Windows 11 26H2 Launch Imminent; 26H1 Devices Excluded
WHO:
BleepingComputer - Microsoft is the organization confirming the upcoming Windows 11 version 26H2.
VideoCardz.com - Microsoft is also the organization detailing the update process for Windows 11 26H2.
WHAT:
BleepingComputer - Windows 11 version 26H2 will change the operating system's build number to 26300 upon installation.
VideoCardz.com - Windows 11 26H2 will be available to Windows Insiders through the Experimental channel, with wider testing planned later through Release Preview.
VideoCardz.com - Windows 11 26H1 is based on a different Windows core than 24H2, 25H2, and 26H2, confirming it remains a separate branch for select new silicon.
BleepingComputer - Windows 11 version 26H2 will be the next feature update for Windows 11.
BleepingComputer - Devices running Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2 can upgrade to 26H2 using a small enablement package.
VideoCardz.com - Windows 11 26H2 will be a small update for devices running 24H2 and 25H2.
VideoCardz.com - Devices running Windows 11 26H1 will not be able to update to version 26H2.
WHERE:
BleepingComputer - The announcement and testing are taking place within the Microsoft ecosystem, specifically in the Dev Channel for Windows Insiders.
WHEN:
VideoCardz.com - Windows 11 26H1 is confirmed to be available on new devices with select hardware coming to market in early 2026, specifically for Snapdragon X2 systems.
BleepingComputer - Microsoft has not announced a specific date for when Windows 11 26H2 will become generally available, but previous H2 updates were released in the fall.
VideoCardz.com - Windows 11 26H1 is confirmed to be available on new devices with select hardware coming to market in early 2026.
WHY:
BleepingComputer - The upgrade process aims to deliver a predictable, low-disruption update experience for organizations and IT professionals.
VideoCardz.com - The update path is designed to be closer to a monthly update rather than a full system replacement, minimizing deployment disruption.
HOW:
BleepingComputer - The upgrade to Windows 11 26H2 for supported devices will be delivered through a small enablement package (eKB) that activates dormant features already on the device.
BleepingComputer - Upgrading from Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2 to 26H2 requires only a quick restart, while upgrading from 23H2 and older releases requires a full update of 6.5 GB.
VideoCardz.com - The installation size for the enablement package is only 174 KB.
(UPDATED June 23, 2026 08:11 UTC)
Windows 11 version 26H2 will change the operating system's build number to 26300 upon installation and will be available to Windows Insiders through the Experimental channel, with wider testing planned later through Release Preview. It's important to note that Windows 11 26H1 is based on a different core than the other versions, confirming it remains a separate branch for select new silicon. This version is confirmed to be available on new devices with select hardware, specifically for Snapdragon X2 systems, coming to market in early 2026.
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(UPDATED June 23, 2026 06:23 UTC)
Microsoft has confirmed that the next feature update for Windows 11 will be version 26H2, and they are detailing the update process for this release. Devices currently running Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2 will be able to upgrade to 26H2 using a small enablement package, which is just 174 KB in size, while those on version 26H1 will not be eligible for this update. Although a specific release date has not been announced, previous H2 updates typically launch in the fall, with new devices featuring Windows 11 26H1 expected to hit the market in early 2026.