KB5054156: Feature Update to Windows 11 Version 25H2 via Enablement Package
KB5054156 upgrades Windows 11 from version 24H2 to 25H2 using a small enablement package that activates dormant features with a single restart.
Summary
KB5054156 is a feature update enablement package that upgrades Windows 11 devices from version 24H2 to version 25H2. Because both versions share identical system files and a common core OS, the 25H2 features already exist on 24H2 devices in a dormant state. This package acts as a master switch, activating those features with a single restart. See Microsoft Support for the official page.
Improvements and fixes
- Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2 share a common core OS and an identical set of system files, so 25H2 features are already present on 24H2 devices but remain inactive until this package is applied.
- The enablement package serves as a small, quick-to-install switch that activates all Windows 11, version 25H2 features without requiring a full OS reinstall or lengthy update process.
- Upgrading from version 24H2 to version 25H2 requires only a single restart, which reduces update downtime compared to a traditional feature update deployment.
- Devices receiving updates directly from Windows Update or WSUS will get the enablement package automatically when the feature update to Windows 11, version 25H2 is offered and installed.
Known issues
Microsoft lists no known issues for this update at the time of writing.
How to get this update
Prerequisite: Before applying this enablement package, the device must already be running Windows 11, version 24H2. You must also have KB5064081 (OS Builds 26100.5074) - the August 29, 2025 Preview cumulative update - or a later cumulative update installed.
Windows Update: The update is downloaded and installed automatically. It appears in Windows Update as the feature update named "Windows 11, version 25H2."
Windows Server Update Services (WSUS): The update synchronizes automatically with WSUS when you configure Product as "Windows 11" and Classification as "Upgrades." It appears as the feature update named "Windows 11, version 25H2."
Microsoft Update Catalog: The update is available through other release channels via the Update Catalog.
Restart required: A device restart is required after applying this update.
Update replacement: This update does not replace any previously released update.
Frequently asked questions
Why is a full OS reinstall not needed to move from 24H2 to 25H2?
Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2 share an identical set of system files and a common core OS. The 25H2 features are already present on any fully patched 24H2 device but remain dormant. The enablement package simply activates them, so no additional files need to be laid down and no full reinstall is required.
What is the minimum software requirement before applying KB5054156?
The device must be running Windows 11, version 24H2, and must have KB5064081 - the August 29, 2025 Preview cumulative update (OS Builds 26100.5074) - or any later cumulative update installed. Without this prerequisite in place, the enablement package cannot be applied.
Will WSUS environments receive this update automatically?
Yes. If you have WSUS configured with Product set to "Windows 11" and Classification set to "Upgrades," the enablement package will synchronize automatically. It appears in the console as the feature update named "Windows 11, version 25H2" and behaves like any other upgrade-class update for approval and deployment purposes.
How much downtime should administrators expect during the upgrade?
Because the enablement package is described as small and quick to install, and the upgrade requires only a single restart, downtime is significantly lower than a traditional feature update. The exact restart duration is not specified, but the single-restart requirement makes this a practical option for scoped, low-disruption deployments across managed fleets.
