Windows 11 26H1 availability "not for everyone"

Microsoft has released Windows 11 version 26H1, but not for everyone, as it is a scoped operating system build available only on new devices equipped with select next-generation processors. It became public in the company statements issued Feb. 10, 2026.

The version supports hardware innovations expected in 2026 and ships first on computers powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Series processors.

"Windows 11, version 26H1 enables the next generation of silicon and hardware innovation, making it possible for the PC ecosystem to bring you Windows devices with exceptional performance and battery life," Microsoft stated in its support documentation.

Version 26H1 includes the same features introduced in the Windows 11 2025 Update, designated as version 25H2.

It does not add new end-user capabilities beyond those already present in 25H2.

"Windows 11, version 26H1 will only be available on new devices with select new silicon as they come to market in early 2026," the company said in a Windows IT Pro Blog post.

The build is not offered as an in-place upgrade to any existing Windows 11 installations running versions 24H2 or 25H2.

It operates on a separate Windows core platform from those releases.

Devices that ship with 26H1 will not receive the 26H2 feature update planned for the second half of 2026.

Microsoft has outlined a separate future update path for those systems.

Computers installed with version 26H1 will receive monthly security, quality and feature updates on the same schedule as devices on versions 24H2 and 25H2.

The release carries no impact on deployment plans or purchasing decisions for current Windows 11 systems based on Intel or AMD processors.

Organizations have been advised to continue standard rollout practices for broadly available versions.