- Windows 11 may receive an update early next year
- It could be called Update 26H1, although Microsoft could avoid that name
- In any case, this version would be limited to Snapdragon laptops
Windows 11 25H2 has just arrived and attention is already focused on next year’s big update, with the possibility of two big updates by 2026.
For now, it’s just rumors we discovered. new – and even the source behind this speculation can’t say for sure that there will be a 26H1 and 26H2 version next year, but it looks like a major Windows 11 update is planned for early 2026.
in one Video published on YouTube.Leaker PhantomOfEarth notes that this update will not affect most users. I would only focus on Copilot+ computers equipped with Arm chips. To be precise, Microsoft is expected to release this new version of Windows 11 along with the launch of Snapdragon X2 Elite laptops, scheduled for early 2026.
According to PhantomOfEarth: “It appears that a 26H1 build of Windows 11 is in the works just for the Snapdragon edition.”
in one another messageIt states that this particular version of Windows 11 is in development – although it’s important to be careful with this kind of information – and that it only affects PCs equipped with the X2 Elite chip. The name 26H1 would not necessarily be retained.
However, a reference to “26H1” would be spotted, which is a solid clue to the existence of this update. A major Windows 11 update is expected at least in early 2026, although most PCs won’t get it right away.
Lots of new features for the Arm PC, but everyone will get them sooner or later
For most users, next year’s big update will be Windows 11 26H2, as expected.
One reason why Microsoft might avoid calling the first update of 2026 ’26H1′ would be to avoid the feeling of missing out. On the other hand, this naming strategy could also boost Snapdragon’s image.
In reality, this approach wouldn’t be much different from the one Microsoft previously took when it launched the first Snapdragon (version 24H2 wasn’t available to all Windows 11 users until October 2024, several months after the arrival of the first Copilot+ PCs).
Windows 11 26H2 will almost certainly include all the improvements included in version 26H1 (or whatever it’s called), which simply means that non-ARM PC owners will have to wait a bit longer; It’s already a habit.
The update planned for early 2026 is mainly intended to ensure optimal compatibility and performance of the new Snapdragon X2 Elite chips. (Again, this was the case with 24H2, which included significant changes necessary to make the Snapdragon X chips work properly in Windows 11.)
The Snapdragon X2 devices are also likely to get some highly visible exclusive new features.
- Windows 11 is hiding a secret new feature to protect your PC from crashes
- The best mini PCs of 2025: free up space on your desk
- Apple Mac mini (M4, 2024) review: a more powerful and smaller model