Microsoft's special offshoot version of Windows 11 that's exclusive to Snapdragon X2 devices won't be getting an upgrade to version 26H2 this fall. Here's why
Windows 11 version 26H1 is coming this spring, but it won't be updated to 26H2 this fall.(Image credit: Screenshot: Windows Central / Laptop: Edited with Gemini)
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In a new support document, Microsoft has confirmed that new PCs which ship with Windows 11 version 26H1 this spring should not expect to receive an update to Windows 11 version 26H2 this fall. This is because the version 26H1 release is based on a newer version of the Windows platform, and therefore cannot downgrade to the 26H2 platform release coming later this year.
For those unaware, Windows 11 version 26H1 is a special offshoot release of Windows 11 designed exclusively for new Arm-based hardware shipping this spring. Version 26H1 will ship first exclusively on Snapdragon X2 based devices, and will not be made available as an OS update for existing PCs.
Windows 11 version 26H2 will be the next OS upgrade for existing Windows 11 users, which is expected to arrive later this year. Version 26H2 is based on the same platform release as 25H2 and 24H2, making it an older release of the Windows platform. It's confusing, but this means 26H1 is newer than 26H2, even though 26H2 will be the latest version when it lands this fall.
The company says that because of this, there will be no 26H2 release for PCs with version 26H1. When 26H2 lands this fall, PCs running 26H1 will remain on 26H1 until next year, likely when Microsoft plans to merge the platform releases across the new Arm PCs and existing Windows 11 PCs under version 27H2 next fall.
"Devices running Windows 11, version 26H1 will not be able to update to the next annual feature update in the second half of 2026. This is because Windows 11, version 26H1 is based on a different Windows core than Windows 11, versions 24H2 and 25H2, and the upcoming feature update. These devices will have a path to update in a future Windows release."
The first wave of PCs with version 26H1 are expected to ship this spring, powered by Qualcomm's new Snapdragon X2 SoC. These devices will ship on the Windows platform release codenamed Bromine, which is what version 26H1 is based on. For comparison, version 24H2, 25H2, and soon 26H2 are based on the older Germanium platform release, which originally shipped in 2024.
Do you understand Microsoft's rollout plan for new versions of Windows 11 this year? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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Zac Bowden is a Senior Editor at Windows Central and has been with the site since 2016. Bringing you exclusive coverage into the world of Windows, Surface, and hardware. He's also an avid collector of rare Microsoft prototype devices! Keep in touch on Twitter and Threads
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