Microsoft has confirmed that there will be a version of Windows 11 coming this year Windows 11 version 26H2following the usual annual format of releasing a new OS version in the second half of the year.
Like Windows 11 version 25H2 and its predecessor 24H2, version 26H2 will be based on the same 2024 platform release. This means that the 25H2 version update will not be major, it will share the same feature set as the 25H2 version and the same platform improvements as the 24H2.
“Windows 11, version 26H2, continues to move toward a more predictable and efficient service model. This model helps reduce disruptions while helping your organization stay secure and relevant. By building on a shared platform and delivering continuous innovation, Windows allows you to focus less on large development projects and deliver more value to your users.”
As the 26H2 is based on the same platform release as the 25H2 and 24H2, the 26H2 will share the release:
- Same source code base
- Same security and quality updates
- Confirmation of compliance of the same
This means that it will be easy for individuals as well as businesses to upgrade to the new version this fall, as there won’t be any approval or compliance issues to worry about. If it works on 25H2 or 24H2, it will work on 26H2.
Microsoft has confirmed that 26H2 will not be available to all Windows 11 users. If you run Windows 11 version 26H1you won’t be able to upgrade to version 26H2 this fall. This is because version 26H1 is a specially built special branch version of Windows 11 Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 and NVIDIA RTX Spark devices.
The 26H1 version is based on a newer platform release than the one that powers the 24H2, 25H2 and 26H2, meaning the 26H1 is technically on a newer codebase than the upcoming 26H2. Therefore, 26H1 users will not be offered an upgrade to 26H2 this fall.
Microsoft says that those on 26H1 will be offered an upgrade to a newer OS version in the future, but it’s not yet confirmed when that will happen. I suspect those on the 26H1 will be offered an upgrade to the 27H2 towards the end of next year.
The company has confirmed that the 26H2 version is coming soon, but has yet to provide an actual release date. Hopefully we’ll see the broadcast begin in late September or October, as per the date.
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