Microsoft has rolled out Windows 11 version 26H2 (build 26300.9278) to the Release Preview Channel for Insiders. This update is notably light on new features, focusing instead on resetting support cycles. For most users, the key change is an extended support period as they move to 26H2.

Since late 2024, updates have been streamlined across all branches, with enablement packages (e KBs) activating features rather than introducing them fresh. On devices running 24H2 or 25H2, a simple e KB upgrade suffices to reach 26H2. However, older versions like 22H2 and 23H2 require a full feature update.

Additionally, Microsoft released KB5120996 for Windows 11 26H1, tailored for Arm devices such as Snapdragon X Elite and NVIDIA RTX hardware, bringing similar improvements like Taskbar and Start Menu tweaks.