Monday, June 22nd 2026
Microsoft Confirms Windows 11 26H2 Update for x86-64 PCs
Microsoft late last week confirmed this year's update to Windows 11, version 26H2. This update would be exclusive to PCs powered by x86-64 processors (compatible processors from Intel and AMD); as devices based on Qualcomm Snapdragon Elite and NVIDIA RTX Spark are now on a separate update trunk. If you recall, the company earlier this year released Windows 11 26H1, but the update was exclusive to Windows-on-Arm devices, mainly powered by Snapdragon chips. Although announced at Computex, notebooks and mini PCs powered by RTX Spark aren't currently available, and will be released to market this Fall. OEMs will launch them with Windows 11 26H1.
Windows 11 26H2 won't be a major update involving a total replacement of all system files and migration of the user's environment; rather, it will be a minor update since 26H2 is based on the same code base as 25H2. The update would be effortless, take no longer than a typical monthly Patch Tuesday update, and simply roll up security and quality updates released till that time. The update to 26H2 will be recommended because Windows will release security updates to Windows 11 versions going back two years—in this case, 24H2 and 25H2 besides 26H2. Businesses looking to lock in on a particular version would have to look out for Windows 11 Enterprise LTSC versions, which lock on to a particular kernel code base, and gather security updates until a specified date in the future.
Sources:
Microsoft, VideoCardz
Windows 11 26H2 won't be a major update involving a total replacement of all system files and migration of the user's environment; rather, it will be a minor update since 26H2 is based on the same code base as 25H2. The update would be effortless, take no longer than a typical monthly Patch Tuesday update, and simply roll up security and quality updates released till that time. The update to 26H2 will be recommended because Windows will release security updates to Windows 11 versions going back two years—in this case, 24H2 and 25H2 besides 26H2. Businesses looking to lock in on a particular version would have to look out for Windows 11 Enterprise LTSC versions, which lock on to a particular kernel code base, and gather security updates until a specified date in the future.

36 Comments on Microsoft Confirms Windows 11 26H2 Update for x86-64 PCs
Around August '26, type 'services.msc' and 'Run as Administrator' to find this and set it to 'Disabled' until December. Most issues could be solved by then.
Every other version: Have fun delaying it with other tools!
What is the Windows component store?Courtesy of Google
With IoT Enterprise, I get cumulative updates until just before the end of the year. Windows Defender updates continue beyond that. Plus, the firewall, AdGuard for Windows, and "Brain.exe" keep working as usual. What more do I need?
Redmond can shove its autumn—aka AI, aka junk—upgrade where the sun doesn't shine.
Regards,
Fred.
The component store needs to be repaired after almost every update—and has required this since version 24H2. Not that this is the only issue since 24H2, but it is one that has persisted for over two years. And the following doesn't change that either:
click here!
Regards,
Fred.
You can argue with Microsoft, the company that makes Windows 11:
techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/windows-itpro-blog/what-to-know-about-windows-11-version-26h1/4491941
"Windows 11, version 26H1 is a scoped release
- Windows 11, version 26H1 will only be available on new devices with select new silicon as they come to market in early 2026.
- Windows 11, version 26H1 is not offered as an in-place update from Windows 11, version 24H2 or 25H2 on existing devices.
- There is no impact to devices already in market today.
- Devices running Windows 11, version 26H1 will continue receiving monthly updates for security, quality, and new features, the same as devices running Windows 11, versions 24H2 and 25H2.
- Devices running Windows 11, version 26H1 will not be able to update to the next annual feature update in the second half of 2026. This is because Windows 11, version 26H1 is based on a different Windows core than Windows 11, versions 24H2 and 25H2, and the upcoming feature update. These devices will have a path to update in a future Windows release.
- Windows 11, version 26H1 does not support hotpatch updates.
- Windows 11, version 26H1 security updates will be manageable through typical tooling – Windows Autopatch, Microsoft Intune, Microsoft Configuration Manager, etc.
This approach allows Windows to support the development of new hardware capabilities while protecting the stability and predictability that commercial customers rely on in production environments."Here you go!
Regards,
Fred.
Just get windows ltsc and disable updates forever.
And there it is. 26H1 on a 3rd gen i5. No fuss, no muss, installed smooth and easy.
We do know that one way or the other , this will break something.
Really looking forward for that "I told you so" .
I have to check next time if my laptop also tells everyone in the screeenshot that it is a HP, Small Formfactor PC.
LOL wrong Units for DRAM and graphic card. Nice hardware :)
I assume windows updates work, right?
Not exactly rocket science.
If you have a Lenovo, or any other big name, odds are you also have that string baked-in.