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New Windows 11 version bypasses existing PCs
11 Feb
Summary
- Windows 11 version 26H1 is exclusive to upcoming Arm PCs.
- This new version will not be available as a download for current devices.
- 26H1 is built on a different Windows core for enhanced performance.
Microsoft is preparing to launch Windows 11 version 26H1, but with a significant twist: it will not be available for existing devices. This upcoming OS version is specifically designed for new PCs equipped with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 Series processors, which operate on the Arm architecture.
Instead of a downloadable update, Windows 11 version 26H1 will come preinstalled on eligible new devices expected to arrive in the first quarter of 2026. Microsoft has stated that this version is not designed for installation on current Windows 11 devices, such as those running versions 24H2 or 25H2.
This new iteration of Windows 11 is based on a different core architecture than current versions. This architectural shift aims to unlock next-generation silicon and hardware innovations, promising improved performance and battery life. Microsoft has indicated that devices running 26H1 will follow a different update schedule, with updates anticipated in the first half of each year.
