MC1301827 – M365 Change Digest

One-line summary

Admins can now in-place upgrade Windows Server 2019/2022 to Server 2025 via Windows Update, using a new manual opt-in path with prerequisites for eligible devices.

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Windows Update can be used to perform an in-place upgrade of Windows Server without installation media. This Windows Server feature update can help move Windows Server 2022 or Windows Server 2019 installations to Windows Server 2025, following the same process used to download monthly updates through Windows Update.

Upgrading helps keep your servers secure, supported, and able to use the latest features and performance improvements. Plan your installation and learn about the in-place upgrade paths by version, prerequisites, and restrictions, at Opt-In Windows Server 2025 Feature Update from the WS 2022 and WS 2019 Settings Dialog.

When will this happen:

This feature update path is available now. To see the Windows Server 2025 offer in Settings > Windows Update, servers must meet these update baselines:

Windows Server 2022: March 2026 Cumulative Update (KB5078766) or later.
Windows Server 2019: March 2026 Cumulative Update (KB5078752) or later.

As always, we recommend you install the latest security update for your device as it contains important improvements and issue resolutions.

Please note that additional steps are required to display the upgrade offer. See the resources in the Additional Information section.

How this will affect your organization:

In-place upgrade is ideal for when you want the fastest path to a newer version on the same hardware. It keeps you on the same hardware, and you can avoid re-installing applications and services after only a device restart.

Once the manual steps to enable this upgrade path have been completed, an upgrade banner appears in Windows Update. An administrator must manually click Download and Install to trigger the upgrade.

What you need to do to prepare:

If you're considering the in-place upgrade for your organization, note that there are also prerequisites and restrictions to consider. Ensure you have a valid product key and activation method for the target version. Also, note that not all roles support in-place upgrade. Additionally, an opt-in registry key must be added to enable this upgrade path on qualifying devices. Study the information in the Additional Information links for complete details.

Additional information:

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    "ai_actions": [
      "Review upgrade prerequisites and restrictions",
      "Install March 2026 Cumulative Update or later",
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    "ai_summary": "Admins can now in-place upgrade Windows Server 2019/2022 to Server 2025 via Windows Update, using a new manual opt-in path with prerequisites for eligible devices.",
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    "title": "Upgrade to Windows Server 2025, now via Windows Update"
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