Windows 11 26H1 vs 26H2: The real differences – and who actually gets each update

• Windows 11 26H1 is a hardware-optimized release for new Copilot+ PCs powered by next-gen Snapdragon X2 chips.
• Version 26H1 will ship preinstalled on select ARM devices and is not a feature upgrade for existing computers.
• Windows 11 26H2 is the annual feature update for current devices running 25H2.
• Version 26H2 installs as an enablement package on 25H2, unlocking features already present in the codebase.

Microsoft is preparing to release Windows 11 26H2 in late 2026. At the same time, the company also plans to release version 26H1 early in the year, with a public quality update already available, and this overlap is causing confusion among users.

If you’re trying to understand the difference between Windows 11 26H2 and 26H1, this guide breaks down the key comparisons to clarify what’s actually happening.

Difference between Windows 11 26H2 and 26H1

Although it may seem logical that your device will receive two feature updates in 2026, that’s not the case. If you have an existing device with a processor from Intel, AMD, or Qualcomm released before 2026, your computer will only receive version 26H2.

On the other hand, if you purchase a new Copilot+ PC powered by the next-generation Snapdragon X2 series processors, your device will ship preinstalled with version 26H1.

Windows 11 26H1 will be officially available in the spring. This is a special version of the operating system designed exclusively for ARM-based devices, specifically for the next-generation Qualcomm processors expected to arrive in April 2026.

This version was also expected to support NVIDIA N1X processors. However, it appears NVIDIA is delaying the release of that silicon as the company continues prioritizing its AI initiatives.

According to Microsoft’s Windows Health Dashboard support page, version 26H1 is a hardware-optimized release designed to enable next-generation silicon developed in partnership with device manufacturers and silicon partners. This release will be available exclusively as a preinstalled experience on select new devices beginning in early 2026, with capabilities tailored specifically for those platforms.

When Microsoft says it will release version 26H1 with capabilities tailored specifically for those platforms, it is referring to platform-level optimizations. You should not expect new features or visual changes in this release.

How Windows 11 26H2 will be delivered

Windows 11 26H2 is the next version of the operating system, expected to launch in the fall, and will be the annual feature update for existing devices running Windows 11.

However, although labeled Windows 11 26H2, it shares the same platform and core system files as version 25H2. This means both versions are nearly identical under the hood.

Instead of releasing a full operating system upgrade, Microsoft will deliver 26H2 as an enablement package. The update will unlock dormant features already present in 25H2. If you are already running version 25H2, the 26H2 update will install quickly through Windows Update and simply activate the new features while bumping the version number. No full reinstallation will be required.

From a technical standpoint, Windows 11 25H2 and 26H2 are functionally the same. The primary differences depend on which features Microsoft decides to enable in the new update.

If you are upgrading from version 23H2 or an earlier release, you will need to perform a full operating system upgrade or clean installation to move to 26H2.

Why 26H1 will not upgrade to 26H2

Although version 26H2 has a higher version number than 26H1, Windows 11 26H1 will actually be newer in terms of its Windows core. As a result, new devices preinstalled with version 26H1 will not receive version 26H2 in 2026.

Devices running Windows 11 version 26H1 will not be able to update to the next annual feature update in the second half of 2026. This is because version 26H1 is based on a different Windows core than versions 24H2, 25H2, and the upcoming 26H2 release. These devices will instead have a path to update in a future Windows release, according to the company.

Although nothing is officially confirmed beyond that statement, it is possible that Microsoft could merge these branches again in a future version, potentially with the release of Windows 11 27H2.

Support lifecycle and upgrade path

Windows 11 26H1 is not an upgrade for version 25H2. The next operating system version for existing devices running version 25H2 is 26H2, expected to be released in September or October 2026.

Windows 11 26H2 will be available as an enablement package for version 25H2. This means it will not introduce major visual changes as part of a traditional feature upgrade. Instead, Microsoft will continue rolling out new features and improvements through cumulative updates during the year. The enablement package will primarily switch the version number and reset support for another 24 months for consumers and 36 months for businesses.

You will only see a full upgrade experience if you are moving from an older version, such as Windows 11 23H2, which has already reached the end of support.

New features expected in 2026

Although the scope of changes is still evolving, current development indicates that Microsoft plans to introduce a modernized interface for the Run dialog and a new agenda view in the Notification Center.

The company is also working to expand the Xbox Full Screen Experience across additional PC form factors.

Related

Windows 11 26H2 new features, changes, details (thus far)

File Explorer is expected to gain a preload capability that starts in the background during startup to improve launch performance. The development team is also exploring additional refinements to declutter the context menu, and Copilot integration inside File Explorer remains under consideration.

In addition, Microsoft continues working on deeper Copilot integration across the system, including the possibility of positioning Copilot as a replacement for traditional Taskbar search, along with broader agentic AI capabilities within the operating system.

If you have additional questions about how these changes may affect your device, let me know in the comments.