Microsoft Pushes Windows 11 26H2 to Release Preview, Extending Support to October 2028
Updated
Updated · ZDNet · Sep 1
Microsoft Pushes Windows 11 26H2 to Release Preview, Extending Support to October 2028
3 articles · Updated · ZDNet · Sep 1
Summary
Windows 11 version 26H2 is now in the Release Preview Channel, putting the next feature update on track for general availability in late September or early October.
26H2 is an enablement package built on the same Germanium platform used since 24H2, so upgrades from 24H2 or 25H2 should be faster and lower-risk than a full platform refresh.
Microsoft’s Insider overhaul under new management is a key reason the preview matters: the channel lineup is simpler, feature flags are more visible, and switching channels no longer typically requires wiping a PC.
October 2028 support is one of the update’s biggest draws, especially for corporate customers that can adopt features already rolled out in 25H2 while getting what the report describes as a largely fix-it release.