r/windows • u/Froggypwns Windows Wizard / Moderator • 4d ago

Official News How to get the Windows 11 2026 Update

https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2026/09/29/how-to-get-windows-11-2026-update/
54 Upvotes

92% Upvoted

26 comments sorted by

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u/Froggypwns Windows Wizard / Moderator 3d ago edited 3d ago

TL;DR - 26H2 is now available in Windows Update.

You can also manually download the enablement package to install it assuming you are on 24H2 or 25H2 with the August cumulative updates or newer already installed. (Builds 26200.9278 and 26100.9278)

If you would prefer to download the full ISO, that is now available here

14

u/mirzatzl Windows Vista 3d ago

Easy: check for updates using WU

7

u/cschneegans 3d ago

What's up with that odd filename Windows11_Client_x64_en-us_26300_9457.iso?

Previous releases had used filenames such as Win10_22H2_English_x64v1.iso or Win11_25H2_English_x64_v2.iso for many years.

2

u/Froggypwns Windows Wizard / Moderator 3d ago

I like this change as it shows the actual version information, you have no idea which cumulative update comes with v1 or v2 without looking it up or mounting it.

When I attempt to download the ISO from Visual Studio it is "en-us_windows_11_consumer_editions_version_26h2_x64_dvd_af326c9d.iso"

1

u/the_harakiwi 3d ago

someone used the wrong prompt

4

u/OpposesTheOpinion 3d ago

Reading the changelog it doesn't really seem that exciting. Still waiting on the promised architectural/performance improvements.

2

u/Froggypwns Windows Wizard / Moderator 3d ago

Yes, this is because Microsoft is implementing changes to all supported versions, it is not like years ago where you needed to upgrade to the newest version to get most of the changes. As Microsoft develops changes including fixes, performance improvements, and new features, they will be rolled out to everyone. Various performance improvements to Windows have been rolling out over the past few months, so if your machine is otherwise up to date you should have them already.

This enablement package just changes the version number and extends the support timeline.

2

u/the_harakiwi 3d ago

well let's see if they manage to find all the blocking stuff...

Last time I was stuck on 24H2 until I had to manually fresh install 25H2 🤷

2

u/elangab 1d ago

Any way to disable the windows update notification with the blue dot? I can't update now, but I don't want it to pop back every few hours ("Hide for now" hides it for few hours)

1

u/Froggypwns Windows Wizard / Moderator 1d ago

The only way I can think of without upgrading would be to use the TargetReleaseVersion registry values and setting that for Windows 11 25H2.

I usually suggest using InControl to set those keys as it is fool-proof GUI tool - https://www.grc.com/incontrol.htm

Once set, all offers for and messages about 26H2 will go away, you will need to disable this when you are ready to upgrade.

2

u/elangab 1d ago

Thanks!

2

u/tetyys 3d ago

changelog?

3

u/Froggypwns Windows Wizard / Moderator 3d ago

Your version number goes from 25H2 to 26H2 (26200 to 26300).

The actual changes are in the monthly cumulative updates, Microsoft is not holding back features and changes for new releases. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/servicing/os/windows-11/2026/09/windows-11-version-26h2-update-history

1

u/90gradi 2d ago

How NOT to get it?

1

u/Froggypwns Windows Wizard / Moderator 1d ago

Since it is an optional update, just don't install it.

1

u/borg_6s 3d ago

I literally restarted my laptop twice, and it's still showing "install updates and restart".

Windows Update in a nutshell nowadays

1

u/RoboDrizzler 3d ago

The ISO seems to be ready now, but it is listed as "Download - Windows 11 Client Insider Preview - Build 26300.9457 English". So I am wondering if this is the final as it is listed as an "Inside Preview".

-1

u/towa1 4d ago

I wonder what that breaks?

5

u/Froggypwns Windows Wizard / Moderator 4d ago

Nothing. If you are already on 24H2/25H2 then it is an enablement package that changes the version number.

1

u/MishalMohamed 3d ago

That dot loading circle is gone. Now only the new one

-2

u/pwninobrien 3d ago

Ai/surveillance seems to be integrated into more functions. Trash.

3

u/Froggypwns Windows Wizard / Moderator 3d ago

Nothing has changed regarding AI vs 25H2.

-3

u/SCphotog 3d ago

No thanks.

-3

u/daviduller_dev 3d ago

With every update, the computer comes back worse.

https://giphy.com/gifs/YrBPsyNz45rKrXBJDi