Microsoft preps Windows 11 26H1 for “specific silicon”

Microsoft’s next version of Windows may be specifically for new ARM-based processors

Microsoft has released its first Insider Preview for Windows 11 26H1. Microsoft has confirmed that this isn’t a new feature update for Windows. Instead, this update focuses on “platform changes to support specific silicon”.

While Microsoft has not confirmed what “specific silicon” this new version of Windows will support, there are two likely candidates. These are Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon X2 Elite CPUs, and Nvidia’s planned N1X chips. It’s probable that Windows 11 26H1 will land as part of Microsoft’s next “Windows on ARM” push.

– 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.

– 25H2 remains the primary place for new features. Windows 11 continues to have an annual feature update cadence, with releases in the second half of the calendar year.

Microsoft – Windows Blog

Microsoft’s major Windows updates are released on a yearly cadence. The next major update for Windows 11 will be 26H2. The existence of 26H1 is likely to enable an earlier release for new ARM-based Windows devices. As mentioned earlier, these devices are likely to come from Qualcomm or Nvidia. This version of Windows will not be released to customers, as it contains no upgrades that will impact existing PCs.

You can join the discussion on Windows 11’s planned 26H1 version on the OC3D Forums.