Windows 11’s next major update almost ready for release

Microsoft has moved Windows 11 26H2 into the Release Preview Channel, the final testing stage before a public rollout. This means the next major Windows 11 update is getting close to release, although Microsoft has not yet announced an exact launch date.

Despite the new version number, Windows 11 26H2 will not introduce any new features or major changes to the operating system. It is based on the same platform as Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2, with the same core OS, feature stack and security updates. This also means that PCs already running 25H2 should not face new compatibility issues when upgrading to 26H2.

Instead, the main benefit of 26H2 is a new support cycle. The version will receive 24 months of support for consumer editions and 36 months for commercial customers. In other words, Microsoft is essentially giving Windows 11 users a fresh support period without requiring a major operating-system upgrade.

Windows 11 will continue to receive new features through the existing feature rollout process rather than having them tied exclusively to 26H2. Both 25H2 and 26H2 are expected to receive upcoming improvements such as a more customizable Start menu and a redesigned Windows Search panel. Some features may appear in 26H2 first, but Microsoft is expected to bring them to other supported versions as well.

Upgrading should also be relatively painless. Because 26H2 shares the same servicing branch as 25H2, Microsoft will deliver it through an enablement package. Compatible PCs can therefore move to the new version with a single restart rather than going through a full operating-system upgrade.

Microsoft is expected to begin a wider rollout of 26H2 in late September or October, following its usual Windows 11 release schedule. The Release Preview build is considered ready for real-world use, although Microsoft will continue to check for any remaining bugs before beginning the public rollout.