Windows 11 Update - 26H1 Isn't A Worry
Microsoft has released another Windows version for your Windows PC or laptop computer and, as usual, it sounds dramatic and scary until you actually read what it is. I'll explain quickly what you need to know and how you may be affected - but probably not!
Windows 11 version 26H1 sounds like the next big thing, right? New version number, new vibes, 2026 naming. But here’s the reality - for most businesses (including ours and our clients), this changes very little.
26H1 is not the next normal Windows update. It’s not replacing 24H2 or 25H2. It’s not something your existing PCs are going to suddenly download. That’s a deviation from Microsoft usual process. And as an end user, it’s definitely not something you need to pause purchases over.
The latest Microsoft Windows Update (26H1) is a very targeted release built specifically for new 2026 devices running Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 processors. In other words, it exists to support new hardware releases & innovation. It’s not a broad enterprise rollout release for general computers.
If you’ve got PCs running Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2 - you’re completely fine – no action required. Those versions remain the recommended, stable, enterprise-ready builds. They’ll continue receiving the typical computer security updates, quality updates, and the normal annual feature updates in the second half of each year.
26H1 isn’t even an in-place upgrade from 24H2 or 25H2. You can’t “move to it” on existing hardware or upgrade from a previous version. It only ships on specific new devices. And interestingly, devices running 26H1 won’t even be able to jump to the next annual H2 feature update later in 2026 because it’s built on a different Windows core! Microsoft says there will be a future upgrade method, but it’s separate from the usual pattern.
So what does this mean for your business and planning computer upgrades and purchases?
Honestly - almost nothing.
If you’re upgrading or replacing laptops, deploying Windows 11, or rolling out upgrades, continue exactly as you are with 24H2 or 25H2. There is no benefit to waiting. There’s no hidden “gotcha” coming. There’s no reason to delay purchases.
The only scenario where 26H1 matters is if you are intentionally buying brand-new Snapdragon X2 devices and particularly want the computer hardware features that require that version. That’s early adopter stuff.
From a business management perspective, it behaves normally. Security updates still continue. Intune, Autopatch, Configuration Manager - all still work. The only thing it doesn’t support is hot patch updates.
To me, this is Microsoft trying to balance two technical issues:
- Supporting new silicon innovation.
- Not breaking predictable enterprise servicing.
And to be fair, they’ve actually communicated this one clearly. This isn’t like the old days where something sneaks up and causes chaos.
So, if you’re a business owner wondering whether this affects your purchasing strategy - it does sound like a significant update that might have a lot of impact – it doesn’t.
If you’re a small-to-medium business client of Computer Help NZ, this won’t impact your systems.
It’s not often this happens, but this is the one time I can safely say – this is an update you can safely ignore.