Windows 11 26H2 Confirmed — Rollout Expected October 2026

• Windows 11 26H2 references have appeared on the Windows Update page, confirming a forthcoming release.
• The update follows Microsoft’s naming convention: 26H2 means the second half of 2026, likely hitting devices around October 2026.
• Devices on Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2 are expected to receive 26H2 through Windows Update; Microsoft typically stages rollouts.
• Users and admins should prepare by backing up data, checking update policies, and testing on a small set of devices first.

What happened

References to “Windows 11 26H2” were spotted on Microsoft’s Windows Update page, signaling that the next feature update is ready to be tracked publicly. The listing doesn’t represent a full public release note, but it serves as a strong confirmation that Microsoft plans a 26H2 update in the near term.

When to expect it

The name 26H2 follows Microsoft’s year-and-half format: it denotes the second half of 2026. The short description accompanying the discovery places the likely rollout around October 2026. That timing aligns with Microsoft’s historical cadence for major Windows feature updates.

Who will get the update

Devices currently on Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2 should be eligible to receive 26H2 through Windows Update when Microsoft begins the staged rollout. As with previous feature updates, availability may vary by device model, OEM drivers, and region.

Why it matters

Feature updates typically include a mix of security fixes, reliability improvements, and new or refined features. Even when specifics aren’t yet published, confirmation of 26H2 lets individuals and IT teams start planning for testing, compatibility checks, and deployment windows.

What users and admins should do now

Back up important files before the update reaches your devices. Keep drivers and firmware up to date to reduce compatibility problems.

IT administrators should schedule pilot deployments, validate critical apps, and review update policies in tools such as Windows Update for Business, WSUS, or Intune. Consider pausing automatic updates on production machines until the update has been validated in your environment.

Final takeaways

The Windows Update page reference is a clear signal that Microsoft is preparing Windows 11 26H2 for release in the second half of 2026, likely October. While Microsoft has not yet published detailed release notes, users and IT teams can use this heads-up to prepare for testing and staged rollout.