Overview
- The 26H1 build ships preinstalled on new devices using Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 chips and is not offered as an in‑place update for current Windows 11 PCs.
- Microsoft says this release uses a different Windows core, so devices on 26H1 will not move to the H2 2026 feature update and will instead have a future upgrade path.
- Devices on 26H1 will receive monthly security and quality updates, and updates remain manageable through Windows Autopatch, Microsoft Intune, and Configuration Manager.
- IT guidance remains unchanged, with organizations told to keep deploying versions 24H2 and 25H2 and to avoid altering purchase or rollout plans based on 26H1.
- Microsoft notes that .NET Framework 3.5 is no longer a Windows Feature on Demand in 26H1, signaling a shift for legacy app support on new ARM hardware.