is ViVeTool?
  • Free command-line tool on GitHub (by developer Raphael).
  • Used to enable Windows features before they become generally available.
• Why Use ViVeTool?
  • Even after updating to 25H2, new features may not appear—“controlled feature releases” randomize rollout.
  • Quote: "The control is really just random, right?... you can get around that partially by using ViVeTool." (09:45)
• How to Use ViVeTool:
  • Download and unzip.
  • Open Terminal or Command Prompt as administrator, navigate to the ViVeTool folder.
  • Use appropriate commands (Paul describes using "dot slash" notation on Terminal for listing and enabling features).
• Activating New Features:
  • Each feature is identified by a numeric code—commands required to enable them.
  • For the new Start Menu: a more complex series of updates/commands may be needed.
  • Quote: "When you come back, you're probably going to notice nothing has changed again. It's like, what have I did? Why did I just do this? Right? And some of these things just take some time." (10:22)
  • Memorable Advice: Persistence and patience are key, as changes may not be visible immediately. “This should—I should say—make it go a little more quickly.” (10:13)

5. Feature Example: The New Start Menu

• Old Start Menu: Split into “Pinned” and “Recommended.”
• New Start Menu (after ViVeTool): Options for category, list, and grid views. Paul notes the similarity to iPhone UI.
  • Quote: “Category, which will look very familiar if you have an iPhone, by the way, and then kind of a list view and a grid view…” (11:24)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the near-identical nature of 24H2 and 25H2:
  “Even if you're on 24H2, you don't actually have to do this, but you're watching the show, I think you want to do this. I certainly do.” (02:57)

• On enablement and patience:
  “This will... make it go a little more quickly. But... when you come back, you’re probably going to notice nothing has changed again. It's like, what have I did? Why did I just do this?” (10:13)

• On why not to disable encryption:
  "Very strongly recommend not doing that and not checking that box." (06:07)

• On the randomness of feature rollouts:
  “The control is really just random, right?” (09:45)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 02:22 — Paul begins episode, explains scope of Windows 11 25H2 release.
• 03:12 — Discussion of Windows Update and why it might not show 25H2.
• 04:00 — Overview of direct download options, including ISO files.
• 04:44 — Enablement Package (EKB), quick update method explained.
• 05:18 — Using Rufus for ARM and making install media, caution about system requirements.
• 06:07 — Advice on Rufus install options; BitLocker warning.
• 09:26 — Introduction to ViVeTool for advanced feature enabling.
• 10:13 — Persistence needed after running commands; features may take time to activate.
• 11:24 — Demo and description of the new Start Menu experience.

Tone and Presentation

Paul Thurrott maintains his signature clear, slightly technical but always pragmatic tone. He encourages experimentation and provides helpful warnings and tips for less-experienced users, particularly regarding install options and the use of command-line tools. The show is hands-on, friendly, and filled with practical advice for enthusiasts eager to get the latest features before the general public.

Conclusion

This episode is a comprehensive guide for advanced and enthusiast Windows users keen on getting Windows 11 25H2 right now. Paul arms listeners with both standard and power-user methods, helping them avoid unnecessary waiting and uncover hidden new features in the latest Windows release. Whether updating through traditional means or enabling unreleased features with ViVeTool, Paul’s step-by-step approach is as accessible as it is informative.