Overview: Windows 11 25H2 lands with caveats
The Windows 11 25H2 feature update—often referred to as the fall upgrade—has begun rolling out to eligible devices. While Microsoft markets it as a step forward with refinements and new capabilities, reporting from tech outlets like Windows Latest indicates that the rollout is proceeding with four well-documented bugs that could affect everyday users. For those weighing an upgrade, it’s important to understand these issues, how they might impact your workflow, and what you can do to stay protected while staying on a stable system.
The four known bugs in 25H2
1) DRM-protected file playback failures
Some users report problems playing files that rely on digital rights management (DRM). In practice, media or streaming content protected by DRM may fail to start or skip unexpectedly after the 25H2 upgrade. The impact can range from minor playback glitches to complete inability to access certain purchased or rented media. A practical approach is to ensure all media players and codecs are up to date, and as a precaution, keep unencrypted copies of important content where allowed by license terms.
2) Problems sharing files via SMBv1
Another reported issue concerns sharing files over SMB v1. For environments that still depend on older servers or devices using SMBv1, you may see connection drops, slow transfers, or failed shares after updating. While SMBv1 is deprecated for security reasons, many legacy setups rely on it. If SMBv1 is essential in your network, consider testing in a controlled environment and plan a transition to SMBv2/3 where feasible, while temporarily limiting affected devices until a patch or workaround is released.
3) Media Creation Tool not working on ARM devices
ARM-based computers—such as certain Windows tablets and newer ARM laptops—may encounter issues with the Media Creation Tool, preventing users from creating installation media for 25H2. This can complicate in-place upgrades or clean installations for ARM devices. A common workaround is to use an official ISO file or the Microsoft Upgrade Assistant when available for ARM, but be prepared for potential compatibility delays on some hardware configurations.
4) Windows Update Standalone Installer (WUSA) issues
Some users experience failures when attempting to install updates through Windows Update Standalone Installer (WUSA) outside the standard update flow. This can leave systems with critical patches pending or require extra troubleshooting steps. Typical remedies include running built-in troubleshooters, verifying administrative rights, and ensuring system integrity with tools like SFC or DISM before attempting a manual WUSA install again.
What this means for you as a Windows 11 user
Four documented bugs like these can significantly affect productivity, especially on devices used for media work, file sharing in mixed environments, or ARM-based hardware where upgrade paths are tighter. The presence of these issues doesn’t automatically indicate a faulty device; it instead reflects the growing complexity of Windows ecosystems, where one update must support a wide array of hardware and software configurations. If your daily work relies heavily on DRM-protected media, network file shares, or ARM installations, you’ll want to weigh the benefits of the 25H2 upgrade against the possible interruptions.
Practical steps and best practices
To minimize disruption while awaiting a more stable release, consider these best practices:
- Back up essential data before upgrading, using multiple formats if possible (cloud and local copies).
- Test the 25H2 upgrade on a non-critical device first to gauge whether DRM playback, SMB sharing, or ARM-related tools are affected.
- Check for firmware and driver updates from hardware manufacturers, as these can affect compatibility with Windows 11 updates.
- If you encounter WUSA failures, run the Windows Update Troubleshooter, check system integrity with SFC/DISM, and verify you have administrative rights.
- Consider deferring the upgrade if you rely on legacy SMB equipment or specialized media workflows until Microsoft or hardware partners release targeted fixes.
Should you upgrade now or wait?
For everyday users, the decision to upgrade should hinge on your current needs and tolerance for potential hiccups. If your setup includes DRM-heavy media workflows, legacy SMB setups, or ARM devices with limited upgrade tooling, a cautious approach—waiting for a cumulative fix or a subsequent update—may be prudent. Those who can operate in a standard desktop environment with current hardware may still benefit from the new features and security improvements, provided they’ve prepared for the known issues and have a robust rollback plan in case problems arise.
Conclusion
The Windows 11 25H2 rollout delivers a mix of enhancements along with four widely reported bugs. By staying informed through credible sources like Windows Latest and following practical workarounds, you can better manage the upgrade process and minimize downtime. As Microsoft continues to refine the release, future cumulative updates should address these issues and stabilize the experience for a broader range of devices.
