How to get the Windows 11 2026 version 26H2 Update

Windows powers how people around the world work, learn, create, and connect every day. Today, we’re announcing the availability of the Windows 11 2026 Update, also known as Windows 11, version 26H2. Built on the same servicing foundation as recent Windows 11 releases, version 26H2 delivers the latest Windows innovations with a streamlined update experience designed to minimize disruption and help you stay secure, productive, and up to date.

As organizations and individuals continue to expect faster deployments and less downtime, Windows 11, version 26H2 takes advantage of the same modern servicing technologies that have simplified recent feature updates. For many eligible devices, moving to version 26H2 is as simple as installing a small enablement package, allowing people to start using this new release with minimal download size, quick installation, and a single restart.

A predictable and low-disruption update​

Windows 11, version 26H2 is delivered as an enablement package for eligible devices running Windows 11, versions 25H2 and 24H2.

An enablement package is a lightweight update that activates new features already included in the operating system through previous monthly servicing updates. Because versions 26H2, 25H2, and 24H2 share a common servicing branch and underlying codebase, many of the components required for version 26H2 are already present on devices before the feature update becomes available.






This approach enables a significantly faster update experience compared to a traditional operating system upgrade. For eligible devices, installation is similar to a monthly update, requiring only a small download and a quick restart to transition to Windows 11, version 26H2.

As with every Windows release, version 26H2 includes the latest quality, reliability, and security improvements designed to help protect people and organizations while delivering a dependable Windows experience.

How to get it​

Windows 11, version 26H2 is now available for eligible devices running Windows 11, versions 25H2 and 24H2.


To be among the first to receive the update, go to Settings > Windows Update and turn on Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available. Once your device is eligible, you’ll see the option to download and install Windows 11, version 26H2.


As always, we take a measured and data-driven approach to broad availability and will be releasing version 26H2 using a controlled feature rollout. During rollout, we might place safeguard holds on devices where we detect a known compatibility issue that could impact the update experience. We will continue expanding availability over time and provide updates through the Windows release health hub.

Information for commercial and education customers​

Windows 11, version 26H2 is available now through the tools organizations use to manage Windows updates, including Windows Autopatch and the Microsoft 365 admin center.

Existing management tools, update rings, policies, and deployment practices can continue to be used. We recommend that commercial and education customers begin targeted deployments to validate applications, devices, and business-critical workflows before expanding deployment more broadly throughout their organizations.

Windows 11, version 26H2 continues the annual Windows feature update cadence, with a new Windows 11 feature update released during the second half of the calendar year. As with previous annual releases, installing version 26H2 resets the support lifecycle for supported editions of Windows 11. That means 24 months of support for Home and Pro editions and 36 months of support for Enterprise and Education editions.

Select features and enhancements initially released as disabled by default in version 25H2 will be enabled by default in version 26H2. You can find more information on these features, plus guidance to help with planning and deployment, in the Windows IT Pro Blog.

Staying protected and productive​

We recommend updating eligible devices to Windows 11, version 26H2 to take advantage of the latest Windows innovations, quality improvements, and security enhancements.

We’ll continue to closely monitor the rollout and share information about known issues, safeguards, and rollout progress through the Windows release health hub and official Windows communications channels.

Thank you for your feedback and partnership as we continue to improve Windows for people and organizations around the world. We love to hear about your experience, so please keep your comments and suggestions coming in via Feedback Hub.





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