Microsoft is preparing to release a new version of Windows 11 specifically designed for computers using Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon X2 processors. This update, known as version 26H1, will be the first Windows 11 release built exclusively for a single type of computer hardware.
I predicted this when Microsoft revealed version 26H1, and now it’s official. ASUS confirmed to me that their new ZenBook A14 and A16 laptops, which use Snapdragon X2 processors, will come with version 26H1 already installed. However, their ZenBook S14 and S16 laptops with Intel and AMD processors will ship around the same time with version 25H2.
Version 26H1 represents a significant update, not just a minor change. While version 25H2 was built on the same foundation as version 24H2, version 26H1 is based on a completely new platform, internally known as Bromine. This new foundation should deliver improvements to performance and stability that weren’t available in version 25H2.
For the time being, versions 25H2 and 26H1 will have the same features. Microsoft will continue developing new features on 25H2, allowing Windows Insiders to test them there first. However, those same features will also be included in the 26H1 release.
Version 26H1 of Windows will initially only be available on new Arm-powered PCs due to how the underlying technology has changed and the timing of releases. Qualcomm, the maker of the Arm chips, has a different release schedule than Microsoft. This meant Microsoft had to release an update outside of its normal timeframe to ensure the new Arm-based systems worked correctly.
Since Windows 11 version 25H2 was released only a few months ago, Microsoft isn’t ready to release another major update to everyone just yet. They typically release new versions annually in the fall, and want to stick to that schedule. Version 26H1 is a special exception, created solely to allow new computers powered by Arm processors to become available quickly.
Microsoft also did something similar in 2024 with the 24H2 version of Windows 11. They released it first on Snapdragon X PCs, which started becoming available in June – much earlier than typical for new Windows 11 updates. While everyone else got version 24H2 later in the year, Snapdragon PC users had access to it for several months beforehand.
It doesn’t look like most of us will get version 26H1 of Windows this year. I expect it will only be available on new computers that come with the latest Arm-based chips from Qualcomm or NVIDIA. Everyone else will likely receive version 26H2 in the fall, as is typical.
Although version 26H1 is initially designed for devices with the Snapdragon X2 chip, you can still try it on your current PC. It’s available now through the Windows Insider Program, letting you install it on any Windows 11 PC with an Intel, AMD, or Snapdragon processor. Keep in mind that this version focuses on behind-the-scenes improvements, so you likely won’t notice major visual changes.
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2026-01-07 17:53