Microsoft shipped two Windows 11 versions in 2026 because they serve different hardware: 26H1 is a platform release that comes preinstalled only on select new PCs, starting with Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 devices, while 26H2 is the annual feature update for existing Windows 11 PCs.
This guide compares the two side by side, explains why a 26H1 PC cannot move to 26H2, and shows how to tell which one your PC runs.
Difference between Windows 11 26H2 and 26H1
The two versions share a year and most features, but not a Windows core. That one difference drives everything else in the table.
| Windows 11 26H1 | Windows 11 26H2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Released | February 10, 2026 | September 29, 2026 |
| Purpose | Enables next-generation silicon on select new devices | Annual feature update for existing PCs |
| How you get it | Preinstalled on a new PC only; never offered through Windows Update | Windows Update enablement package from 24H2 or 25H2, or a full install |
| OS build | 28000 | 26300 |
| Windows core | A different core from 24H2 and 25H2 | The same core as 24H2 and 25H2 |
| First hardware | Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Series PCs | Any PC that meets the Windows 11 requirements |
| Home and Pro end of updates | March 14, 2028 | October 10, 2028 |
| Enterprise and Education end of updates | March 13, 2029 | October 9, 2029 |
| IoT Enterprise | Not supported | Supported |
| Hotpatch | Not available | Available, with an October 2026 baseline |
Who Gets this Update?
Most readers never choose between the two. The PC you own decides which version you get.
| Your PC | Version you get | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Existing Windows 11 PC on 24H2 or 25H2 | 26H2 | Install it through Windows Update when offered |
| Existing PC on Windows 11 23H2 or Windows 10 that meets Windows 11 requirements | 26H2 | Upgrade with Installation Assistant or the ISO |
| New Snapdragon X2 PC that shipped with 26H1 | Stays on 26H1 | Keep installing monthly updates |
| New PC bought after September 29, 2026 | Depends on what the maker preinstalled | Check Settings > System > About |
| Business evaluating new hardware | 26H1 on those devices only | Microsoft still recommends 24H2 and 25H2 for broad deployment |
Windows 11 26H1 vs 26H2 Explained: Platform Update for New PCs and Feature Update for Everyone
Microsoft describes 26H1 as a hardware-optimized release built with device makers and silicon partners. It exists so new chips can ship with a Windows core tuned for them, before the next annual update is ready.
| Release type | Version | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Platform update for new PCs | 26H1 | A new Windows core, preinstalled only, scoped to select new devices |
| Feature update for everyone | 26H2 | A small enablement package that activates features on the existing core |
| Shared | Both | Monthly security updates and non-security preview updates every month |
Why 26H1 will not upgrade to 26H2
An enablement package only works when the target version shares system files with the version already installed. 26H2 shares its files with 24H2 and 25H2; 26H1 does not.
Do not try to move a 26H1 PC to 26H2; keep it on 26H1 and install monthly updates. Microsoft states that 26H1 is based on a different Windows core than 24H2, 25H2 and 26H2, so 26H1 devices cannot take the 2026 feature update and will get an update path in a future release.
How Windows 11 26H2 is delivered
26H2 reaches existing PCs through the same servicing technology as monthly updates. The step-by-step install routes cover each channel.
| Channel | Who uses it | What installs |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Update | Home and Pro PCs on 24H2 or 25H2 | Enablement package KB5121794, one restart |
| WSUS and Microsoft Update Catalog | IT-managed PCs | The same enablement package |
| Windows Autopatch and Microsoft 365 admin center | Commercial and education customers | 26H2 through existing update rings and policies |
| Installation Assistant, Media Creation Tool, ISO | PCs on 23H2 or Windows 10, and clean installs | A full Windows 11 26H2 image (x64 only for the assistant and tool) |
Windows 11 26H2 arrived later in the year
26H1 came first, in February. 26H2 followed on the usual second-half schedule for annual Windows 11 feature updates, and its release date and rollout are covered separately.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| February 10, 2026 | Windows 11, version 26H1 released on select new devices |
| June 19, 2026 | Microsoft announces 26H2 as the next feature update |
| August 27, 2026 | 26H2 build 26300.9278 reaches the Release Preview Channel |
| September 29, 2026 | 26H2 general availability, phased rollout begins |
No New Features in Windows 11 26H1
26H1 did not debut a new set of consumer features. Microsoft says it includes the same features introduced with Windows 11 25H2, and it keeps receiving new features through monthly updates like 24H2 and 25H2.
| Question | Answer for 26H1 |
|---|---|
| Features at launch | The same as Windows 11 25H2 |
| New features later | Delivered through monthly updates |
| Security updates | Monthly, on the second Tuesday |
| What is actually new | The Windows core underneath, built for new silicon |
Understand Windows 11 26H2
26H2 is the Windows 11 2026 Update. It activates features that reached 24H2 and 25H2 through the year and resets the support clock; the 26H2 overview covers it in full.
| Detail | Windows 11 26H2 |
|---|---|
| Also called | Windows 11 2026 Update |
| Build | 26300, on the same branch as 26200 (25H2) and 26100 (24H2) |
| Install from 24H2 or 25H2 | Enablement package, one restart |
| Support | 24 months for Home and Pro, 36 months for Enterprise and Education |
| Enabled by default on business PCs | Windows settings backup, taskbar app actions, File Explorer improvements |
The build numbers line up this way on purpose; the 26300, 26200 and 26100 builds article explains the numbering.
New features expected in 2026
Both 2026 versions receive features through monthly updates. These are the headline additions Microsoft lists for 26H2.
| Feature | What it does |
|---|---|
| Movable and smaller taskbar | Taskbar at the bottom, top, left or right, with a smaller size option |
| Redesigned Start menu | Scrollable All section, category and grid views |
| Point-in-time restore | Rolls the PC back to a recent automatic restore point |
| Administrator protection | Just-in-time admin rights; off by default |
| Built-in Sysmon | Event monitoring for threat detection; off by default |
| WMIC removed | The command-line tool is gone; WMI remains |
Which chips run Windows 11 26H1: Snapdragon X2, and is NVIDIA N1X next?
Microsoft names only one chip family: the first 26H1 devices launch with Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Series processors. Reports that 26H1 is also meant for NVIDIA N1X are not confirmed on any Microsoft page.
| Chip | Microsoft's position |
|---|---|
| Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Series | Confirmed as the first 26H1 platform |
| NVIDIA N1X | Not mentioned by Microsoft; unconfirmed |
| Other silicon | Microsoft refers only to select new devices from device and silicon partners |
Arm PCs already on 24H2 or 25H2 take 26H2 like any other PC; the 26H2 on ARM64 and Copilot+ PCs guide covers them.
Support lifecycle and upgrade path
| Version | Home and Pro end of updates | Enterprise and Education end of updates | Upgrade path |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26H1 | March 14, 2028 | March 13, 2029 | A future Windows release; Microsoft has not named it or dated it |
| 26H2 | October 10, 2028 | October 9, 2029 | The next annual feature update |
| 25H2 | October 12, 2027 | October 10, 2028 | 26H2 through Windows Update |
| 24H2 | October 13, 2026 | October 12, 2027 | 25H2 or 26H2 through Windows Update |
How to check whether your PC runs 26H1 or 26H2
- Right-click Start and select Settings.
- Select System, then About.
- Under Windows specifications, read Version: it shows 26H1 or 26H2.
- Check OS build: 28000 means 26H1, and 26300 means 26H2.
What to expect in the future
Microsoft has confirmed the pattern but not every date. Anything beyond this table is speculation.
| Topic | What Microsoft has said |
|---|---|
| Annual feature updates | They continue, released in the second half of each calendar year |
| 26H1 devices | Get a path to update in a future Windows release; no version or date published |
| 24H2 and 25H2 PCs | Stay fully supported and move through the annual cadence |
| More 26H1 hardware | Only select new devices; no further chip list published |
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Windows 11 26H2 and 26H1?
26H1 is a platform release on a different Windows core, preinstalled only on select new PCs such as Snapdragon X2 devices. 26H2 is the annual feature update for existing Windows 11 PCs, installed from 24H2 or 25H2 with a small enablement package.
What are the Windows 11 26H1 and 26H2 build numbers?
Windows 11 26H1 uses OS build 28000 and Windows 11 26H2 uses OS build 26300. For comparison, 25H2 is build 26200 and 24H2 is build 26100.
Can I upgrade from Windows 11 26H1 to 26H2?
No. 26H1 is based on a different Windows core, so Microsoft does not offer 26H2 to 26H1 devices. Those PCs keep getting monthly updates and will have an update path in a future Windows release.
Can I install Windows 11 26H1 on my current PC?
No. Microsoft does not offer 26H1 through Windows Update or as an in-place update from 24H2 or 25H2. It is available only preinstalled on select new devices.
Is 26H1 newer than 26H2?
No. 26H1 was released first, on February 10, 2026, and 26H2 followed on September 29, 2026. They are parallel releases for different hardware rather than one replacing the other.
Does Windows 11 26H1 get new features?
Yes. 26H1 launched with the same features as Windows 11 25H2 and continues to receive monthly security, quality and feature updates, just as 24H2 and 25H2 do.
How long is Windows 11 26H1 supported?
Home and Pro editions of 26H1 get updates until March 14, 2028, and Enterprise and Education editions until March 13, 2029. IoT Enterprise is not supported on 26H1.
Bottom line
If you own an existing Windows 11 PC, 26H2 is your 2026 update and 26H1 does not concern you; if your new PC shipped with 26H1, stay on it and keep installing monthly updates. The two versions run different Windows cores, so neither can replace the other through Windows Update, and both are supported into 2028 for Home and Pro.
