Who would have guessed? The next major feature update for Windows 11 is, drum roll, version 26H2. It is a continuation of Microsoft’s current strategy of releasing one major update for its Windows 11 operating system each year.
But what about Windows 11 version 26H1 you may ask? Did not Microsoft release it this year already? Yes and no, actually. While it is true that Microsoft did indeed release Windows 11 version 26h1, it was neither a full-blown feature update nor a widespread release.
First released on February 10, 2026, it was designed specifically to support new hardware. Originally designed for the Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 chip, it will also support Nvidia RTX Spark silicon.
The update is pre-installed exclusively on devices that are powered by these chips. There is no direct upgrade path for existing Windows systems that use hardware from Intel or AMD.
Windows 11, version 26H2 release information
The next feature update for Windows 11 will install as quickly as any other update, as it is based on the same servicing model as Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2. This means, that it will install fast on any device that runs these versions of Windows 11.
The same is not true for older Windows 11 versions or upgrades from Windows 10. These will take longer to install and will require multiple restarts.
Interestingly enough, devices that run Windows 11, version 26H1 won’t receive the feature update. Microsoft will likely release version 27H1 for them in the first half of 2027.
Regarding support, Windows 11, version 26H2 is supported for 24 or 36 months, depending on the version:
- 24 months of support for Home, Pro, Pro EDU, and Pro for Workstations editions
- 36 months of support for Enterprise, Education, IoT Enterprise, and Enterprise Multi-session editions
As always, it is a good idea to skip the update in the beginning. The main reason are undiscovered bugs and issues. All previous Windows 11 feature updates had bugs and some of them were discovered after release. So, to reduce the risk of problems while installing the new version or running it on PC, it is recommended to wait.
I’ll always wait 365 days unless there is a compelling reason to update. And, guess what? There never is such a reason. But even if this time there is a good new feature that I want, I’ll do without it for a few months while the beta testers (i.e., users) experience all the bugs and attempted fixes.
If Microsoft really means what they say about improving the user experience, there should be fewer updates combined with more testing. There are numerous problems with Windows, but unreliable updates are probably the biggest one.
I just want my pc to keep working, not constantly forking changing like my phone. It’s infuriating when you go to use an app and your have to relearn it before you can do whatever it was you opened it for.
“Features” should be optional not shoved in my face. Under the hood updates, fine, UI changes, leave my stuff alone!
M$ is well known for it’s “Break it first, fix it later, can haz data!” Mantra. I can see it, some guys sitting in a boardroom – “If we make thier system fail, they’ll run the troubleshooter which will collect much more personal data then we would get otherwise…”
Our pc’s are still on 24H2 and will stay there until October at which point we’ll move to 25H2 and stay there until it’s EOL.