A new version of Windows 11 is coming. Only the selected will benefit

Microsoft is preparing a new version of its operating system. Windows 11 26H1 will hit the first devices in the first half of 2026. The problem is that this is not a release that you will install on your computer. This is the version for selected devices.

Windows 11 26H1 will only be available on computers with ARM processors. It cannot be installed on devices with more traditional Intel or AMD chips. It will also not be available as an update on this type of equipment. Desktop owners must be satisfied with the 24H2 and 25H2 releases.

This means that this version is not available in wide distribution and is intended only for people who purchase new devices. Currently, devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 series processors will be equipped with Windows 11 version 26H1.

Importantly, all laptops running Windows 11 26H1 will not receive the update to version 26H2 in the second half of the year. This is because this version of windows is built on a different core. Therefore, it will have its own separate update path. At the same time, they will continue to receive the same security updates or patches.

The first devices with Windows 11 26H1 are expected to go on sale in the first half of the year. Other laptops with ARM systems are scheduled to be updated to the new version of the system later this year.