version 25H2 Archives

Winsage

October 11, 2026

Windows 11 version 26H2 is rolling out now — here’s how to get the update now and get the most out of the 2026 update

Microsoft is gradually introducing the Windows 11 2026 Update (version 26H2) to compatible devices. The update is optional and requires manual installation for users who want it before the general rollout. Users on versions 25H2 or 24H2 can update without a complete reinstallation, while those on version 23H2 or earlier must perform a full in-place upgrade. To install the update from Settings, users should open Settings, click on Windows Update, enable the toggle for getting the latest updates, check for updates, download and install, and restart the device. If the upgrade option is not visible, it may indicate incompatibility. The Media Creation Tool can be used for creating bootable USB media for users upgrading from older versions like 23H2 or Windows 10, but it requires a complete reinstallation. Steps include downloading the tool, selecting the USB drive option, and following prompts to create the installation media. Users can also download the Windows 11 version 26H2 ISO file from the Microsoft support website, mount the ISO, and run setup.exe to complete the installation.

Winsage

October 11, 2026

Windows PCs that are not up to date will lose Windows Update itself in 2027

Windows machines that are not current with updates will face changes in access to Windows Update due to two critical certificate expirations on May 17, 2027, and June 19, 2027. Supported versions must install specific security updates before these dates to maintain access. - Windows 11, version 25H2 and later: No action required. - Windows 11, version 24H2 and Windows Server 2025: Must install the September 2025 Windows security update or later, before June 19, 2027. - Other in-support Windows 11 versions and Windows Server 2022: Must install the July 2026 Windows security update or later, before June 19, 2027. - In-support Windows 10 versions: Must install the July 2026 Windows security update or later, before June 19, 2027. - Windows 10 Enterprise 2019 LTSC, Windows Server 2019, and Windows Server 2016: Must install the July 2026 Windows security update or later, before May 17, 2027. - Any other Windows version: Upgrade to a supported release to maintain access. Devices that are up to date will continue receiving updates without interruption, while those that are behind will lose access to Windows Update services after the expiration dates. Out-of-support versions will lose access entirely. The notice regarding the certificate expiration was posted on October 8, 2026, and reiterated on October 10, 2026.

Winsage

October 9, 2026

Microsoft: Outdated Windows devices will stop receiving security updates

Microsoft will stop providing security updates for devices running unsupported versions of Windows after the Windows Update certificate rotation in May and June 2027, specifically on May 17, 2027, and June 19, 2027. Users and administrators are advised to upgrade to a supported version of Windows before these dates to maintain system integrity. Replacement certificates have already been issued for supported versions, requiring no action for those systems. Specific upgrade guidance includes: - Windows 11, version 25H2 and later: No action required. - Windows 11, version 24H2 and Windows Server 2025: Install the September 2025 security update or later before June 19, 2027. - Other supported versions of Windows 11, Windows Server 2022, and Windows 10: Install the July 2026 security update or later before June 19, 2027. - Windows 10 Enterprise 2019 LTSC, Windows Server 2019, and Windows Server 2016: Install the July 2026 security update or later before May 17, 2027. - Other Windows versions: Upgrade to a supported version of Windows client or Windows Server. IT administrators should evaluate their networks for unsupported Windows versions and ensure monthly updates are applied to supported devices. The directive does not apply to devices receiving updates through Windows Server Update Services (WSUS). Microsoft also announced the rollout of Windows 11, version 26H2, as an enablement package for eligible systems.

Winsage

October 1, 2026

Windows 11 26H2 update arrives: What’s inside and who should install it ASAP

Microsoft has unveiled Windows 11 26H2, an "enablement package" designed for quicker installation. There is no direct upgrade from Windows 11 26H1, which was only for Snapdragon X2 Arm devices, but users with versions 25H2 or 24H2 can upgrade easily. The rollout is gradual, and users can check eligibility via Settings > Windows Update. The update can also be accessed through Microsoft's Download Windows 11 website. Version 26H2 compiles feature and security updates from the past year, including enhancements like a customizable Start menu, improved Windows Search, and better support for fingerprint readers. Support for version 23H2 has ended, 24H2 will end on October 13, 2026, and 25H2 will end on October 12, 2027. Version 26H2 will receive support until October 10, 2028.

Winsage

October 1, 2026

Microsoft Releases the Windows 11 2026 Update, Version 26H2, as a Small Enablement Package

Microsoft has rolled out the Windows 11 2026 Update (version 26H2) for eligible devices running Windows 11 versions 24H2 or 25H2. The update is being implemented as a controlled feature rollout and is delivered as an enablement package, activating features already integrated into the system. Versions 24H2, 25H2, and 26H2 share a unified servicing branch and codebase, making the installation process similar to a standard monthly cumulative update. Windows 11 26H2 consolidates various improvements, security enhancements, and fixes from version 25H2, with some features previously disabled in 25H2 now enabled by default. Installing 26H2 resets the support clock, providing 24 months of support for Home and Pro editions and 36 months for Enterprise and Education editions. Users can manually request the update through Windows Update settings. Organizations can deploy version 26H2 using Windows Autopatch and other management tools, with a recommendation for targeted deployment initially. Devices that shipped with Windows 11 version 26H1 cannot upgrade to 26H2 due to differences in the Windows core. Microsoft may also implement safeguard holds on devices with known compatibility issues, delaying the update until resolved.

Winsage

September 30, 2026

Microsoft Releases the Windows 11 2026 Update, Version 26H2, as a Small Enablement Package

Microsoft has unveiled the Windows 11 2026 Update, version 26H2, on September 29, 2023, accessible for eligible devices running Windows 11 versions 24H2 or 25H2. The update is a controlled feature rollout and is delivered as an enablement package, activating features already embedded in the system. It consolidates improvements, security patches, and enhancements from the past year, with some features previously disabled in 25H2 now enabled by default in 26H2. Installing 26H2 resets the support lifecycle, providing 24 months of support for Home and Pro editions and 36 months for Enterprise and Education editions. Users can manually request the update through Windows Update settings. Organizations can deploy 26H2 via Windows Autopatch and other management tools, with targeted deployments recommended first. Devices that shipped with Windows 11 version 26H1 cannot upgrade to 26H2 and will receive a future upgrade path instead. Microsoft may also implement safeguard holds on devices with known compatibility issues.

Winsage

September 30, 2026

How to get the Windows 11 2026 Update

Windows 11, version 26H2 is now available for eligible devices running Windows 11, versions 25H2 and 24H2. The update is delivered via a small enablement package that activates new features already integrated into the operating system. The installation process is similar to a monthly update, requiring a minor download and a quick restart. The update includes enhancements in quality, reliability, and security. For commercial and educational customers, it can be accessed through existing management tools like Windows Autopatch and the Microsoft 365 admin center. Version 26H2 offers 24 months of support for Home and Pro editions and 36 months for Enterprise and Education editions. Some features that were disabled in version 25H2 will now be enabled by default in version 26H2.

Winsage

September 30, 2026

Microsoft releases Windows 11 version 26H2, calls it a “predictable and low-disruption update” with no compatibility concerns

Microsoft has released the Windows 11 2026 Update, officially known as version 26H2. This update serves to refresh support timelines and introduces enhancements based on previous versions 25H2 and 24H2. While it does not include entirely new features, it improves existing functionalities such as the Start menu and File Explorer. Version 26H2 is categorized as an enablement package update, activating features already present in the operating system from prior updates. The update process is quick, typically requiring just a few minutes for download and installation, minimizing compatibility issues and potential bugs.

Winsage

September 28, 2026

Windows 11 26H2 releases any day now, and here’s who gets it and when

Windows 11 26H2 is expected to begin public rollout around the week of September 28 or early October. Microsoft has released evaluation ISOs for enterprise users to assess compatibility before broader deployment. The release of these ISOs indicates that the public rollout is imminent. Windows 11 26H2 is built on the same platform as versions 24H2 and 25H2, which allows for a smoother upgrade experience. Support for Windows 11 25H2 ends on October 12, 2027, and for 24H2 even sooner, prompting the introduction of 26H2 to provide users with a new support window. Windows 11 26H2 will be available as an optional feature update and will take about five minutes to install for users with up-to-date systems running 24H2 or 25H2. Eligibility for the update includes any PC currently running Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2. The rollout is expected to occur on a Tuesday, with potential dates of September 29 or October 6. Not all eligible PCs will receive the update simultaneously, and users can manually check for updates or download ISOs as needed.

Winsage

September 25, 2026

Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro editions reach end of updates on October 13, 2026 — here’s what you must do

Microsoft announced that the Home and Pro editions of Windows 11 version 24H2 will stop receiving updates after October 13, 2026. The Enterprise and Education editions of Windows 11 24H2 will continue to be supported until October 12, 2027. Windows 11 SE will also reach its end of support in October 2026, with no feature updates after 24H2. Users are encouraged to upgrade to Windows 11 version 25H2 to extend their support window until October 2027. The upgrade requires Windows 11 version 24H2 and a specific cumulative update. If users do not upgrade, Microsoft will automatically push the 25H2 update to unmanaged Home and Pro devices.