Quick answer: Windows 11 version 26H2, also called the Windows 11 2026 Update, started rolling out on 29 September 2026. It installs with a single restart on PCs running 24H2 or 25H2, and you can get it early by turning on “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” in Windows Update.
This year’s update is a small one under the hood. It shares its core code with 24H2 and 25H2, so it behaves more like a big monthly update than a full reinstall. Most of the visible changes, such as the movable taskbar, already started arriving through the September 2026 monthly update.
The bigger reason to pay attention is a deadline. Microsoft’s release information lists 13 October 2026 as the end of updates for Windows 11 version 24H2 on Home and Pro editions.
When is Windows 11 26H2 available?
Microsoft’s release health page for 26H2 lists general availability as 29 September 2026. It’s a phased rollout, which means Microsoft offers it to more PCs over the next few months instead of everyone on day one.
It’s offered to eligible PCs running Windows 11 version 24H2 or 25H2. If your PC has a known compatibility problem, Microsoft may hold the update back until a fix is ready. That’s called a safeguard hold, and it’s there to protect you, so don’t try to force your way past it.
What’s new in Windows 11 26H2?
Because 26H2 is delivered as an enablement package, most of its features were already on your PC in a switched-off state and get turned on by the update. According to Thurrott’s rollout report, the highlights include:
- More taskbar positions. You can place the taskbar at the top, left, right or bottom of the screen again, and choose a smaller size.
- More archive formats in File Explorer, so you can open more types of compressed files without extra software.
- More reliable Windows Search.
- NPU usage in Task Manager, which shows how hard the AI chip in newer laptops is working.
- Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security for third-party fingerprint readers.
- Point-in-time restore, a new recovery option for rolling a PC back after a bad change.
- Windows settings backup on by default.
The September 2026 monthly update (KB5124008, released 8 September) had already delivered several of these to 24H2 and 25H2. BleepingComputer lists the taskbar positions and smaller taskbar, small and large Start menu sizes, the Start menu’s “Recommended” section renamed “Recent,” and a new setting that controls whether web and Microsoft Store suggestions appear next to local search results.
Want the taskbar on top? We’ve put the steps in our guide on how to move the taskbar in Windows 11.
How to install the Windows 11 2026 Update
- Back up anything important. The update keeps your files, but a backup is cheap insurance.
- Open Settings and select Windows Update.
- Turn on Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available.
- Select Check for updates.
- If the 2026 Update is offered, choose Download & install.
- Restart when asked. Because it’s an enablement package, it needs only one restart and is usually quick.
To confirm it worked, press Windows key + R, type winver and press Enter. You should see “Version 26H2.”
If the update doesn’t show up, your PC may simply not be in the current rollout wave, or it may be under a safeguard hold. Check again in a week or two. If Windows Update itself is stuck, our existing guide “Windows Update Stuck? Here’s How to Fix It” covers the usual fixes.
Why 24H2 users should update this month
Each Windows 11 version gets a fixed support period: 24 months for Home and Pro, and 36 months for Enterprise and Education. Here’s where things stand, according to Microsoft’s Windows 11 release information as of October 2026:
| Version | Released | Home and Pro updates end |
|---|---|---|
| 24H2 | 1 October 2024 | 13 October 2026 |
| 25H2 | 30 September 2025 | 12 October 2027 |
| 26H2 | 29 September 2026 | 10 October 2028 |
If you’re on 24H2 Home or Pro, 13 October 2026 is the last Patch Tuesday that covers your version. After that, you’ll need to be on 25H2 or 26H2 to keep getting security fixes. Moving straight to 26H2 makes the most sense, since it buys you support until October 2028.
Still on Windows 10? This update isn’t for you yet, but you do have more time than you might think. Free consumer security updates now run to October 2027, as we explain in our Windows 10 ESU explainer.
Should you install 26H2 straight away?
For most home users, yes, especially if you’re on 24H2. The update is small, it keeps your files and apps, and it moves you onto a version with two years of support ahead of it.
There are a couple of sensible reasons to hold off for a week or two. If your PC is used for work and you depend on specialised audio gear or business software, give Microsoft time to fix early bugs. And if your laptop is low on battery or storage, sort that out first: plug it in and clear some space before any update.
Whatever you decide, don’t switch off automatic security updates. The monthly patches matter more for your safety than the yearly feature update does.
Known issues to watch for
As of 2 October 2026, Microsoft’s release health page listed a few problems. Most have been mitigated, meaning Microsoft has applied a fix or workaround:
- Some USB audio devices (USB Audio Class 1.0) might fail to start or produce no sound. Listed as mitigated.
- Apps that need AC-3 audio decoding might close unexpectedly after the 22 September 2026 preview update (KB5124010). Listed as confirmed and under investigation.
- Two other issues mainly affect business setups: domain-joined PCs using Credential Guard and Azure Virtual Desktop hosts. Both are listed as mitigated.
If you use a USB DAC, microphone or older USB headset for work, it’s sensible to wait a week or two and check the release health page before updating.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Windows 11 2026 Update free?
Yes. Like every Windows 11 feature update, it’s free through Windows Update for PCs already running Windows 11.
Will 26H2 delete my files or apps?
No. It’s an in-place update that keeps your files, apps and settings. A backup before any major update is still a good habit.
How long does the 26H2 update take?
Not long on most PCs. Microsoft delivers it as an enablement package that needs a single restart, so it’s closer to a normal monthly update than a full reinstall.
Can I skip 26H2 and stay on 25H2?
Yes, for now. Version 25H2 Home and Pro editions get updates until 12 October 2027. You’ll need to move to a newer version before then.
Find more Windows, Mac and laptop coverage in our Computing section.
Sources
- Microsoft Learn: Windows 11, version 26H2 known issues and notifications
- Microsoft Learn: Windows 11 release information
- Thurrott: Microsoft Starts Rolling Out Windows 11 Version 26H2
- Windows Central: Microsoft finalizes Windows 11 version 26H2 for general availability
- BleepingComputer: Windows 11 cumulative updates KB5124008 and KB5122880 released
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