More Devices Now Eligible for October Feature Update
Microsoft has quietly lifted several safeguard holds that were preventing devices from upgrading to Windows 11 version 25H2, its October 2025 feature update. The change expands eligibility for both consumer and enterprise endpoints, especially those previously flagged for compatibility issues.
What Are Safeguard Holds?
Safeguard holds are temporary blocks Microsoft places on devices that may encounter known issues during an OS upgrade. These can include:
- Driver conflicts
- App compatibility problems
- Hardware-specific bugs
- Third-party antivirus or VPN interference
By lifting these holds, Microsoft signals that the underlying issues have been resolved or mitigated.
Real-World Impact
For IT admins, this means:
- Devices previously stuck on 24H2 or older builds may now automatically receive 25H2 via Windows Update.
- Update compliance dashboards in Intune and Endpoint Manager may show sudden spikes in upgrade eligibility.
- Deployment rings and feature update policies may need to be revisited to avoid unintended rollouts.
One admin shared, “We had 80 endpoints blocked due to a legacy VPN client. After the hold lifted, they all queued for 25H2 overnight. Good news — but also a surprise.”
What You Should Do
- Review Update Compliance reports to track newly eligible devices.
- Revalidate driver and app compatibility before approving 25H2 rollout.
- Adjust Group Policy or MDM settings if you want to delay the upgrade.
- Monitor Windows Release Health dashboard for any reintroduced holds.
What’s in 25H2?
Windows 11 25H2 is being delivered as an enablement package, meaning it activates features already present in 24H2. Key enhancements include:
- Copilot refinements
- Start menu UX tweaks
- Performance and security improvements
Safeguard holds are a double-edged sword — they protect users from known issues, but they also delay access to new features. If you’re managing a mixed environment, this is your cue to audit your update strategy and validate readiness for 25H2.
Did your devices just become eligible for 25H2? Planning to roll it out or hold back? Share your upgrade strategy — we’re all navigating this rollout together.
