The next annual update for Windows 11 is coming soon and is already available to Windows Insiders! Windows 11, version 26H2 continues our focus on delivering a predictable, low-disruption update experience for organizations and IT professionals.

For devices already running recent versions of Windows 11, this release should be easy to adopt. It builds on the same platform and servicing approach introduced in prior releases, while continuing to improve how updates are delivered, tested, and deployed.

In this post, we’ll walk through how to prepare for Windows 11, version 26H2.

A familiar update experience, refined

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.

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:

• A small, quick installation
• Minimized disruption to users
• No need for full reimaging or complex deployment motions

Note: 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. This is because Windows 11, version 26H1 is based on a different Windows core than Windows 11, versions 24H2, 25H2, and 26H2. Here’s What to know about Windows 11, version 26H1.

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
• The same compatibility validation

The difference between versions is simply which features are enabled.

Shared servicing branch progression