- Microsoft reveals Windows 11 26H1 with build 28000 in the Canary Channel, confirming it’s not a major feature update.
- Instead, the release prepares the platform for next-generation Snapdragon X2 and NVIDIA N1X processors launching in early 2026.
- Feature development will continue under the 25H2 branch, and the next real upgrade won’t arrive until Windows 11 26H2 later in 2026.
Microsoft has confirmed Windows 11 26H1 with the release of build 28000 in the Canary Channel. This early release is a small update that mainly increments the version number to 26H1 and delivers a few bug fixes. You won’t find new features or major visual changes in this rollout.
According to the official announcement, Windows 11 26H1 isn’t a feature update following version 25H2. Instead, it focuses on under-the-hood platform changes that prepare the system for next-generation hardware, specifically upcoming Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 and NVIDIA N1X processors, which are expected to ship in new devices arriving in early 2026.
Microsoft also confirmed that new features will continue to be developed under the 25H2 branch, meaning that experimental additions and interface changes will still show up first in the Dev and Beta Channels of the Windows Insider Program for the time being.
Although the company is only now providing official confirmation, references to version 26H1 had already surfaced in previous Insider builds, sparking speculation about a possible new release. This announcement now clarifies that 26H1 primarily serves to enable hardware compatibility for upcoming silicon rather than introducing user-facing improvements.
It’s worth noting that Microsoft is maintaining its one-feature-update-per-year cadence. As a result, the next major release won’t arrive until Windows 11 version 26H2, which is expected sometime in September or October 2026. The company hasn’t shared details about that update yet, and we likely won’t hear more until early next year. As always, some new features may roll out gradually through monthly cumulative updates before the full release.
Finally, build 28000 also includes a few fixes for Live Captions and Outlook, as well as several known issues affecting the Start menu and Power & Battery settings.
Preview build download
To download and install this Windows 11 build, enroll your devices in the Canary Channel through the “Windows Insider Program” settings from the “Update & Security” section. Once you enroll the computer in the program, you can download the build from the “Windows Update” settings by turning on the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” option and clicking the “Check for Updates” button.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert and founder of Pureinfotech in 2010. With over 22 years as a technology writer and IT Specialist, Mauro specializes in Windows, software, and cross-platform systems such as Linux, Android, and macOS.
Certifications: Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), VMware Certified Professional (VCP), and CompTIA A+ and Network+.
Mauro is a recognized Microsoft MVP and has also been a long-time contributor to Windows Central.
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