Microsoft "Forces" Older Windows 11 PCs to Update
Microsoft has begun forcing upgrades on a number of PCs still running Windows 11 version 24H2. A forced upgrade is an automatic update that cannot be permanently postponed.
This policy applies to unmanaged devices by IT departments, specifically on Windows 11 Home and Pro editions.
According to the company’s Lifecycle Policy website, these devices will automatically be updated to Windows 11 version 25H2, also known as the Windows 11 2025 Update.
After that period passes, the devices will no longer receive updates, including bug fixes, time zone adjustments, technical support, and security patches.
Microsoft explains that the Windows 11 version 24H2 update is distributed automatically using a machine learning-based rollout system.
This system has reportedly been expanded to all unmanaged Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro edition devices.
“These devices will automatically receive the update to Windows 11 version 25H2 when ready. No action is required, and users can choose when to restart the device or temporarily postpone the update,” Microsoft states.
Although the update is automatic, users can still choose the time to restart the device or temporarily delay the update.
For users who wish to speed up the process, the update can be done manually via Settings > Windows Update, then download and install Windows 11 25H2.
Users who are not ready to update can also postpone it through Windows Update settings.
However, this option is only temporary because the Windows 11 version 24H2 update must still be installed after the postponement period ends.
Microsoft has even provided official guidance to help users address potential issues during the upgrade process to Windows 11 25H2.
One of them involves fixing Microsoft account login problems in various applications, such as Teams and OneDrive, as reported by KompasTekno from Bleeping Computer.
The company has also released an out-of-band update for Windows 11 Enterprise devices with the Hotpatch feature.
That update is intended to fix Bluetooth device visibility issues as well as a security vulnerability in the Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS).