Microsoft recently released the Windows 11 Insider Build 27842 to the Canary channel, where it tests early builds and experimental features for advanced users and developers.
In this particular build, Windows watcher XenoPanther discovered a reference to “GE25H2” in the “Appraiserres.dl” file, suggesting the upcoming Windows 11 25H2 update.
The “GE25H2” reference likely relates to the “Germanium 25H2” platform, which is based on the same platform as the current Windows 11 24H2. This suggests there won’t be a platform shift with the upcoming Windows 11 25H2 update. It will primarily be an enablement package, rather than a complete system update.
Microsoft initially launched Windows 11 21H2 on the Cobalt platform in 2021. Subsequent releases, including Windows 11 22H2 and 23H2, were built on the Nickel platform. With the Windows 11 24H2 update, Microsoft transitioned to the Germanium platform, and it’s expected that the Germanium platform will be carried over for the upcoming Windows 11 25H2 update as well.
Given that Microsoft is still working to address numerous bugs in the current Windows 11 version 24H2 due to a platform shift, it’s reassuring that the company plans to stay on the same platform for the 25H2 update.
Windows 10 support is set to end in October 2025, which is also when Microsoft typically releases the next major update. It looks like new Windows 11 features, including the revamped Start menu, may be introduced with the 25H2 update around the same time.
