23H2 UPG to 25H2: Install Assistant and Repair install w/in-place UPG

Attempting to upgrade to 25H2 on a compatible laptop running 23H2, which has updates. Passed the compatibility check. It appears using Install Assistant will do a fresh install. Not good. I've backed up with a Macrium (free ver 8) image plus copied files. Question is does Install Assistant actually do a fresh install or will it upgrade to 25H2 w/o hosing settings, etc.?

If so, from reading this forum it seems the only other solution = using an ISO and doing a Repair Install w/in place Upgrade. That is spelled out well, from Ghot and others. I'd rather use an 'enablement package' and upg to 24H2 if that's easier. Then go to 25H2 at a later point. Is there a package for that from the Windows Update release channel?

Thanks in advance for any feedback.

23h2 to 24h2 is a complete reinstall. The 'enablement package' only works from 24h2 to 25h
I can't say anything about Install Assistant as I never used.
I always do an in place upgrade (by running setup of a mounted iso file) and I think it's the best solution
Don't forget to disable any antivirus other then MS Security.