Microsoft confirms Windows 11 26H1 will be for Arm devices only at launch — Snapdragon X2-powered devices officially shipping with 26H1

Microsoft has confirmed that the Windows 11 26H1 update will be exclusive to Arm devices at launch, specifically those powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 SoCs. This update marks a shift in Microsoft's update model for 2026, with 26H1 running on a newer codebase than its predecessor, Windows 11 25H2. Devices running 26H1 will not be able to upgrade to 26H2 later this year but will have a path to update in future releases. This device-specific update strategy is aimed at supporting cutting-edge hardware, with Snapdragon X2 being the first SoC to require 26H1's codebase.