Microsoft Starts Rolling Out Windows 11 Version 26H2

Windows 11 version 26H2, the new annual update for the OS, is starting to roll out to all Windows 11 users today. This release shares the same underlying codebase as the versions 25H2 and 24H2 of the OS, and it will be delivered via an enablement package.

Microsoft already made Windows 11 version 26H2 available to Insiders on the Release Preview ring last month. To get the update as soon as it’s available on their PC, non-Insiders will need to go to Settings > Windows Update and turn on Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available. For IT pros, the update is available via Windows Autopatch, the Microsoft 365 admin center, and other common tools for managing Windows updates.

“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,” explained John Cable, Vice President, Product Management, Windows Servicing and Delivery.

The release of Windows 11 version 26H2 marks the beginning of a new support cycle for the OS. This update will get 24 months of support for Home and Pro users, while Enterprise and Education users will be supported for 36 months. As a reminder, Windows 11, version 24H2 Home and Pro editions will reach end of updates on October 13, 2026.

Overall, Windows 11 version 26H2 includes various features that Microsoft started rolling out gradually to users still on 25H2 and 24H2. However, Windows settings backup, app-specific taskbar actions, and File Explorer improvements, which were previously locked behind temporary commercial control, are now enabled by default.

A separate post on the Windows IT Pro blog lists all the features in Windows 11 version 26H2 that Microsoft previously rolled out to the versions 25H2 and 24H2. Highlights include support for additional archive formats in File Explorer, a more reliable Windows Search, additional taskbar positions, and NPU usage indicators in Task Manager. The update also enables Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security for third-party fingerprint sensors, and it also brings a new recovery option with Point-in-time restore for Windows.

Windows 11 version 26H2 will receive its first “Patch Tuesday” update next month on October 13, 2026. Microsoft didn’t mention the build number for the version of the OS that’s rolling out today, but monthly release notes will be added to Microsoft’s update history page on October 13.