Table of Contents
Highlights
- Windows 11 Version 26H1 will launch exclusively on new Snapdragon X2-powered PCs.
- Existing Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 users will not receive 26H1 via Windows Update.
- Microsoft confirms regular support continues until Windows 11 26H2 arrives in 2026.
- Release signals deeper push toward ARM-based Windows PCs.
Microsoft has shared details about Windows 11 version 26H1. This is not a normal update for everyone. It will only come on new devices that use specific new chips, mainly Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2 processors.
Users with the current version of Windows 11 (24H2/25H2) won’t be able to upgrade to 26H2 via Windows Update but will continue to receive standard updates from Microsoft until the official launch of 26H2 [expected sometime in 2026], with all current versions of Microsoft’s operating system continuing to receive support during the same period.
Microsoft Brings Windows 11 Version 26H1
Windows 11 Version 26H1 is the next version of Windows, but, unlike previously thought, will not be an annual update. Instead, Microsoft has developed this new version to support new hardware that is set to be released in 2026. It will not be part of the usual feature update for existing Windows 11 customers.
If your PC is already running Version 24H2 or 25H2 of Windows 11, you will not see Version 26H1 available in your updates section because Microsoft has stated it will only be available on new computers with qualified new processors.
Why This Update Is Different From Others
Usually, Microsoft releases one big Windows update every year in the second half. That is why we see names like 24H2 or 25H2. But 26H1 does not follow that same pattern.
Microsoft has indicated that the new part of the system has a completely newly designed operating base layer for this release. For this reason, there will be no chance for systems along the lines of 26H1 to have continuing support into later versions of 26, including 26H2, other than through the delivery of a distinct future update (likely sometime in 2027).
So this is not a regular consumer update. It is more of a hardware support release made for specific new machines.
Snapdragon X2 Is the First Confirmed Chip
The most notable detail in this news is the hardware. Microsoft has made it clear that it will launch Windows 11 (Version 26H1) in conjunction with the new generation of Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Processors; these are the latest ARM-based processors and feature enhanced performance, improved battery life, and greater artificial intelligence capabilities than previous generations.
Thus, many more notebooks will probably include these types of processors because they are thin and lightweight.
Qualcomm is presently the only manufacturer thus far to have made a public commitment to supply the new Snapdragon X2 Processor to support the Windows 11 26H1 (ARM) operating system, but it is anticipated by many that other manufacturers, such as NVIDIA, are also developing new processors to work with Windows 11 26H1.
As of now, there are also no additional hardware partners offering any ARM processors, according to announcements made by Microsoft today. Microsoft appears to have primarily designed Windows 11 26H1 for ARM platforms so far.
What Exactly Comes With Windows 11 26H1
Windows version 26H1 is intended to be preloaded on compatible new machines only – you won’t be able to upgrade older systems to it. You will not get this version via Windows Update if you are an active Windows user at the moment.
Apparently, Microsoft has committed to providing both quality and security updates to this version of Windows on an ongoing monthly basis similar to past versions of Windows; however, do note that 26H1 does NOT support the hotpatch function, which allows you to install a few different updates without having to restart your computer, and you will not be able to upgrade to 26H2 from 26H1 later this year (or anytime else thereafter). Their next big update will follow a different path.
In terms of look and feel, there are no major design changes announced so far. The focus of 26H1 is more on internal system support for new silicon rather than on new visible features.
What This Means for Current Windows Users
Those of you who use Windows 11 on a laptop/desktop do not have to worry about anything because it will still get very many of the same usual updates to Windows 11 on an ongoing basis with respect to both frequency of the updates and the types of updates received.
Also, many of the supported devices are expected to get their normal yearly update (Windows 11 version 26H2) in 2026. There is no need to buy new hardware just to get 26H1.
A Shift in Microsoft’s Windows Plan
This move shows that Microsoft is slowly changing how it releases Windows updates. Instead of pushing one version to all devices, the company is now creating special releases when new hardware needs it. With ARM chips becoming more important in the PC market, this step looks planned.
Windows 11 version 26H1 is not a big update for everyone. It is a focused release made for new Snapdragon X2-powered devices launching in 2026. For most users, the regular Windows update cycle will continue. But for new ARM-based PCs, 26H1 marks the start of a slightly different update journey.
