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Every year, Windows 11 receives two major feature updates: one in spring and one in autumn. Understanding these updates—how they work, how to check which version you’re running, and how to manage installation timing—helps you keep your device secure and running smoothly without disruption.
What is a Windows 11 feature update?
Windows 11 uses annual release cycles, identified by a code like 24H2, 25H2, and 26H1. Each code represents a major feature update containing security improvements, performance enhancements, and new capabilities. Rather than gradually rolling out changes, Windows delivers the entire update at once using what’s called an enablement package.
An enablement package is a small installer that unlocks features already present on your device but switched off. Once you install the package, these features activate immediately. This approach means the update downloads quickly and installs in minutes, rather than hours, making it less disruptive than downloading and applying an entirely new version from scratch.
Version 24H2 arrived in October 2024. Version 25H2 began rolling out in September 2025 and is now available to all eligible devices. The next major update, version 26H1, is scheduled for early 2026. Each version remains supported for approximately one year.
Checking your current Windows 11 version
To see which version of Windows 11 you’re running, open the Run dialog by pressing Windows key + R, type winver, and press Enter. A small window appears showing your version number. Look for “Version” in the display—if it shows 24H2, 25H2, or another number, that’s your current version. You’ll also see the build number beneath it.
Alternatively, open Settings, select “About” from the left menu, and scroll down to find the Windows specification section, which displays your version number.
Deferring or pausing Windows updates
If you’re not ready for a feature update—perhaps you need to finish a large task or want to avoid potential compatibility issues with specific software—you can pause updates. Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I, navigate to “Windows Update,” and select “Pause updates.” You can pause for up to 35 days from the current date by choosing your preferred end date on the calendar.
During the pause period, Windows won’t download or install feature updates, and your device won’t restart unexpectedly. When the pause expires, Windows automatically resumes checking for updates. You can extend the pause by selecting a new end date, though the system always respects the 35-day maximum from the current day.
Pausing differs from permanently disabling updates. When the pause ends, your device will still receive security updates and patches; only the major feature updates are held back. For organisations managing multiple devices, administrators can use group policies to defer updates more comprehensively.
Known issues before updating
Before installing any major Windows update, it’s worth checking Microsoft’s known issues page for your target version. Windows 11 version 25H2, for example, has experienced occasional problems with Remote Desktop Services, USB audio devices, and some third-party software. Checking the list beforehand gives you advance warning if an issue might affect your workflow. Microsoft typically resolves known issues within weeks of the update’s release; if an issue affects you, a follow-up patch usually arrives quickly.
Preparing for a feature update
Before installing a major Windows update, take these practical steps. First, back up your important files—use an external drive or cloud storage like OneDrive to save documents, photos, and other irreplaceable data. Second, make sure your device has plenty of free disk space, since feature updates need temporary space during installation and can fail or stall if storage is nearly full. Third, check that all your device drivers are up to date. If you’re using a printer, network adapter, or other peripheral, visit the manufacturer’s website and install any available driver updates beforehand.
Schedule the update for a time when you won’t need your device for a while, although the enablement package installs much faster than a full version upgrade. Plug in your device if it’s a laptop. If you’re working in an office or school environment, inform IT support beforehand in case the update affects network access or software functionality.
Support lifecycle and end-of-life dates
Each Windows 11 version receives security updates and bug fixes for approximately one year. Version 24H2, released in October 2024, reaches end of support on October 14, 2026. Version 25H2, which began rolling out in September 2025, will be supported until October 13, 2027. Version 26H1, expected in early 2026, will receive support until March 15, 2028. Once a version reaches end of support, Microsoft no longer releases security patches for it, leaving your device vulnerable to known threats. For this reason, updating to the latest version before the previous one’s end-of-life date is important for ongoing protection.
Home and Pro editions both follow the same support timeline. Enterprise editions often receive extended support periods, but consumer versions follow the modern lifecycle policy with shorter support windows to encourage timely updates.
Key points
- Windows 11 feature updates arrive annually using small enablement packages that activate pre-installed features
- Check your version via the Run command
winveror Settings > About - Pause updates for up to 35 days by opening Settings > Windows Update > Pause updates
- Before updating, back up files, free up disk space, and update device drivers
- Check Microsoft’s known issues page before installing a major update to anticipate potential problems
- Support for each version lasts roughly one year; update before your version reaches end of support to maintain security
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