News

Microsoft’s Windows 11 26H1 Version Built for New ARM Devices Only

• By Chris Paoli
• February 17, 2026

Microsoft’s next planned Windows 11 release, version 26H1, will debut in early 2026 exclusively on ARM-based devices, rather than as a broad upgrade for existing PCs. According to Microsoft’s official announcement, this specialized edition won’t be delivered through normal update channels and is being preloaded on machines built with the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 processors.

"Windows 11, version 26H1 is a targeted release that supports some of the new device innovations coming in 2026," said Microsoft, in a blog post. "That means that this release is not being made available through broad channels but is only intended for those who purchase these new devices."

The company describes version 26H1 as a targeted platform release designed to support emerging hardware innovations, meaning mainstream Windows 11 deployments, such as those based on versions 24H2 and 25H2, can continue without changes to existing rollout plans. Because the 26H1 build uses a different core than those versions, devices running it cannot update to the regular feature update planned for the second half of 2026.

The move comes as Microsoft aims to balance support for emerging ARM-based hardware platforms against the stability expectations of enterprise customers who rely on predictable update cycles.

Devices running Windows 11, version 26H1 will receive monthly security and quality updates similar to other supported versions but will not support hotpatch updates. Security updates will remain manageable through standard enterprise tooling including Windows Autopatch, Microsoft Intune and Microsoft Configuration Manager.

For IT administrators planning refreshes, Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2 remain the recommended releases for enterprise deployment, according to Microsoft. Early adopters interested in evaluating benefits of new hardware platforms may assess version 26H1 selectively without disrupting existing deployments.

The release carries an architectural distinction that affects future upgrade paths. Because Windows 11, version 26H1 is based on a different Windows core than versions 24H2 and 25H2, devices running the new version will not be able to update to the next annual feature update planned for the second half of 2026.

"These devices will have a path to update in a future Windows release," said the company.

Microsoft said it will continue releasing its annual feature updates in the second half of each year, and the limited 26H1 release does not change that schedule.

The company also said there is no reason to delay hardware purchases or pause current deployments because of version 26H1. Unless an organization specifically plans to buy devices that require the new silicon tied to that release, existing rollout plans can move forward as expected.

Microsoft described the strategy as a way to introduce support for new hardware features without disrupting the stability that commercial customers depend on in production environments.