Microsoft announced on September 29, 2026 that the Windows 11 2026 Update, also known as Windows 11, version 26H2, is now available for eligible devices. The company said the release is delivered as an enablement package to PCs running Windows 11, versions 25H2 and 24H2.
What changed
John Cable, vice president of product management for Windows servicing and delivery, wrote that version 26H2 is built on the same servicing foundation as recent Windows 11 releases and is designed to minimize disruption.
According to Microsoft, an enablement package is a lightweight update that activates new features already included in the operating system through previous monthly servicing updates. The company said versions 26H2, 25H2 and 24H2 share a common servicing branch and underlying codebase, so many components needed for 26H2 are already on devices before the feature update becomes available.
For eligible devices, Microsoft said installation is similar to a monthly update, requiring only a small download and a quick restart. The company also said the release includes the latest quality, reliability and security improvements.
How Microsoft says to get it
To be among the first to receive the update, Microsoft said users should go to Settings > Windows Update and turn on "Get the latest updates as soon as they're available." Once a device is eligible, the company said, the option to download and install version 26H2 will appear.
Microsoft said it is releasing version 26H2 using a controlled feature rollout and takes a measured and data-driven approach to broad availability. During the rollout, the company said it might place safeguard holds on devices where it detects a known compatibility issue that could affect the update experience.
Availability will expand over time, with updates provided through the Windows release health hub, according to the company.
Commercial and education customers
Microsoft said version 26H2 is available now through the tools organizations use to manage Windows updates, including Windows Autopatch and the Microsoft 365 admin center. A footnote in the announcement said downloads in the Microsoft 365 admin center and similar channels may be delayed.
Existing management tools, update rings, policies and deployment practices can continue to be used, the company said, and it recommended that commercial and education customers begin targeted deployments to validate applications, devices and business-critical workflows before expanding more broadly.
Microsoft said version 26H2 continues the annual Windows feature update cadence, with a new Windows 11 feature update released during the second half of the calendar year. Installing version 26H2 resets the support lifecycle for supported editions, which the company described as 24 months of support for Home and Pro and 36 months for Enterprise and Education.
The company added that select features and enhancements initially released as disabled by default in version 25H2 will be enabled by default in version 26H2, with more information and deployment guidance in the Windows IT Pro Blog.
What Microsoft says next
Microsoft said it recommends updating eligible devices to version 26H2 to take advantage of the latest Windows innovations, quality improvements and security enhancements.
The company said it will continue to closely monitor the rollout and share information about known issues, safeguards and rollout progress through the Windows release health hub and official Windows communications channels, and asked users to send comments and suggestions via Feedback Hub.
What to do
- To get the update early, open Settings > Windows Update and turn on "Get the latest updates as soon as they're available," then download and install version 26H2 when the option appears on an eligible device.
- Organizations should keep using existing management tools, update rings and policies, and can deploy through Windows Autopatch or the Microsoft 365 admin center, where Microsoft says downloads may be delayed.
- Commercial and education customers should start with targeted deployments to validate applications, devices and business-critical workflows before broader rollout.
- Check the Windows release health hub for known issues, safeguard holds and rollout progress.
- Microsoft points IT administrators to the Windows IT Pro Blog for details on features enabled by default in 26H2 and planning guidance.
Key facts and where they come from
- Microsoft announced availability of the Windows 11 2026 Update, version 26H2.
Today, we're announcing the availability of the Windows 11 2026 Update, also known as Windows 11, version 26H2.
- The update is delivered as an enablement package to eligible devices on versions 25H2 and 24H2.
Windows 11, version 26H2 is delivered as an enablement package for eligible devices running Windows 11, versions 25H2 and 24H2.
- Microsoft says eligible devices need only a small download and a quick restart.
installation is similar to a monthly update, requiring only a small download and a quick restart to transition to Windows 11, version 26H2
- The rollout is controlled and may include safeguard holds.
During rollout, we might place safeguard holds on devices where we detect a known compatibility issue that could impact the update experience.
- Installing 26H2 resets support timelines: 24 months for Home and Pro, 36 months for Enterprise and Education.
That means 24 months of support for Home and Pro editions and 36 months of support for Enterprise and Education editions.
- It is available through Windows Autopatch and the Microsoft 365 admin center for organizations.
available now through the tools organizations use to manage Windows updates, including Windows Autopatch and the Microsoft 365 admin center
- Some features disabled by default in 25H2 become enabled by default in 26H2.
Select features and enhancements initially released as disabled by default in version 25H2 will be enabled by default in version 26H2.