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Windows 11 26H2 Update: How to Get It and What's New

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Microsoft has started rolling out its yearly feature update for Windows 11. It is called Windows 11, version 26H2, or the Windows 11 2026 Update, and Microsoft announced its availability on September 29, 2026.

If your PC has not offered it yet, that is normal. Here is how the rollout works, how to get the update sooner, what is new, and what to check before you install.

What is Windows 11 26H2?

Microsoft releases one feature update for Windows 11 each year, usually in the fall. The name tells you when: “26H2” means the second half of 2026.

A feature update is different from the monthly security updates. It moves your PC to a new version of Windows 11, resets the support clock for that version, and switches on new features.

How to get the Windows 11 2026 Update

Microsoft is using what it calls a controlled feature rollout. The update is offered to eligible devices in waves rather than to everyone on day one.

To install it:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Select Windows Update.
  3. Turn on Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available.
  4. Select Check for updates.
  5. If you see Windows 11, version 26H2, choose Download and install.
  6. Restart when prompted.

For PCs already on Windows 11 version 24H2 or 25H2, the update is delivered as a small “enablement package.” Most of the code is already on your PC through earlier monthly updates, so the download is tiny and the process normally needs just one restart.

What to do if you don’t see the update

Do not worry if 26H2 is not listed. Common reasons:

  • The rollout has not reached your PC yet. Waves can take weeks.
  • You have pending updates. Install everything else in Windows Update, restart, and check again.
  • A compatibility hold. Microsoft sometimes pauses the update for PCs with a specific driver or app until an issue is fixed.
  • Your PC is managed. Work and school computers get updates on the schedule set by the organization’s IT team.

If you prefer not to wait, Microsoft also provides an installation assistant and ISO files on its official Windows 11 download page. That route is a larger download and takes longer. For most people, waiting for Windows Update is the simplest and safest option.

Only download Windows from Microsoft’s own website.

What’s new in Windows 11 26H2

These are the changes Microsoft lists in its own documentation for version 26H2. Some features are switched on gradually, and some depend on your hardware, region or whether the PC is managed by an organization, so you may not see all of them immediately.

Taskbar

  • You can position the taskbar at the bottom, top, left or right of the screen.
  • A smaller taskbar option reduces the icon size and the height of the taskbar.
  • App-specific taskbar actions give quick access to common actions for supported apps.

Start menu

  • A redesigned Start menu with a scrollable “All” section.
  • Category and grid views for finding apps.
  • A layout that adapts to your screen size, plus a setting to choose the Start menu size.
  • You can show or hide the Pinned, Recent and All sections independently.

File Explorer and search

  • Microsoft lists improvements to File Explorer and Windows Search, along with accessibility and security updates.

Backup

  • Windows settings backup helps restore supported settings and Microsoft Store app lists on a new or reset device. Microsoft notes it is on by default for eligible commercial devices.

Tech sites have reported additional AI features in this release. Those vary by device, so the reliable way to see what your PC received is to check Microsoft’s “what’s new” page after updating.

System requirements

Microsoft’s update page does not list new hardware requirements for 26H2; it is delivered to PCs already running version 24H2 or 25H2. In general, Windows 11 needs:

  • A compatible 64-bit processor
  • 4 GB of memory or more
  • 64 GB of storage or more
  • TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot

If your PC is running Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2 today, it can receive 26H2. Some AI features need newer hardware, such as a Copilot+ PC.

Installing 26H2 also restarts the support period: Microsoft lists 24 months of support for Home and Pro editions and 36 months for Enterprise and Education editions.

Before you install: a quick checklist

  • Back up important files to an external drive or cloud storage.
  • Plug in your laptop so the battery does not run out mid-update.
  • Free up some disk space. A few gigabytes of free space helps updates install cleanly.
  • Pick a quiet time. The restart is usually quick, but do not start it right before a meeting.
  • Update your apps and drivers afterward if anything behaves oddly.

Should you update now or wait?

There is no deadline pressure. If your PC is working well, it is reasonable to wait until Windows Update offers 26H2 on its own, which usually means Microsoft has not found problems with your hardware.

If you want the new taskbar and Start menu options right away, turning on the “get the latest updates” switch is the supported way to move up the line.

If something goes wrong after a feature update, Windows lets you go back to the previous version for a limited time from Settings > System > Recovery.

The short version

Windows 11 26H2 has been available since September 29, 2026 as a free update. Turn on “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” in Windows Update and check for updates; on PCs running 24H2 or 25H2 it installs quickly with one restart. If it is not offered yet, the rollout simply has not reached your PC.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

Is the Windows 11 26H2 update free?
Yes. Version 26H2 is a free feature update for PCs that are already running Windows 11.
How do I get the Windows 11 2026 Update?
Open Settings, go to Windows Update, turn on 'Get the latest updates as soon as they're available' and select Check for updates. Install version 26H2 when it is offered.
Why is Windows 11 26H2 not showing up on my PC?
Microsoft releases feature updates gradually. Your PC may not be in the rollout yet, or you may need to install pending updates first. It usually appears later without any action.
Do I need a new PC for Windows 11 26H2?
No. Microsoft delivers 26H2 as a small update to PCs already running Windows 11 version 24H2 or 25H2, so those PCs do not need new hardware.