Microsoft confirms Windows 11 26H1 update won't be coming to your current PC — here's why that's actually great news

It's all about avoiding another 24H2 disaster for existing PCs, which will stay on 25H2 and not get 26H1

11 Feb 2026, 12:52 · TechRadar

News By Darren Allan published 11 February 2026

(Image credit: Future)

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Windows 11 26H1 will be for Snapdragon X2 laptops only
Those Snapdragon X2 PCs won't get the 26H2 update, which will be kept separate for other Windows 11 devices
This is seemingly part of Microsoft's plan to avoid the scenario seen with the 24H2 update, where changes for Arm PCs caused chaos on other devices

We already knew Windows 11's 26H1 update wouldn't be coming to most PCs – and was for Arm laptops only – but Microsoft has now confirmed that it's just for Snapdragon X2 devices, while providing some more details on the upgrade.

This includes the fact that these Arm PCs – which aren't on sale just yet, but are imminent – won't receive the 26H2 update later this year.

VideoCardz noticed Microsoft's confirmation in a blog post which stated: "Windows 11, version 26H1 is a targeted release that supports some of the new device innovations coming in 2026.

"That means that this release is not being made available through broad channels but is only intended for those who purchase these new devices. At this time, devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Series processors will come with Windows 11, version 26H1."

Microsoft clarifies that 26H1 is based on a different underlying core codebase than the current version of Windows 11, which is 25H2, and that as a result, 25H2 users won't get an upgrade to 26H1.

In the same vein, those who buy a Snapdragon X2 laptop this year with 26H1 on board will not get the 26H2 update later on – this will be for 25H2 PCs only.

Analysis: a somewhat confusing twist, but a prudent one

(Image credit: Qualcomm)

This means Microsoft is keeping existing Windows 11 PCs on a completely different track for new OS builds to the new incoming Arm-based Snapdragon X2 laptops. These separate builds will not be merged in the update for later in the year (26H2).

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