Microsoft has released a new version of its operating system, Windows 11 26H1, but most users are being told not to expect it on their devices. The company says the update is designed only for a new generation of computers powered by Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon X2 chips.
The update will not be offered through the usual in place upgrade process. It also will not receive a follow up 26H2 version later this year and does not support hotpatch updates. Microsoft has advised IT administrators to avoid planning deployments around it for now. The company says Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2 remain the safer choice for businesses and organisations.
Built mainly for new Snapdragon PCs
Windows 11 26H1 is being prepared for a new wave of Arm based computers expected to arrive early this year. Microsoft confirmed the update through release KB5077179, which is part of a broader batch of security fixes. However, ordinary users cannot download or install this version because it is locked to Snapdragon X2 hardware.
The company says the update focuses on better performance, longer battery life and improved support for AI powered computing. Despite these changes, the overall look and feel of Windows 11 remains largely the same. Users already running Windows 11 25H2 are unlikely to notice any major difference for now.
Microsoft has also hinted that other chip makers may join the effort. Reports suggest Nvidia could be working on its own Arm based processor, known as N1X, though there has been no official confirmation.
End of the road for .NET Framework 3.5
One of the biggest changes in Windows 11 26H1 is the removal of the ageing .NET Framework 3.5 from the system’s optional features list. The framework, first released nearly two decades ago, will no longer be available as a built in component from this version onward.
Microsoft says support for .NET Framework 3.5 will officially end on January 9, 2029. The move signals to developers that older software relying on the framework may need to be updated or replaced in the coming years. For businesses that still depend on legacy applications, this could create challenges when moving to newer hardware.
At present, only new Snapdragon X2 devices running Windows 11 26H1 are affected. However, the change suggests that installing older business software on future machines may become more difficult, even though Microsoft continues to promise strong backward compatibility.
No rush for regular users
For most people, there is little reason to worry about missing out. Windows 11 26H1 is a specialised release aimed at new Arm based systems rather than the wider public. Microsoft’s next major update for general users is expected to be Windows 11 26H2, which is scheduled to arrive later this year and is currently under testing.
Until then, users are expected to continue using Windows 11 25H2, which remains the latest stable version for everyday computers.
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