Windows 11 26H1: Limited version for ARM Gen 2 and the future of Windows 11

If you've heard of Windows 11 26H1 and you're not sure what exactly that is.Don't worry, you're not alone. This version has arrived amidst much uncertainty because it breaks with the traditional way Microsoft has been releasing its major Windows 11 updates.

In the following lines we will see What is Windows 11 26H1 really for, and how does it differ from 25H2 and 26H2?, what devices will be able to use it, what processors it requires, what relationship it has with the new Bromine internal base and why Microsoft has decided to split the evolution of Windows into two parallel branches for a few years.

What exactly is Windows 11 26H1 and why is it a limited version?

Windows 11 26H1 is, first and foremost, a platform update, not a feature updateThis means that it focuses on changing the technical foundations of the operating system for certain hardware, and not on introducing lots of new features visible to the user on a daily basis.

Microsoft has made it clear that Windows 11 26H1 is intended for a very limited number of new deviceswhich began arriving on the market from the first quarter of 2026. It is not intended to replace 24H2 or 25H2 on existing computers, nor will it appear as another update in Windows Update.

In the official documentation, the company defines this version as a special edition that supports hardware innovations planned for 2026With advancements in processors and energy management that improve performance and battery life, the focus is on maximizing the potential of a new generation of chips.

That's why Windows 11 26H1 doesn't follow the usual "install and go" pattern on the PC you already have. Its distribution is exclusively through new equipment that already has it pre-installed.and there is no direct upgrade path from 24H2 or 25H2 on the equipment currently in use.

Relationship between 26H1, 25H2 and the future 26H2

To fully understand the situation, it is important to be clear that Microsoft is managing two distinct development paths within Windows 11On one hand, there's the main branch we all know, and on the other, this new, specific branch geared towards the next generation of Arm-based SoCs and the differences between them. Windows on Arm and x86.

La The main branch starts at 25H2 and will continue with 26H2This will be the major annual update that most users will receive in the second half of 2026. This includes both PCs with x86 processors (Intel and AMD) and Arm devices that were already on the market and follow the usual route through Windows Update.

In parallel appears Windows 11 26H1 as a separate branch, based on a new internal system base called Bromine, which replaces the Germanium platform used in 24H2 and 25H2. This platform change is not a simple name change: it introduces Deep adjustments to the system core, hardware management, power consumption, and integration with modern SoCs.

The practical consequence is that Devices running 26H1 will not be able to update to the major annual update in the second half of 2026.Microsoft explains that the next feature version is built on a different core than 26H1, so these devices will follow a different and future upgrade path, yet to be publicly specified.

Meanwhile, PCs running Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 will continue to receive monthly security patches, quality improvements, and new features.And its next big leap will come with 26H2. For most users, the flow will be completely normal and they won't even see 26H1 mentioned in their Windows Update.

Why Windows 11 26H1 isn't coming to your current PC

One of the key points is that Windows 11 26H1 is not designed to be offered or installed on existing devicesMicrosoft has been very explicit in several statements: this version will only be available on "some new devices with certain selected silicon boards" that will be released starting in early 2026.

That implies that You won't see 26H1 as an update in Windows Update, nor will you be able to install it via a local update on a PC that already has 24H2 or 25H2If you have a current computer, whether desktop or laptop, you will continue with the main branch of Windows 11 and, later, you will receive 26H2.

This decision aims to prevent users from getting confused by trying to force a version that It is not designed for its hardware and offers no real advantages over the equipment already on the market.In fact, Microsoft emphasizes that Windows 11 26H1 “will have no impact” on devices in the existing stock.

Even so, PCs that do install this special version They will receive monthly updates on security, quality, and new features.Just like the rest of the Windows 11 branches. The difference lies not in the support, but in the type of hardware it is geared towards and the future update path.

In summary, if you're on 24H2 or 25H2, Your horizon is 26H2 as the next major normal upgrade, while 26H1 plays in a different parallel league for very specific devices with next-generation Arm SoCs.

An exclusive version for ARM Gen 2 and Snapdragon X2

Behind this strategy lies a very clear message: Windows 11 26H1 is focused on the new generation of Arm Gen 2 SoCsIt is not a separation strictly by architecture (x86 versus Arm), but by hardware generation within the Arm ecosystem itself.

Currently, the official list of chips that can run Windows 11 26H1 includes the Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 seriesThis includes the Snapdragon X2 Elite and Snapdragon X2 Plus models. These processors are positioned as the new wave of SoCs geared towards portable devices, with a strong emphasis on efficiency, battery life, and AI acceleration through advanced NPUs.

These Snapdragon X2s are considered Second-generation SoC within the Windows on Arm push, with significant changes in AI capabilities, power management, and operating system integration, including support for native software on Windows 11 Arm.

First-generation Arm SoCs, like previous Snapdragon models, They remain on the main branch of Windows 11 with 25H2 and the upcoming 26H2 and subsequent versions.In other words, it's not that Microsoft has abandoned those devices, but rather that they are simply excluded from the experiment that 26H1 represents for Arm Gen 2.

In addition to Qualcomm, there is mention of future chips such as NVIDIA N1X, new solutions from MediaTek, or AMD's Sound Wave platformThese developments point to a much more diverse Arm ecosystem in the coming years. Microsoft's idea is that 26H1 and subsequent evolutions of this branch will serve as the foundation for this new high-end hardware focused on AI and efficiency.

Specific devices compatible with Windows 11 26H1

Since it is a limited edition, currently The number of computers compatible with Windows 11 26H1 is small and very specificThey all share one essential requirement: they integrate a Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 series SoC.

Within the current catalog, several ASUS models stand out, which is, for the moment, the brand that has invested most heavily in this platform. ASUS offers laptops, convertibles, and an all-in-one desktop equipped with the Snapdragon X2 Elite., which puts them among the first candidates to leave the factory with 26H1.

These include devices such as the ASUS Zenbook A14 (UX3407NA)This 14-inch laptop features a 1920x1200 OLED display at 60Hz, an ultralight chassis, up to 32GB of LPDDR5x memory, and up to a 1TB NVMe SSD. It stands out for its multi-day battery life, boasting around 33 hours of video playback thanks to the Snapdragon X2 Elite with its 18-core CPU and an NPU capable of reaching 80 TOPS, and support for [unspecified features]. native ARM64 apps.

One step above is the ASUS Zenbook A16 (UX3607OA)It features a 16-inch OLED display with a 2880x1800 resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, powered by ASUS Lumina OLED 3K technology and a distinctive "ceraluminum" chassis. It can be configured with up to 48GB of LPDDR5x RAM and a 2TB NVMe SSD, and uses a Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme processor with up to 18 CPU cores and the same 80 TOPS NPU. Its 70Wh battery promises around 21 hours of continuous use and offers compatibility for x86 and x64 applications on Windows 11 Arm.

Also appears the ASUS Vivobook S16 (S3607NA)A 16-inch laptop available with a 1920x1200 OLED display at 60 Hz or a 2560x1600 IPS panel at 144 Hz. It integrates Snapdragon X2 Elite processors, with configurations of 16 to 32 GB of LPDDR5x RAM and a PCIe SSD from 512 GB to 1 TB, and a 70 Wh battery capable of offering up to 25 hours of light use.

In the realm of convertibles, the ASUS ProArt PZ14 (HT7407NA) It's presented as a 14-inch tablet with a 2800x1800 OLED panel at 144 Hz and a detachable keyboard. It also features a Snapdragon X2 Elite processor, up to 32 GB of LPDDR5x RAM and a 1 TB SSD, as well as a 75 Wh battery geared towards creators and professionals seeking power in a highly portable format.

Completing ASUS's offering is the ASUS VM441QA AiOThis 23,8-inch all-in-one PC features an anti-glare FHD display and is one of the first all-in-one desktops powered by the Snapdragon X2 Elite (with 8 to 18 CPU cores and an NPU up to 85 TOPS). It offers up to 16GB of RAM and up to a 512GB SSD, designed for all-day use without a battery.

HP and Lenovo laptops with Snapdragon X2 and 26H1

ASUS is not the only company that has jumped on the bandwagon of the new SoCs. HP also has its own model with Snapdragon X2 and potential support for Windows 11 26H1, within its well-known family of professional laptops.

Specifically, we're talking about HP EliteBook X G2q (Qualcomm)This 14-inch laptop, part of the EliteBook X G2 series, is a Snapdragon-equipped variant. It can be configured with a WUXGA OLED (1920×1200) display with 300 nits of brightness and 95% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage, or with an IPS panel, also 1920×1200, and a maximum brightness of 400 nits.

At the processor level, the user can choose between Two versions of the Snapdragon X2 Elite: the X2E-88-100 with 18 CPU cores and the X2E-80-100 with 12 coresThe first one offers higher performance in intensive and multithreaded tasks, something that is obviously reflected in the final price of the equipment.

Regarding memory and storage, the HP EliteBook X G2q It supports up to 64GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to 2TB of SSD storage., with an integrated 56 Wh battery designed to offer solid autonomy in professional environments where mobility is important.

Lenovo, for its part, has opted for the The 14-inch Yoga Slim 7x is its main representative, featuring the Snapdragon X2.This device incorporates a 2800×1800 OLED screen with a maximum brightness that can reach 1100 nits, ideal for HDR content and creative work.

The Yoga Slim 7x can be configured with Snapdragon X2 Elite with 18 CPU cores or Snapdragon X2 Plus with 10 or 6 core configurationscombined with up to 64GB of dual-channel RAM and up to 2TB of SSD storage. Lenovo boasts a battery capable of lasting up to 29 hours of use under laboratory conditions, reinforcing this platform's focus on energy efficiency.

Windows 11 26H1 and the new Bromine base

Beyond the list of teams, what's relevant is that Windows 11 26H1 marks the debut of the Bromine internal platform, which acts as a new base for the system in these Arm Gen 2 SoCs. This base replaces Germanium, used in 24H2 and 25H2, and entails profound modifications in the way Windows communicates with the hardware.

This transition affects aspects such as energy management, the controller model, the interaction with modern NPUs and the way workloads are distributed between CPU, GPU and dedicated acceleratorsThe goal is for the system to be able to take advantage of the new generation of AI-focused chips without being burdened by legacy limitations.

According to Microsoft itself, many features that had been seen in development branches such as Dev, Beta or Canary are not exclusive to 26H1Rather, they are reused in this version to test their compatibility with the Bromine base. Therefore, associating "visible new features" with 26H1 can be misleading: the truly strategic elements lie beneath the surface, in the system's inner workings.

This approach is also a way of admitting that, as things stand, It is not feasible to have a single Windows 11 that fully and equally supports both x86 and second-generation Arm.The segmentation between Arm Gen 1 and Arm Gen 2 shows that Redmond has chosen to specialize the platform in two paths, rather than forcing everything into a single universal branch.

In the medium term, many of the advances proven in Bromine are expected to be implemented. eventually become integrated into the main branch of the system with versions like 26H2That's when the average user will start to notice practical benefits from the silent work being done in 26H1.

Compatibility, support, and update management in 26H1

In terms of support, Microsoft has emphasized that Windows 11 26H1 will receive monthly security, quality, and feature updates.Just like the 24H2 and 25H2 versions. Despite being a special branch, these devices are not excluded from the regular maintenance cycle.

Businesses and IT administrators will be able to Manage 26H1 updates using the same tools as always.Windows Autopatch, Microsoft Intune, Microsoft Configuration Manager, and similar solutions for corporate fleets.

However, there is an important nuance: Windows 11 26H1 does not support hotpatchThat is, with certain "hot" patch update methods that allow fixes to be applied without restarting the system in some scenarios. Here, the strategy involves the classic update model with a restart when necessary.

Microsoft states that, for now, No relevant active problems are known to be associated with 26H1, and encourages users to use the Feedback Hub app to report any bugs they find on devices with this version.

If a user or company needs additional help, they can turn to The Get Help app in Windows, Microsoft technical support, or enterprise support channels for companiesas well as the online support community for specific questions about the version.

Windows 11 26H1 versus 26H2 and the role of artificial intelligence

While 26H1 focuses on the new technical foundation for Arm Gen 2, 26H2 will be the major update visible to most Windows 11 usersThis version, confirmed through the Windows Insider program with references to an "enablement package", is expected to arrive in the fall of 2026 as a quick and relatively lightweight update.

They are already being tested in the preliminary builds New features focused on artificial intelligence, especially around CopilotOne of the most striking changes is the integration of Copilot directly into File Explorer, in the form of a side panel capable of analyzing documents, summarizing content, or helping to organize folders using natural language.

It is also working on “Ask Copilot” integrated into the taskbarwhich will replace the classic search with a more fluid interface from which you can launch complex queries, request configuration changes (for example, activate dark mode) or automate tasks.

Microsoft even talks about agentic AI functionsCopilot could operate with some autonomy to handle routine tasks, such as organizing files or managing calendar events. These capabilities will be disabled by default and will require manual activation by the user, at least initially.

It is important to underline that 26H2 will be the update intended for the vast majority of x86 PCs and current Arm devices, while 26H1 remains as a “sister” branch that prepares the ground for very specific hardware and does not participate in the same feature cycle.

Interface changes, system stability and quality

Visually, the builds targeting 26H2 bring some tweaks highly anticipated by veteran Windows usersOne of them is the return of the Agenda view by clicking on the clock, something that in Windows 10 allowed you to quickly check the calendar and events and that disappeared with Windows 11.

This new calendar view is built on WebView2 technologyThis facilitates unification with modern web interfaces but may result in slightly higher RAM consumption than the classic Windows 10 implementation. In return, integration with Outlook and other services is more consistent.

Another classic that's been revamped is the dialogue box. Run (Win + R)which has remained virtually unchanged for decades. In the new versions, it adopts the Mica aesthetic and WinUI design principles, with rounded corners and transparencies, in addition to Functional improvements such as a more visual command history and smart suggestions.

Work is also underway on one full-screen console-style experience for the Xbox appDesigned for Windows handheld consoles or PCs connected to a TV and controlled exclusively with a controller, this interface replaces the traditional desktop with a console-style control panel, simplifying access to games and multimedia content.

In parallel, Microsoft has focused on Improve software quality after several months of problematic updates in Windows 11To this end, it has internally launched the so-called "Operation Swarm," which consists of concentrating teams of engineers from different departments in solving critical bugs and performance problems.

The priority declared by the Windows management is to give more weight to stability than to new features, especially those related to AI, in anticipation of the massive rollout of 26H2. The company is aware that much of the trust of its advanced users is at stake in this phase.

With all this context, it becomes clearer why Windows 11 26H1 is conceived as a strategic but discreet piece, reserved for the new batch of Arm Gen 2 devices, while most PCs will continue their normal path towards 26H2 and subsequent versions, progressively benefiting from the work that is currently being tested in that specialized branch.

Ultimately, the picture that emerges from all this movement is one of a Windows ecosystem that is temporarily forking: On one hand, there's the general branch for the vast majority of users, and on the other, a specific branch for next-generation Arm SoCs.With a different internal base and very specific objectives in performance, battery and artificial intelligence; if your current device is not among the few models with Snapdragon X2 that are already on the market, you don't have to worry about chasing 26H1, because your natural path will be to continue receiving patches in 24H2 or 25H2 and make the jump to 26H2 when the time comes.