upgrade process

Winsage
July 20, 2026
Microsoft is set to release Windows 11 version 26H2, an enablement package based on version 25H2, without introducing new features at launch. The update will require only a single restart for devices on versions 25H2 or 24H2, while users on older versions, such as 23H2 or Windows 10, will need a full feature update. Both versions share identical features and are built on the same platform, with version 26H2 using build numbers in the 26300 series. The update process will vary depending on the current version, and version 26H2 will not change hardware requirements. Microsoft plans a gradual rollout of the update, initially as an optional install. Version 26H2 aims to extend support, adding approximately a year to the support timeline, with version 25H2 support continuing until October 2027. Users should verify their current version and back up important files before upgrading.
Winsage
July 19, 2026
Microsoft is set to launch the 2026 Update for Windows 11, known as version 26H2, later this year. This will be the fifth feature update for the operating system. The upgrade from version 25H2 to 26H2 will utilize an Enablement Package (eKB), allowing for a transition similar to a standard monthly cumulative update without requiring a full reinstallation. Users can also upgrade from Windows 10 using an ISO file or Microsoft installation media, which ensures files, applications, and settings remain intact. Upgrading to version 26H2 extends the support lifecycle of devices by an additional year, with Microsoft providing 24 months of support for Home and Pro editions and 36 months for Enterprise and Education editions. Version 25H2 will continue to receive support until October 2027, and users are advised to plan upgrades before this support ends. Windows 11 version 26H2 has the same hardware requirements as version 25H2, which include a 1GHz processor with at least two cores, 4GB of RAM, 64GB of storage, UEFI firmware with Secure Boot, TPM version 2.0, DirectX 12 compatible graphics, and a high-definition display. The rollout of the update will be gradual, following a Controlled Feature Rollout (CFR) strategy, meaning not all devices will receive the update immediately.
Winsage
July 16, 2026
Approximately 16.9 percent of monitored Windows devices are still running Windows 10, a decline from about half a year ago. Windows 10 will receive updates until October 12, 2027, for consumer devices and until October 10, 2028, for commercial customers. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) have 21.4 percent of their machines on Windows 10, with 23 percent in healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors and 22.7 percent in consumer and retail. A Windows 10 device has an average of 1,903 active Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs), compared to 652 on Windows 11. Only 14 percent of Windows 10 assets have Extended Security Updates (ESU) patches applied. Many devices are tied to vendor certifications that complicate upgrades, and the rising cost of new PC hardware is a concern. The stagnation of Windows 11 adoption continues, with minimal change in market share distribution.
Winsage
July 1, 2026
Microsoft has notified users of Windows 11 Home and Pro about the upcoming end of support for the 24H2 release, which has been available for two years and will conclude its support in a few months. The support timeline for Windows 11 versions is 24 months for consumer versions and 36 months for commercial users. The current fully supported version is 25H2, which can be upgraded to from 24H2, ensuring support until October 2027. The rollout of 26H2 is expected to begin this fall.
Winsage
June 28, 2026
Microsoft released a preview update identified as C-release under KB5095093, along with new dynamic updates to enhance the Windows experience. Dynamic updates refine the Windows Recovery process and improve the setup experience by updating the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) and Setup file binaries. These updates ensure a smoother transition during upgrades and preserve Language Pack (LP) and Features on Demand (FODs) content. The updates include: - KB5095186: Safe OS Dynamic Update for Windows 11, version 26H1, enhancing WinRE to version 10.0.28000.2335. - KB5102558: Setup Dynamic Update for Windows 11, versions 24H2 and 25H2, improving setup binaries and files for feature updates. - KB5095615: Safe OS Dynamic Update for Windows 11, versions 24H2 and 25H2, enhancing WinRE to version 10.0.26100.8737. These updates will be automatically downloaded and installed through the Windows Update channel.
Winsage
June 24, 2026
Windows 11 version 24H2 will reach the end of servicing on October 13, 2026. Enterprises often face version drift, requiring different upgrade strategies for various Windows 11 builds across endpoints. Upgrade methods include enablement packages, ISO-based feature updates, or direct upgrades from Windows 10. Enablement packages are the quickest and least disruptive option for compatible Windows 11 systems. Qualys TruRisk Eliminate can standardize upgrades and minimize version drift on a large scale. Endpoints should be assessed for readiness, categorized by eligibility and current OS status. Enablement packages are recommended for recent Windows 11 builds due to their minimal download size, faster installation, and reduced operational impact. If enablement packages are unavailable, ISO-based feature updates may be necessary. Direct upgrades from Windows 10 to Windows 11 25H2 can be executed without intermediate transitions. Qualys TruRisk Eliminate provides tools for managing these upgrade processes effectively.
AppWizard
June 22, 2026
Android 17 has been released for Pixel devices, introducing several new features: 1. Desktop Mode allows users to connect their phones to an external monitor for a desktop-like experience with a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard. 2. App Bubbles enable seamless multitasking by allowing users to bubble apps for quick access from the home screen. 3. The selfie camera can be enabled during screen recordings, allowing users to narrate actions while appearing on screen. 4. The recent apps page now displays full app names and includes a drop-down menu for options like pinning, splitting the screen, taking screenshots, or clearing recent apps. 5. Early support for running GUI Linux applications is introduced, paving the way for future advancements in Linux environments on devices. 6. Enhanced HDR brightness allows users to customize the display of HDR content for a more dynamic viewing experience. The update process for Pixel 9 Pro took approximately 30 minutes, and the rollout for other Pixel devices is expected soon. Other Android users will need to wait for their respective device updates.
Winsage
June 22, 2026
Microsoft is preparing for the release of Windows 11 version 26H2, which aims to streamline the upgrade process for organizations. This version will be available for testing through the Windows Insider Program and utilizes a compact enablement package for a quicker transition from supported versions like 24H2 and 25H2. Devices on Windows 11 version 26H1 will not be able to upgrade to 26H2, as it is based on a different core. Upgrading to version 26H2 resets the support lifecycle, providing 24 months of support for consumer and standard business editions and 36 months for enterprise and education editions. Organizations are encouraged to test the update for compatibility and use deployment tools for a phased rollout.
Winsage
June 21, 2026
Microsoft has confirmed the upcoming Windows 11 26H2 feature update, set to roll out in fall 2026, likely in October. This update will not be a major overhaul and will utilize an enablement package (eKB) for installation, similar to the previous Windows 11 25H2 version. The last major update was the 24H2 version, released on October 1, 2024, while 25H2 launched in 2025 and reset the OS life cycle, extending support by an additional year. Support for Windows 11 24H2 ends on October 13, 2026, and for 25H2 until October 12, 2027. Windows 11 26H2 will be supported until October 2028 for Home, Pro, Pro EDU, and Pro for Workstations editions, and until October 2029 for Enterprise, Education, or IoT Enterprise editions. Devices running Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2 will transition to 26H2 without new hardware requirements, maintaining specifications of 4GB RAM, 64GB storage, and a 1GHz or faster 64-bit dual-core processor. Windows 11 26H1, another update, requires new silicon but does not introduce exclusive features. Major changes will be delivered through monthly cumulative updates rather than annual feature updates.
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