Everything you need to know about Windows 11 Version 26H1

Usually, Windows 11 receives its annual update once in a year. The most recent update to Windows 11 was Version 25H2, released few months ago. Nobody even speculated about Version 26H1, which Microsoft recently revealed. So why this update was announced and what you can get from it, we will see the clarified things in this article.

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Microsoft revealed Windows 11 Version 26H1

According to Microsoft, it continually worked with Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and Independent Hardware Vendors (IHVs). This collaboration was aimed to feature the new innovations possible with newer devices. Unlike the general public release, the Version 26H2 is basically a targeted version release — available only to the specific devices. As of now it should be available to devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon® X2 Series processors.

Things you need to know about Windows 11 Version 26H1

The highlights of Version 26H1:

As per Microsoft, the Windows 11 version 26H1 update has been released on 10th February 2026. It should be already available on the new devices on which Microsoft has partnered and those devices introduces innovations.
The Windows 11 version 26H1 is not a feature update next to version 25H2. This means the device currently running version 25H2 will not receive this update — as an automatic update, designated as a feature update.
If you are on Windows 11 version 24H2 or version 25H2, you cannot perform in-place upgrade directly to version 26H2.
You cannot download version 26H1 from the public official website of Microsoft. The website is still offering version 25H2 as the current release.
Version 26H1 will continue to receive the security update similar to the other versions like version 25H2 or 24H2.
Windows 11 version 26H1 will not receive the feature update that would be releasing on the second half of the year 2026 (most likely Version 26H2). This is because the Windows 11 version 26H1 is running on a different core version which is not similar to the core versions for versions 25H2 or 24H2.
Hotpatch updates not supported for Windows 11 26H1.
It is possible to manage version 26 H1 using Windows Autopatch, Microsoft Intune, Microsoft Configuration Manager.
Apart from this, with respect to enterprise clients, Microsoft is still recommends version 24H2 and version 25H2 as the preferred releases.

So I hope from the above mentioned points, you get a clear picture of availability of Version 26H1. If you have any queries about this release, you can directly post a comment HERE on official announcement by Microsoft.

That’s it!