Windows 11 2026 Update released, here's everything you need to know

Microsoft has started rolling out the Windows 11 2026 Update (26H2) to everyone, and while it's this year's big annual feature update, you probably won't notice a massive difference after installing it.

That's because Windows 11 24H2, 25H2, and 26H2 are all based on the same servicing branch, and Microsoft has already been gradually shipping most of the new features through monthly Windows Updates.

"Windows 11, version 26H2 uses the same shared servicing model as recent releases available annually in the second half of the calendar year. Supported devices get this feature update as a small enablement package instead of a full OS replacement," Microsoft explained.

This is particularly good news if you're already on Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2 because 26H2 installs more like a regular monthly cumulative update than one of the massive Windows feature updates we had in the past.

"If your organization is already on Windows 11, version 24H2 or 25H2, the update to 26H2 is similar to a regular monthly update in most environments," Microsoft noted.

"This is possible because multiple versions of Windows 11 share a common servicing branch, including the same source code base, the same security and quality updates, and the same compatibility validation. The difference between versions is simply which features are enabled."

Windows 11 2026 Update doesn't really have exclusive new features

If you've kept Windows 11 up to date, many of the changes associated with 26H2 should already look familiar.

Microsoft says this is because Windows features are now delivered continuously rather than being held back for one large annual upgrade.

"It also means that they share the same new features and enhancements delivered through our continuous innovation efforts. As a result, many of the features and improvements available in Windows 11, version 26H2 might already be familiar, as they have been gradually introduced through monthly updates."

For commercial PCs, 26H2 also turns on some features that previously weren't enabled by default, including Windows settings backup, app-specific taskbar actions, and some File Explorer improvements.

Windows 11 26H1 PCs cannot upgrade to 26H2

There is one unusual limitation. If your PC shipped with Windows 11 26H1, you cannot move directly to 26H2 because 26H1 uses a different Windows core.

"Devices running Windows 11, version 26H1 won't be able to update to version 26H2. Instead, they'll have a path to update to a future Windows release," Microsoft confirmed.

Installing 26H2 also resets the Windows support lifecycle. Home and Pro editions receive 24 months of support, while Enterprise and Education editions get 36 months.

If you're on Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2, 26H2 is ultimately less about getting a completely different Windows experience and more about moving to the latest supported version of Windows 11.