Original publish date: February 10, 2026
KB ID: 5079944
Windows 11, version 26H1 enables the next generation of silicon¹ and hardware innovation, making it possible for the PC ecosystem to bring you Windows devices with exceptional performance and battery life.
Windows 11, version 26H1 includes the same features introduced with the Windows 11 2025 Update (also known as Windows 11, version 25H2). It is not designed to be offered or installed on existing devices. Instead, Windows 11, version 26H1 will be available on select new devices that will come to market in the first quarter of 2026. It is not offered as an in-place update from Windows 11, versions 24H2 or 25H2 on existing devices.
Devices running version 26H1 will continue receiving monthly updates for security, quality, and new features, just as versions 24H2 and 25H2. Devices running 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 feature update. These devices will have a path to update in a future Windows release.
Windows will continue to release annual feature updates, with releases occurring in the second half of the calendar year, with the next feature update planned for the second half of 2026.
¹ The first devices will launch with Qualcomm Snapdragon® X2 Series processors.
