Here’s a deep-dive, long-form blog version of What’s New in Windows 11, September 2025 (25H2) with extended analysis, context, and enterprise-focused recommendations.
Windows 11 Version 25H2: What’s New in September 2025
Microsoft has officially announced the release of Windows 11 version 25H2, the next major feature update. While this release is delivered as an enablement package for devices already running 24H2, it introduces critical enterprise networking enhancements, AI integrations, security improvements, and accessibility upgrades.
For IT administrators, 25H2 is not just about new features — it’s also about removing legacy components, enforcing lifecycle deadlines, and preparing for infrastructure changes in Microsoft Intune and security baselines. This blog takes an in-depth look at the update, covering what’s new, what’s being removed, and what organizations need to do to prepare.
Enterprise Networking: Faster and More Reliable
Wi-Fi 7 Support
The headline feature for enterprises is native support for Wi-Fi 7.
- Why it matters: Wi-Fi 7 delivers multi-gigabit throughput, ultra-low latency, and significantly improved performance in crowded environments.
- Use cases: Corporate campuses, government agencies, and industries with heavy reliance on real-time communication (e.g., finance, healthcare).
- Admin note: Ensure infrastructure (access points, controllers) supports Wi-Fi 7. Microsoft has emphasized security and reliability as enterprise defaults.
Intune Network Changes (December 2, 2025)
Microsoft has announced upcoming changes to Intune’s service endpoints and firewall rules:
- Organizations using outbound traffic policies must update rules before December 2, 2025.
- Failure to update may disrupt device check-ins, app deployments, and policy enforcement.
- Recommendation: Audit firewall/proxy settings now and test against Microsoft’s updated IP ranges and FQDNs.
Security and Compliance: Building Trust with AI
Microsoft Purview Enhancements
Data security and compliance remain a top priority:
- Improved data loss prevention (DLP): Stronger automatic classification and protection of sensitive information.
- Compliance dashboards: Simplified reporting for GDPR, HIPAA, and other regulatory standards.
- AI-driven incident response: Reducing the chance of breaches by detecting misconfigurations earlier.
Microsoft Defender with AI
Defender is being strengthened with AI-powered threat detection.
- Uses machine learning for zero-day detection.
- Provides automated playbooks to contain and remediate threats.
- Reduces manual investigation time for SOC teams, delivering higher ROI.
Secure Boot Certificate Expiration – June 2026
Microsoft has flagged a critical certificate lifecycle milestone:
- Secure Boot certificates will expire in June 2026.
- Enterprises running older firmware may face boot issues.
- Admin task: Validate Secure Boot readiness and plan firmware/certificate updates before the deadline.
Artificial Intelligence: Everywhere in Windows
AI is the biggest theme in Windows 11 25H2, spanning user productivity, system intelligence, and developer tools.
Microsoft 365 Copilot App (Automatic Install)
- Starting October 2025, the Copilot app will be automatically installed alongside Microsoft 365 desktop apps.
- Delivers AI-powered drafting, summarizing, and task automation across Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
- IT admins must prepare for licensing and user adoption questions.
File Explorer AI Actions
File Explorer is no longer just a file manager — it’s now an AI-powered productivity tool:
- Summarize lengthy documents without opening them.
- Generate quick previews and descriptions.
- Edit images inline using AI tools.
- Enterprise impact: Admins should review DLP and compliance policies to ensure AI summarization doesn’t expose sensitive data.
Windows ML for Developers
Windows ML now supports real-time, secure on-device AI workloads.
- Developers can build applications that process sensitive data locally.
- This reduces dependence on cloud-based inference and helps organizations meet regulatory requirements.
Copilot+ PCs
For organizations adopting new Copilot+ hardware, Windows 11 offers:
- Natural language search in Settings.
- More contextual assistance powered by NPU (neural processing unit) hardware.
- IT admins should note that Copilot+ features may require specific hardware baselines and additional testing.
Windows Server and Cloud Integration
Windows Server 2025 Upgrade Path
For the first time, Microsoft allows direct upgrades from older Windows Server versions to Windows Server 2025.
- This eliminates “hop upgrades” and reduces downtime.
- Organizations with legacy server infrastructure should evaluate upgrade paths immediately.
Windows 365 Expansion
Cloud PCs are becoming more powerful:
- Public preview of Cloud apps expands lightweight, browser-first productivity.
- Secure access for government agencies improves compliance.
- Hybrid enterprises gain new options for scaling cloud-based desktops.
Accessibility and User Productivity
Windows 11 25H2 introduces several accessibility and usability improvements:
- Narrator Braille Viewer: Allows users to read and write in Braille alongside visual text.
- Word integration: Smoother navigation for screen readers.
- Taskbar behavior: Pinned items apply instantly without restarting Explorer.
- Hardware indicators: Brightness, volume, and battery indicators can be repositioned anywhere on the desktop.
These enhancements reflect Microsoft’s continued investment in inclusive computing.
Settings and Legacy Removal
Control Panel Migration
More legacy options are moved into the modern Settings app, accelerating Microsoft’s long-term plan to retire Control Panel. IT admins should update internal documentation to reflect this change.
Passkeys with Plugin Integration
Windows 11 now supports passkey manager plugins, allowing enterprises to integrate third-party passkey providers for passwordless authentication.
WMIC Removal
- The WMIC tool (Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line) is officially removed.
- WMI remains functional, but admins must migrate automation to PowerShell or modern management tools.
Lifecycle and End of Support
Windows 10 End of Support – October 14, 2025
- After this date, Windows 10 devices will no longer receive security updates.
- Enterprises must accelerate migration strategies to Windows 11 to remain supported.
End of Servicing for Older Windows 11 Builds
- Windows 11 versions 22H2, 23H2, and 24H2 are nearing end of servicing.
- Updating to 25H2 ensures continued support and access to the latest features.
Key Dates to Remember
- October 6, 2025 – Tech Community Live (Intune Q&A).
- October 16, 2025 – Windows Office Hours.
- October 14, 2025 – Windows 10 End of Support.
- December 2, 2025 – Intune network policy deadline.
- June 2026 – Secure Boot certificate expiration.
Best Practices for IT Admins
- Pilot Deployments: Test 25H2 in controlled groups before wide rollout.
- Firewall Updates: Review outbound rules ahead of the Intune December deadline.
- Update Automation: Replace WMIC scripts with PowerShell or modern APIs.
- Lifecycle Planning: Migrate Windows 10 systems before October 2025.
- Security Preparation: Plan firmware/certificate updates for Secure Boot expiration.
- Training: Educate users on Copilot AI features, File Explorer changes, and accessibility upgrades.
- Compliance Check: Ensure AI features like document summarization align with data handling policies.
Final Thoughts
Windows 11 version 25H2 signals Microsoft’s continued push toward a cloud-integrated, AI-first operating system. For organizations, this release isn’t just about shiny features — it’s about preparing for lifecycle changes, updating security baselines, and modernizing IT management practices.
From Wi-Fi 7 support to Copilot integration, from Intune firewall changes to the end of Windows 10, enterprises have plenty to plan for. By acting now — piloting deployments, updating documentation, and training users — IT administrators can ensure a smooth transition into this next phase of Windows.
