Windows 11 25H2 and Office Apps Get Faster

This Week in IT, Microsoft has started working on the next version of Windows 11, Microsoft Office apps are getting a performance boost, and AI capabilities are coming to Entra ID.

Links and resources

• Microsoft begins testing next phase of Windows 11 | Windows Central
• Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26200.5510 (Dev Channel) | Windows Insider Blog
• Microsoft Office Apps to Add New Startup Boost Feature
• New innovations in Microsoft Entra to strengthen AI security and identity protection | Microsoft Community Hub
• Microsoft Entra Enhances AI Security & Identity Protection

Episode overview

This Week in IT, Russell covers recent developments in Microsoft’s ecosystem, particularly focusing on Windows 11 and its associated products and features:

• AI-Driven Security Enhancements: New AI features in Entra ID aim to improve security by automating policy management and identifying security gaps in cloud-based identity management.
• Windows 11 Updates: Microsoft has begun releasing new builds of Windows 11 (26200) to Insider Preview users, providing compatibility with upcoming Snapdragon X2 Elite chips. 
• Performance Challenges: The release of Windows 11 build 24H2 has caused several issues due to major architectural changes, leading to a cautious rollout by Microsoft.
• Future Windows Versions: Windows 11 25H2 is expected to be based on the same platform as 24H2, potentially allowing for a smoother upgrade process with fewer issues.
• Organizational Upgrades: Many organizations are transitioning to Windows 11 as Windows 10 approaches its end of life in October 2025, which may prompt hardware refreshes.
• Copilot+ PC Compatibility: Microsoft is currently focusing on Intel and AMD Copilot+ PCs for business, as Snapdragon devices lack robust compatibility.