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"Windows 11 26H1" Is a Special Version of Windows Exclusively for New Arm PCs

Microsoft released a Windows 11 26H1 edition exclusively for new Arm-based Windows PCs, framing it as a deeper commitment after mid-2024 Surface PCs used Qualcomm processors.
Engineering changes like Prism and improved core components drove better app compatibility on Arm, while Qualcomm's Snapdragon X-series and third-party developers releasing Arm-native apps enhanced performance.
Development teams now push certain updates to Arm versions ahead of the wider PC ecosystem, with features like Recall and Click To Do arriving weeks or months earlier on the Arm version of Windows for Copilot+ PCs with built-in NPUs.
Mid‑2024 Surface hardware choices led OEMs to prioritize Qualcomm-powered SKUs, with Intel chips reserved for business models, while third‑party developers released Arm-native apps and reporters asked Microsoft to clarify 26H1.
This architecture-focused move is uncommon for Microsoft and signals a shift away from x86, potentially reshaping hardware, app compatibility, and release timing across the broader PC ecosystem including OEMs and developers.

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25 Articles

Ars Technica

Center

"Windows 11 26H1" is a special version of Windows exclusively for new Arm PCs

Arm PCs have enjoyed special treatment from Microsoft for the past two years.

5 days ago·United States

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The Register

Center

Microsoft rolls out Windows 11 26H1, but you can't have it

: No known issues, no .NET Framework 3.5, but only for new Snapdragon X2 hardware right now

5 days ago

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Tech Radar

Center

Microsoft confirms Windows 11 26H1 update won't be coming to your current PC — here's why that's actually great news

Microsoft confirms Windows 11 26H1 is for Snapdragon X2 laptops only — but there's no mention of Nvidia's Arm CPU.

5 days ago·United Kingdom

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PC Mag

Lean Left

What's Windows 11 26H1? New OS Update Will Only Launch on Certain New PCs

Microsoft promises better performance, but you'll need a PC with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2.

6 days ago·United States

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BleepingComputer

Center

Microsoft releases Windows 11 26H1 for select and upcoming CPUs

Microsoft has announced Windows 11 26H1, but it's not for existing PCs. Instead, it will ship on devices with Snapdragon X2 processors and possibly other rumored ARM chips.w

6 days ago

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TechGenyz

Microsoft’s Bold Windows 11 Version 26H1 Launch Elevates Snapdragon X2 PCs

Highlights Microsoft has shared details about Windows 11 version 26H1. This is not a normal update for everyone. It will only come on new devices that use specific new chips, mainly Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2 processors. Users with the current version of Windows 11 (24H2/25H2) won’t be able to upgrade to 26H2 via Windows Update but […]

4 days ago

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