How to install Windows 11 26H2 (2026 Update)

Windows 11 26H2 officially launched and is rolling out gradually through Windows Update starting September 29, 2026.
The update can be installed through the Windows Insider Program or via a bootable USB drive and an ISO file.

Windows 11 26H2 (2026 Update) was officially released on September 29, 2026. You can now upgrade to the latest version through Windows Update or use other supported installation methods.

Windows 11 26H2 shares the same platform and servicing foundation as version 25H2 and 24H2, meaning the three releases are virtually identical under the hood. As a result, many of the features and improvements introduced during the development of version 26H2 have also been delivered to Windows 11 25H2 (and 24H2) through regular updates. The 26H2 release primarily enables the new version on supported devices without requiring a full operating system upgrade.

For devices already running Windows 11 25H2, upgrading to version 26H2 is handled through a small Enablement Package delivered through Windows Update. This approach activates the new version quickly because the underlying files and servicing foundation are already present on the device.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to upgrade to Windows 11 26H2, including how to check for the update through Windows Update and other installation methods.

Install Windows 11 26H2 using Windows Update
Install Windows 11 26H2 using Enablement Package
Install Windows 11 26H2 using bootable USB
Install Windows 11 26H2 using Insider Program
Pureinfotech’s Take

Important: It’s recommended to create a full backup of your computer in case you need to roll back in the event of an issue. You have been warned.

Install Windows 11 26H2 using Windows Update

To upgrade to Windows 11 26H2 manually from Windows Update starting September 29, 2026, follow these steps:

Open Settings on Windows 11.
Click on Windows Update.
Click the “Check for updates” button.
Turn on the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” toggle switch.
Click the “Download & install” button to install Windows 11 26H2.
Click the Restart now button.

After you complete the steps, the setup will upgrade the system to version 26H2.

Install Windows 11 26H2 using Enablement Package

To force the upgrade from version 24H2 or 25H2 to 26H2 manually with the official KB5121794 enablement package (eKB), follow these steps:

Open Settings.
Click on Windows Update.
Click the Check for updates button.
Click the Restart now button to apply the most recent updates.
Click to download the eKB for Intel and AMD (or this link for ARM64).
Save the enablement package on your computer from the Microsoft delivery servers.
Double-click the “.msu” file to launch the installer.
Click the Yes button to apply the upgrade.
Click the Restart now button.

After you complete the steps, the device will automatically upgrade to Windows 11 26H2 (2026 Update).

Install Windows 11 26H2 using bootable USB

You can also download the ISO file containing the latest Windows 11 26H2 to create a bootable USB for a clean install.

Before proceeding, make sure your device is configured to boot from a USB flash drive. This may require changing the UEFI firmware settings. Since these settings vary by device, it’s best to visit your computer manufacturer’s support page for detailed instructions.

To perform a clean install of Windows 11 26H2 from a USB bootable media, follow these steps:

Start the PC with the Windows 11 26H2 USB flash drive.
Press any key to continue.
Choose the installation language and format.
Click the Next button.
Choose the keyboard and input method.
Click the Next button.
Select the “Install Windows 11” option.
Check the “I agree everything” option to confirm that this process will delete everything on the computer.
Click the “I don’t have a product key” option.

Quick note: The computer will activate automatically after reinstallation. If this is a new computer, you must provide a product key. You can always provide the product key to activate later through the Settings app.
Select the edition of “Windows 11” your license key activates (if applicable).
Click the Next button.
Click the Accept button
Select each partition on the hard drive where you want to install Windows 11 26H2 and click the Delete button. (Usually, “Drive 0” is the drive that contains all the installation files.)
Select the hard drive (Drive 0 Unallocated Space) to install the operating system.
Click the Next button.
Click the Install button.
Choose your region setting on the first page of the out-of-the-box experience (OOBE) after the installation.
Click the Yes button.
Select your keyboard layout setting.
Click the Yes button.
Click the Skip button if you do not need to configure a second layout.
The computer will automatically connect to the network using an Ethernet connection. You must set up the connection manually on a wireless connection (a security key may be required).
(Optional) Confirm a name for the computer.

OOBE User Folder Name setting / Image: Microsoft
(Optional) Confirm the user folder name for your account.
Click the Next button.
Select the “Set up for personal use” option for Windows 11 Pro. This option is not available for the “Home” edition.
Click the Next button.
Click the Sign in button.
Confirm your Microsoft account email to create a Windows 11 account.
Click the Next button.
Confirm your Microsoft account password.
Click the Next button.
Click the Create PIN button.
Create a new four-digit Windows Hello PIN.
Click the OK button.
Choose your privacy setting that best suits your preferences.
Click the Next button.
Click the Next button again.
Click the Accept button.
Click the More options setting.

Quick tip: You can also click the “Restore from this PC” button to restore your files, apps, settings, and credentials from the system backup available in your OneDrive account. You can learn more about the Windows Backup app in this guide.
Click the “Set up as a new PC” option.
Click the “Set up as a new PC” option again.
(Optional) On the “Let’s customize your experience” page, select one or more ways you plan to use the device to allow the operating system to suggest tools and service customization during this experience.
Click the Accept button to continue. Or click the Skip button to skip this part of the setup.
(Optional) Use the code to link your Android phone or click the Skip option.
(Optional) Use the code to download the OneDrive on your phone or click the Skip option.
Click the “Not now” button if you will be using a browser other than Microsoft Edge.

After completing the steps, Windows 11 26H2 will complete the clean installation on the computer.

Install Windows 11 26H2 using Insider Program

After September 29, 2026, you no longer need to enroll a device in the Windows Insider Program to get the latest Windows 11 update. However, I’ll be leaving the steps in this guide for reference.

To upgrade to Windows 11 26H2 early from version 25H2 or 24H2 using the Windows Insider Program, follow these steps:

Open Settings.
Click on Windows Update.
Click the Windows Insider Program page.
Click the Get started button.
Click the “Continue” button to join the program with your currently logged-in Microsoft account.

Quick note: You may need to click the “Edit” button to select a Microsoft account.
Click the Continue button.
Click the Advanced options button.
Turn on the “Show Release Preview” toggle switch.
Select the “Release Preview” option under the “Select your experience” section.
Click the Restart button.
Open Settings after the reboot.
Click on Windows Update.
Turn on the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” toggle switch.
Click the “Check for updates” button.
Windows 11 build 26200.9278 (25H2), build 26100.9278 (24H2), or a higher release will be installed on the computer (if applicable).
Click the Restart now button.
Open Settings after the reboot.
Click on Windows Update.
Click the “Check for updates” button.
Click the “Download & install” option for “Windows 11, version 26H2 is available”.
Click the Restart now button.

Once you complete the steps, the system will download and install the Windows 11 2026 Update. Additionally, the computer will continue to receive preview builds (approximately every week) from this channel, featuring new features, changes, and fixes.

Pureinfotech’s Take

Windows 11 26H2 is now available, but I don’t see a compelling reason to force the upgrade immediately. Since 26H2 shares the same platform as 24H2 and 25H2, many of the features and improvements are already available through regular updates.

If Windows Update offers 26H2, I recommend installing it. If it isn’t available yet, I would wait rather than forcing the upgrade with an ISO or Enablement Package. The new version doesn’t bring enough changes to justify taking unnecessary risks on a working computer.

For those who want the latest version immediately, the Enablement Package provides a quick way to move from 25H2 to 26H2 without a full operating system upgrade.

Are you installing Windows 11 26H2 now, or waiting for Windows Update to offer it? Let me know in the comments.

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