Microsoft Releases Windows 11 Version 26H2 to Insider Program Ahead of General Availability
Microsoft has released Windows 11 version 26H2 to the Release Preview Channel of its Insider Program, ahead of the annual feature update's general availability later this year. The move marks a departure from previous practice, where new versions were only delivered after reaching the public. This version is essentially an enablement package that turns on features already present in Windows 11.
The update will be available to both individual Insiders and enterprise IT teams, who can begin deploying and validating it using Windows Update client policies or WSUS. The announcement also includes Azure Marketplace access for the update. However, clean-install ISOs are not yet ready and will follow on the Windows Insider Program download page.
Installing 26H2 requires manual action from Insiders in the Release Preview Channel. Anyone on hardware meeting Windows 11's minimum requirements can open Settings, then Windows Update, to select the new build directly through what Microsoft calls the 'seeker' experience. Once a device updates to 26H2, it returns to Windows Update's normal monthly cadence.