Windows 11 26H2 is now open to everyone. Don’t expect big changes

Windows users didn’t have to wait long for the Windows 11 26H2 update. Surprisingly, Microsoft didn’t release it in October as predicted, but as early as the end of September. However, not every eligible PC received the update straight away—instead, the rollout took place in stages.

Now, Windows 11 26H2 has finally moved beyond that phase and is openly available. Anyone can install the new operating system version, provided they meet the requirements for Windows 11. You should now see this notification in Windows Update:

PC Welt / Foundry

Unlike previous feature updates for Windows 11, 26H2 should install relatively quickly and smoothly. That’s because this update is an enablement package that simply “activates” version 26H2 under the hood. The actual files and code for the version were delivered via past Windows 11 updates over the last few weeks and months.

So if you’re booting from a computer running Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2 that has been receiving regular updates, the final installation of 26H2 should only take a few minutes.

What’s new in Windows 11 26H2?