Microsoft is preparing to ship a new version of Windows 11 that will be available exclusively on new PCs that ship with Qualcomm's new Snapdragon X2 SoC.

It's hard to believe, but Windows 11 is nearly five years old, and it brought significant changes when it launched. Many of its core functions are similar to Windows 10, as Microsoft focused on other aspects,

Microsoft used to release new Windows 11 versions in the second half of each year, but in 2026, we are getting the first "H1" release, and it is coming as soon as this Spring.

Microsoft will end support in 2026 for Windows 11, Office 2021, and other key products. See what’s affected, key dates, and how to prepare.

Microsoft encountered significant issues following its January 13, 2026 update, which was intended to address previous vulnerabilities. Instead, the update triggered bugs that prevented users' systems from shutting down and hindered remote access.

That stubborn Windows 10 holdout number divides between those with PCs eligible to upgrade and those that aren’t. There are hundreds of millions of users in each of those camps. One question regularly asked is whether Microsoft will force upgrades on those with eligible PCs. No sign of that yet — but some Windows users are not so lucky.

Windows 11 version 26H1 launches this spring on Snapdragon X2 PCs only, bringing platform-level changes without new features for most users.

Microsoft is also thought to be testing video backgrounds, but that's still missing from the latest preview build.