Microsoft has officially started rolling out preview builds for Windows 11 version 25H2, bringing new features and performance improvements for users willing to test them early. If you’re curious about the upcoming release and want to explore what’s new, this guide will walk you through upgrading your system to the 25H2 preview build via the Windows Insider Program (Dev Channel).
⚠️ Disclaimer: This is a preview build, which means it may contain bugs or unfinished features. It is not recommended to install on your primary PC. Use a spare computer or virtual machine (VM) to avoid disrupting your main workflow.
🔄 Prerequisites Before You Begin
- You must already be running Windows 11 on your device.
- Make sure you are connected to a Microsoft Account.
- It’s recommended to back up your important files before proceeding.
🧭 Step-by-Step Guide to Upgrade to Windows 11 Version 25H2
Step 1: Open the Settings App
- Click on the Start Menu.
- Type and open Settings.
Step 2: Enroll in the Windows Insider Program
- Navigate to Windows Update in the sidebar.
- Click on Windows Insider Program.
- Click the Get Started button.
- Select Link your Microsoft Account when prompted.
- Choose your Microsoft account and click Continue.
Step 3: Choose the Right Insider Channel
- Select the Dev Channel – this is the only channel currently offering Windows 11 25H2 builds (as of writing).
📝 Note: Depending on when you’re reading this, you may see Beta or Release Preview channels offering 25H2.
- Click Continue multiple times to confirm.
- Click Restart Now to reboot your system.
Step 4: Check for Windows 11 25H2 Update
- Once rebooted, open Settings > Windows Update.
- Click Check for Updates.
- Wait for the system to begin downloading the Windows 11 version 25H2 preview build.
🕒 This may take a few hours. Sometimes it can take up to 24 hours after joining the Insider Program for updates to appear.
Step 5: Install and Reboot
- Once the update has downloaded, click the Restart Now button.
- Your PC will reboot and apply the upgrade.
- You won’t need to go through the first-time setup – your desktop and apps will remain intact.
✅ Confirming the Installation
After rebooting, you can confirm whether the upgrade was successful:
- Open Settings.
- Go to System > About.
- You should see Windows 11 Version 25H2 and the latest Dev Channel Build Number.
🔄 Can You Revert Back from Windows 11 25H2?
Yes, but with limitations.
Option 1: Rollback Within 10 Days
- Go to Settings > System > Recovery.
- Click Go Back under “Recovery options” to return to your previous version of Windows 11.
Option 2: Clean Reinstallation
If more than 10 days have passed, your only choice is to perform a clean installation of Windows 11. Be sure to back up your data first.
🔄 Switching Insider Channels
- If you’re on the Dev Channel, you can switch to the Canary Channel.
- Switching to Beta or Release Preview is not allowed from Dev Channel at this time.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I install Windows 11 25H2 on my main PC?
No, it’s not recommended. Preview builds may cause instability. Use a test device or virtual machine instead.
Q2: Will I lose my data during this upgrade?
No, your personal files and installed applications will remain untouched.
Q3: How do I leave the Insider Program later?
You can switch channels or opt out completely, but if you’re on the Dev Channel, a clean install is often the only option.
🧩 Tags
windows 11 25h2, windows insider program, windows 11 dev channel, how to install windows preview build, windows upgrade guide, windows 11 update steps, microsoft insider program, windows 11 testing
🔖 Hashtags
#Windows11 #25H2 #InsiderProgram #WindowsUpdate #DevChannel #TechTutorial #PCUpgrade #MicrosoftWindows #PreviewBuild
🎯 Final Thoughts
Testing early versions of Windows can be exciting and gives you a glimpse of what’s coming next. Windows 11 version 25H2 is still under active development, so you may encounter some bugs—but it’s also the best way to try out upcoming features before everyone else.
If you’re someone who loves to explore new tools and give feedback to Microsoft, joining the Insider Program and upgrading to the 25H2 preview is worth trying—just not on your main PC!
Let us know in the comments: Are you planning to try out the Windows 11 25H2 preview? Or will you wait for the stable release?
📎 Official Link: Windows Insider Program – Microsoft
📥 Recommended: Use Oracle VirtualBox or VMware Workstation to install test builds safely on a virtual machine.
