Microsoft has announced its commitment to implementing significant behind-the-scenes changes to the Windows 11 platform, with plans to roll out these updates later this year. The company has initiated testing of a new series of builds within the Insider Dev Channel, marking a progression in the operating system’s build number ahead of the current production versions.
New Developments in Windows 11
As of today, the Dev Channel is advancing to the 26300 series builds. These builds are expected to incorporate many of the same features and enhancements found in the 26220 series builds, which will continue to be available in the Beta Channel. Over time, Microsoft will introduce various platform changes in each build, which may lead to different known issues due to these modifications.
Last year, Microsoft began testing the 26200 series builds, which ultimately culminated in the release of version 25H2. If this pattern holds, the 26300 builds are likely to be finalized as version 26H2 this fall. Additionally, Microsoft is preparing to launch version 26H1 in the spring, specifically for next-generation Arm devices that are yet to be released. This version is based on a newer iteration of the Windows platform, codenamed Bromine, which is significantly more advanced than the current version, Germanium. Consequently, the upcoming version of Windows 11 (26H2) will be built on an older platform version.
This situation presents a unique challenge for Microsoft as it navigates its platform release schedule. Currently, the 26300 series is under testing and is anticipated to be released as version 26H2 this fall for existing Windows 11 PCs, introducing a range of unspecified behind-the-scenes changes.
For those interested in exploring these new platform changes, Insiders can begin testing the 26300 series builds by checking for updates in Windows Update after enrolling in the Insider Dev Channel. At this point, both the Dev Channel and Beta Channel share similar features and known issues.
