Microsoft has begun rolling out the first preview build of Windows 11 version 26H1 to Insiders in the Canary Channel, but the company has clarified that this release isn’t meant to be the next feature update for Windows 11. Instead, 26H1 serves as a technical foundation to prepare Windows for upcoming next-generation processors.
According to Microsoft’s announcement:
“26H1 is not a feature update for version 25H2 and only includes platform changes to support specific silicon. There is no action required from customers.”
What 26H1 Really Means
While Microsoft hasn’t provided full details, it appears that Windows 11 version 26H1 is being developed specifically for next-gen Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 and NVIDIA N1X-powered devices, expected to debut in 2026. The company emphasised that feature development will continue on version 25H2, and new features will first appear in the Dev and Beta Insider Channels.
Unlike versions 25H2 and 24H2, the new 26H1 build is based on a fresh Windows platform codenamed “Bromine.” The current Canary build, 28000, is believed to represent the base RTM build for this new platform layer.
No Impact for Current Windows 11 Users
Microsoft has stressed that there’s no reason for existing users to be concerned about version 26H1. The company is continuing its annual update cadence, with the next major feature update—version 26H2—scheduled for the second half of 2026.
At this stage, it’s unclear whether 26H2 will be built directly on top of 26H1, similar to how 25H2 was built on 24H2. What we do know is that 26H1 introduces the underlying platform changes required for next-generation ARM and NVIDIA hardware, without affecting current Windows 11 PCs.
