It’s upgrade time for Windows users.
NurPhoto via Getty Images
Updated on Dec. 8 with updates forecast for this week’s Patch Tuesday.
December has only just started, and Microsoft is already busy with the latest set of broken Windows reports, the hangover from the end of Windows 10 and the slow uptake for its replacement. Now the Windows-maker is taking action.
The news that as many as 500 million users may have PCs eligible for Windows 11 but are choosing not to upgrade was a major surprise. Now Microsoft is giving all those PC owners — plus Windows 11 users without the latest updates — a push.
Per Neowin, Microsoft has confirmed that it is now allowing all supported systems download and install Windows 11 25H2. Whether you are on Windows 11 or Windows 10, users can opt to upgrade to the 2025 feature update provided they have a system that meets the system requirements of Windows 11.”
This despite ongoing issues. Windows Latest warns the latest Windows 11 update “can fail to install due to errors like 0x80070306. But if the update does apply, it will break dark mode in File Explorer and also cause problems with Intel Arc GPU drivers.”
Neowin points out these issues “mainly affects certain enterprise systems,” but that “does not mean that personal computers are not affected.”
If you are affected, Microsoft says it’s “working on a resolution,” albeit there’s no timeline as yet. If you’re an enterprise user, this is an IT Support fix. If you’re a home users with issues, you’re waiting for the usual patches to roll out and install.
Meanwhile, to get the level-setting Windows 11 upgrade, Microsoft says “you can check if the update is available by selecting Settings > Windows Update and selecting Check for updates. If your device is ready for the update, you’ll see the option to Download and install Windows 11, version 25H2.” That only works for eligible PCs, though.
Microsoft’s decision to give all Windows 11 and Windows 10 users this new upgrade toggle is not the only new news. Per Windows Latest, Microsoft has also confirmed it’ll auto download Windows 11 25H2 using ‘machine-learning’ based approach.”
Microsoft says this “machine learning-based intelligent rollout has begun for devices running Home and Pro editions of Windows 11, version 24H2 that are not managed by IT departments.” It’s a gradual rollout in which ”these devices will automatically receive the update to Windows 11, version 25H2 when they’re ready.”
Windows Latest explains what this means: “Microsoft is not talking about just ‘offering’ it like a normal download and install feature update. Instead, Windows Update will silently download version 25H2 in the background and let you decide if you want to install the update or postpone it.” And that decision is based on machine learning.
The world of Windows is already busy, but could be about to get busier still. The last Patch Tuesday of 2025 is almost here, and is forecast to be “on par with what we saw last month. The usual Windows 10 LTSC, Windows 11, and supported Server versions 2016-2025 will see a moderate number of CVEs addressed.”
But for Windows 10 users yet to upgrade — or who cannot upgrade, there’s an added dimension now. Two months since Windows 10 support ended, and every CVE is a vulnerability that will remain unpatched for any PCs not enrolled in the ESU.
Dell suggested on a recent analyst call that a staggering 500 million Windows 10 PC owners can upgrade to Windows 11 but have decided not to — at least not yet. A further 500 million cannot upgrade, lacking the prerequisite security hardware.
Windows Central says that “on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, Microsoft is expected to begin rolling out the final Patch Tuesday update of 2025 for Windows 11, which introduces several significant features, improvements, and bug fixes.”
Those updates will include a new Quick Machine Recovery default configuration. While “the Quick Machine Recovery feature isn’t new to this update, Microsoft is updating how it works.” This was heralded as a major innovation when it first appeared, to help PCs recover from update fails among other things, and so more updates are welcome.
The worrying news, is that this week could bring plenty of the kind of updates that typically have hangover issues post PCs updating.
“The Settings app is getting a slew of improvements on the Home page with the addition of a new ‘Device info’ card. The ‘About’ page is getting another redesign. The Mobile Devices options are now integrated into the Settings app. Virtual Workspaces make it easier to manage virtualization features on Windows 11. More keyboard and mouse settings are coming to the app from Control Panel, and more.”
