Microsoft gears up for major Windows 11 update with new platform upgrades

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Microsoft has announced that it will soon begin testing important new updates for Windows 11. These updates will be part of new test versions (called builds) in the 26200 range. They are now available to people who are part of the Windows Insider Program, specifically in the Dev Channel. This testing is believed to be setting the stage for the next major Windows 11 update, version 25H2, which is expected to be released later this year.

Why Is Microsoft Making These Changes?

A report from Windows Central explains that these updates are necessary because of Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon X2 chip. This new processor will need special platform updates that, until now, were only available in the Canary Channel (another testing group for Windows updates). Microsoft is now adding these changes to the Dev Channel so that devices using the Snapdragon X2 can work better with Windows 11.

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What Is ‘Germanium’ and Why Is It Important?

The current version of Windows 11 (24H2) is built on something called Germanium, which is the foundation of the operating system. It looks like Microsoft will continue using Germanium for the next version (25H2) as well. While Microsoft has not officially confirmed this, they are already adding important new features to Germanium.

This means both Windows 11 versions—24H2 and 25H2—will likely share the same platform. This is a good thing because it will help Microsoft:

• Improve Windows Performance

• Strengthen security

• Fix bugs

• Make updates and upgrades easier for users

If both versions use the same foundation, Microsoft can deliver fixes and improvements faster without needing to make big changes every time.

Microsoft’s Plan to Reduce Confusion

Right now, there are three different platforms in use for Windows:

1. Vibranium – Used in Windows 10

2. Nickel – Used in Windows 11 (version 23H2)

3. Germanium – Used in Windows 11 (version 24H2)

Since Microsoft will stop supporting Windows 10 in October, they may use this opportunity to move more users to a single platform—probably Germanium. This would make it easier for them to manage updates in the future. However, there is also a chance that Microsoft might introduce a completely new platform, like Selenium, for newer versions of Windows.

When Will Windows 11 Version 25H2 Be Released?

Microsoft has not officially announced Windows 11 version 25H2 yet, but it is expected to arrive in the second half of 2025. Since support for both Windows 11 version 23H2 and Windows 10 version 22H2 will end later this year, this could be the perfect time for Microsoft to bring all users onto a more modern and unified Windows experience.