The next major update for Windows 11, version 26H2, is set to arrive in October 2026. However, users can expect a relatively minor update, as the main benefit will be an extension of the operating system's support period.
According to Microsoft's estimate, the update will be released as an enablement package, which means the included features and improvements will already be downloaded on the system prior to the update. The update will simply "flip" these features on.
The update could come as early as the last week of September, but it's likely to be released in October, following the same timeline as previous updates.
One new feature in Windows 11 26H2 will be automatic cloud backups of Windows settings, the Microsoft Store update list, and some personal files. This feature will be enabled by default, but can be disabled.
The main reason to get Windows 11 26H2 is that it will extend the support period of the operating system by another year. This means users will continue to receive security and feature updates until October 2028, rather than stopping in 2027 or 2026, depending on their current version.
The update is expected to be relatively small, at just 174 KB in size, and will simply enable existing features that are already included in the operating system.
It's worth noting that users on Windows 11 26H1 will not be able to upgrade to 26H2, as this is a special version of the operating system for PCs with specific CPUs. Instead, these users will receive 27H2 in the second half of 2027, with Microsoft's plan to merge the two branches at a later date.
