NeuroAgent

Updating to Windows 11 25H2: Automatic or Manual

How to properly update Windows 11 to version 25H2 on an ASUS Vivobook with i5-7300HQ processor. Learn about installation methods, compatibility, and troubleshooting.

Question

How does the update to Windows 11 25H2 occur: automatically through Windows updates or is manual installation required? I’m using Windows 11 23H2 and didn’t receive the update to 24H2. After installing the 25H2 update through Windows Update Center, the system version still displays as 23H2. My ASUS Vivobook is equipped with an i5-7300HQ processor. Is this related to the inability to automatically update, and how do I properly install the new Windows 11 version?

NeuroAgent

Updating to Windows 11 25H2 can occur either automatically through Windows Update or manually, depending on your system and hardware. Your situation with the ASUS Vivobook and i5-7300HQ processor explains the difficulties with automatic updating.

Table of Contents

Automatic Windows 11 25H2 Update

Windows 11 25H2 (Windows 11 2025 Update) is gradually being rolled out through Windows Update for most users. According to research, computers running Windows 11 Home and Pro are receiving this update automatically, but the process depends on several factors:

  • Phased rollout: Microsoft uses a phased deployment approach where devices receive the update gradually source
  • Distribution criteria: PCs running 22H2 or 23H2 (Home/Pro) typically get 24H2 automatically unless the update has been deferred source
  • Hardware limitations: Your i5-7300HQ processor (7th generation) has limited support in Windows 11, which may prevent automatic updating source

The issue of displaying version 23H2 after installing the 25H2 update indicates that the update was not fully installed or adapted to your hardware.

Manual Installation via Enablement Package

The fastest and most reliable way to upgrade to 25H2 is by using the Enablement Package (KB5054156). This method is suitable for users on Windows 11 24H2:

  1. Download the Enablement Package from the official Microsoft server source
  2. Save the file (windows11.0-kb5054156-x64.msu) to your computer
  3. Double-click the .msu file to launch the installer
  4. Click Yes to apply the update
  5. Restart your computer after installation completes source

Important: The Enablement Package is a small file of about 200 KB that activates the 25H2 update features source

Checking Windows Version

After installing the 25H2 update, you should see the correct version parameters. To check:

  • Through Windows Settings: Go to System → About
  • Command Prompt: Open Command Prompt and run winver
  • PowerShell: Run Get-ComputerInfo | Select-Object WindowsVersion, OsVersion

The correct parameters for Windows 11 25H2 are:

  • Version: 25H2
  • Build number: 26200.xxxx (after installing KB5054156) source
  • If still showing 23H2: This indicates an installation issue

i5-7300HQ Processor Compatibility

Your Intel Core i5-7300HQ processor (7th generation) creates certain challenges:

  • Limited support: Windows 11 has limited support for 7th generation processors source
  • Update requirements: Windows 11 25H2 requires a compatible 64-bit processor with a clock speed of at least 1 GHz and two or more cores source
  • SSE4.2 support: Your processor supports SSE4.2, which theoretically allows upgrading to version 25H2 source

For 7th generation processors, Microsoft offers an Extended Support program (ESU) until November 2026 if automatic updating is not possible source.

Alternative Installation Methods

If the Enablement Package doesn’t work, consider other options:

Using Installation Assistant

  1. Download and run the Installation Assistant utility
  2. Click “Update and install”
  3. Restart your computer source

Clean Installation via ISO

  1. Download the Windows 11 25H2 ISO source
  2. Create a bootable USB drive
  3. Perform a clean installation or in-place upgrade

Bypassing Hardware Requirements

For systems that don’t meet Windows 11 requirements, there are methods to bypass TPM 2.0 and security requirements source.

Troubleshooting Update Issues

Problems with displaying version 23H2 after installing the update may be caused by:

  1. Residual profile files: Remove old user profiles before updating source
  2. Incompatible drivers: Update or reinstall drivers, especially for ASUS hardware source
  3. Insufficient disk space: Ensure there’s enough space on your system drive for the update source
  4. Entra ID issues: Create a local administrator for proper profile migration source

For your ASUS Vivobook, you may also need to reinstall special ASUS utilities like SmartGesture after the update source.


Conclusion

  1. Automatic updating of Windows 11 25H2 is possible but limited by hardware compatibility - your i5-7300HQ processor may not meet Microsoft’s full requirements
  2. Enablement Package (KB5054156) is the fastest way to manually upgrade from 24H2 to 25H2
  3. Version checking should show “25H2” with build 26200.xxxx; if it shows 23H2, the installation was incomplete
  4. Alternative methods include Installation Assistant, clean installation via ISO, or bypassing hardware requirements
  5. Recommendation: For your ASUS Vivobook, first try the Enablement Package, then check the version. If the issue persists, consider a clean installation or Microsoft’s Extended Support program

For more information about your hardware’s compatibility with Windows 11 25H2, it’s recommended to contact ASUS support or research Microsoft’s ESU program for Windows 10/11.

Sources

  1. Microsoft Windows Operating System support for Intel 7th generation processors
  2. How to install Windows 11 25H2 using Enablement Package
  3. Windows 11 KB5066835 and KB5066793 updates released
  4. Bypass Windows 11 25H2 Requirements
  5. How to check if Windows 11 is installed on your PC
  6. Windows 11 25H2 Installation Assistant
  7. Windows 11 23H2 not upgrading to newer version
  8. Problem installing Windows 11 2025-10 Cumulative Update
  9. How to fix Windows 11 23H2 update failure
  10. I’ve upgraded to Win 11 25h2 and had a nice surprise