Overview
- Microsoft began a staged public rollout of Windows 11 version 26H2 on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, and users can opt in in Settings to get the update sooner if their device is eligible.
- 26H2 is an enablement package that simply turns on features already delivered through monthly servicing because 24H2, 25H2, and 26H2 share the same servicing branch and codebase.
- Installing 26H2 resets support timelines with Home and Pro editions receiving 24 months of servicing and Enterprise and Education receiving 36 months measured from the release date.
- Enterprise-managed defaults will change: point-in-time restore will be enabled by default on eligible PCs with at least 200GB of Windows partition space and Windows settings backup will be turned on for qualifying enterprise devices, and IT teams can stage or control deployment via Windows Autopatch and the Microsoft 365 admin center.
- Microsoft has applied staged safeguard holds for devices with known compatibility issues and has documented three problems to watch for—USB audio failures, Credential Guard sign-in issues on some domain machines, and black-screen problems on some Azure Virtual Desktop hosts—which may delay or block the update on affected systems.