Windows 11 26H2: Features, Release Dates, and Stability

Prepare for Microsoft's late 2026 update. Learn about the enablement package, MIDI 2.0 support, and how to avoid potential boot issues found in early builds.

---

Hook & Who This Is For (Intro)

Windows 11 26H2 Update: Features, Release Windows, and Compatibility As Microsoft prepares its next major release for the second half of 2026, understanding the update path is essential for maintaining system performance and compatibility.

---

Microsoft is transitioning toward its next major milestone for the Windows platform, and many users are beginning to see signs of the upcoming 26H2 update in technical previews ^[14]. If you are concerned about whether your system will receive new features or require a full reinstallation, you are not alone.

This update is expected to be delivered as an enablement package, a technical mechanism that allows for a rapid installation process by unlocking existing dormant features ^[7][9][13]. Because this method minimizes downtime, it is likely to be a discreet update focused on the system's interior and efficiency ^[13].

Who This Is For

This guide is specifically designed for:

• Current users of Windows 11 version 24H2 and version 25H2 who are eligible for the next major update path ^[5].
• IT administrators and tech enthusiasts tracking the shift toward the 26H2 identifier and the associated KB5074105 update package ^[10][14].
• Hardware manufacturers and developers following the latest Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) specifications for the 2026 release cycle ^[3][8].

Who Can Skip This

This article does not cover users on legacy Windows 10 systems or early versions of Windows 11 (such as 21H2 or 22H2) that have moved past their primary servicing windows. Furthermore, if you are strictly an x86 user on version 25H2, note that the intermediate 26H1 version may not be offered as a general feature update for your specific architecture ^[2][4].

TL;DR / What This Means for You

The upcoming Windows 11 26H2 update is designed as a streamlined transition focusing on internal system refinements rather than a total overhaul. For most users, this means a faster installation process and specific hardware compatibility improvements.

• Rapid Deployment: The 26H2 update is planned as an enablement package ^[7][13]. This allows for a significantly faster installation process compared to traditional updates because it does not require a full operating system reinstallation ^[13].
• Enhanced Hardware Support: Users of specialized audio and security hardware will see new native support. Windows MIDI Services now supports MIDI 2.0 ^[8], and Windows Hello ESS has been expanded to support peripheral fingerprint sensors ^[11].
• Security and Stability Fixes: Recent patches, specifically KB5074109, have been released to address critical vulnerabilities including CVE-2026-20805 and CVE-2026-21265 ^[3][31][58].
• Deferred Compliance Requirements: For hardware developers and enterprise administrators, the mandatory Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) requirement for CRA compliance has been deferred until H2 2026 ^[2].
• Risk Note: Some recent January 2026 updates have been associated with boot issues (tracked under advisory WI1221934) ^[14] and Outlook application freezes ^[12]. It is generally recommended to verify system backups before applying new preview builds.

---

Feature	Change Type	Impact
Update Delivery	Enablement Package	Reduced downtime during installation [7][13]
Biometrics	Windows Hello ESS	Support for external fingerprint sensors [11]
Audio API	MIDI 2.0	Includes MIDI 1.0 translation support [8]
Compliance	SBOM Requirement	Deferred to the second half of 2026 [2]

Key Sources (Quick Links)

• techcommunity.microsoft.com ^[1]
• Microsoft Learn — Windows Hardware Compatibility Program Specifications and Policies ^[2]
• Microsoft Windows Blogs — Releasing Windows 11 Builds 26100.7701 and 26200.7701 to the Release Preview ... ^[4]

Background / Basics

Microsoft uses a standardized naming convention for its Windows 11 updates to indicate their release timing. The term 26H2 identifies this version as a major update scheduled for the second half (H2) of the year 2026 ^[4][10]. These updates typically arrive during the autumn period to provide new system functionality, security enhancements, and performance optimizations ^[45][48].

The development of Windows 11 26H2 follows the established release of previous versions, such as 25H2 and 26H1, which were utilized for hardware compatibility and certification ^[2][13]. While some intermediate updates target specific hardware like ARM processors, 26H2 is expected to be a general release for all compatible PCs ^[38][48]. This includes systems powered by Intel, AMD, and ARM architectures ^[45][38].

Version	Expected Release Window	Target Hardware
25H2	Late 2025	General PCs [2][13]
26H1	Early 2026	Technical/ARM focus [2][38]
26H2	October 2026	General Public (All) [45][46]

---

Technically, this update is expected to be delivered as an enablement package ^[14]. This delivery method means the core code for new features is often already present on the hard drive through previous monthly security updates but remains in a dormant state. The 26H2 update acts as a "master switch" that unlocks these features, resulting in a faster installation process with less downtime than traditional OS upgrades ^[14].

Reports indicate that Microsoft is currently focusing development on internal system overhauls and deeper Copilot AI integration ^[16][17][18]. Industry analysts suggest this version will serve as the primary feature update for the general user base throughout the latter half of 2026 and into 2027 ^[46][47]. Currently, the update is being tested in preview channels to ensure stability across different hardware configurations ^[17][54].

Problem Explanation (What's Going On?)

The early 2026 update cycle for Windows 11 has introduced a series of critical stability issues that prevent some systems from starting correctly. Reports from the first big update of the year describe the software release as a "glitchy mess" due to various technical failures ^[5]. Industry observations indicate that the January 2026 update has already required two out-of-band fixes within a two-week period to address performance and shutdown bugs ^[14].

Primary Symptoms and Errors

The most significant issue involves systems failing to reach the desktop environment. Many users encounter a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) displaying the error code UNMOUNTABLE_BOOT_VOLUME (0xED) ^[15][7]. Other reported symptoms include:

• Boot to Black Screen: A rumored bug in the December 2025 and January 2026 cycle causes certain machines to hang on a black screen during startup ^[1].
• Shutdown Failures: Inconsistent power-off behavior that necessitated immediate software patches ^[14].
• Update Persistence: Unverified reports suggest that some users are unable to uninstall quality updates even after experiencing stability issues ^[8].
• Server Errors: Although primarily seen on workstations, unverified community feedback suggests Windows Server 2019 may also experience "inaccessible boot device" errors from the same update cycle ^[3].

---

Affected Versions and Scope

The current boot issues are not universal but are concentrated within specific operating system versions and hardware environments. Systems primarily affected are those running Windows 11 version 24H2 and version 25H2 ^[7][3].

While the issues appear on a limited number of machines overall, there is a significant impact on commercial PCs ^[15]. Microsoft is currently tracking these failures under the advisory ID WI1221934 in the Microsoft 365 Admin Center ^[3]. There is also unverified evidence that compatibility issues in this cycle extend beyond Windows, such as macOS Tahoe 26.1 experiencing problems with external SSD enclosures ^[9].

Practical Impact on Users

For affected devices, the practical impact is a total loss of access to the operating system. Analysis suggests that the root cause is an improper system state caused by failed updates in December 2025, which triggers a critical failure when the January 2026 update is applied ^[2][4].

A significant concern for IT administrators is that forthcoming "partial resolutions" from Microsoft are designed to prevent future failures but may not repair machines that are already unable to boot ^[11]. This means that once a device hits the UNMOUNTABLE_BOOT_VOLUME error, standard automated software fixes may be insufficient to restore the system ^[11].

Root Causes / Analysis (Why Is This Happening?)

Technical analysis suggests that the widespread issues following the January 2026 update cycle stem from a combination of lingering system states and specific software conflicts. The following factors have been identified as core reasons for the current performance and boot issues.

Confirmed Causes

• Residual State from December Updates The root cause of boot failures is attributed to an improper system state following failed or improperly rolled back updates from December 2025 ^[58][31]. Systems that did not successfully finalize the previous month's security cycle were found to be susceptible to the UNMOUNTABLE_BOOT_VOLUME error during the January installation ^[31][41]. This primarily impacts Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2 ^[14].

Startup Application Conflicts A bug in the update cycle has been confirmed to cause explorer.exe crashes and the disappearance of the taskbar ^[35]. Microsoft noted that these crashes are specifically triggered by certain startup apps ^[35]. While official documents confirm this correlation, they have not yet released a definitive list of the conflicting applications ^[35].

Driver and Graphical Incompatibilities Update KB5074109 has introduced graphical artifacts and black screen issues for a subset of users ^[12]. These errors are currently being investigated by NVIDIA to determine if a specific driver interaction is responsible for the display failures ^[12].

Integration Errors (0x803F8001) The January 2026 update introduced the 0x803F8001 bug, which has impacted general system reliability ^[13]. This technical error served as a catalyst for Microsoft to shift its internal engineering focus toward OS stability and "pain points" for the 2026 software cycle ^[13][5].

---

Hypotheses and Unverified Reports

• Windows Server Vulnerability Community feedback and administrator reports suggest that Windows Server 2019 systems may also be experiencing "inaccessible boot device" errors linked to this update cycle ^[10]. However, this remains unverified as it is based on blog comments and early feedback rather than official documentation ^[10].

• Update Uninstallation Failures There are unverified reports indicating that users are having difficulty uninstalling quality updates after the January 2026 Security Update was applied ^[4]. This may potentially complicate recovery efforts for machines caught in a failure loop ^[4].

• Cloud Service Instability It appears that the January update may have caused internal conflicts leading to OneDrive and Dropbox crashes ^[15]. While an emergency out-of-band update was issued to address these crashes, the underlying reason for why the initial update disrupted these cloud services remains under investigation ^[15][9].

Evidence & Reality Check

Official documentation and technical releases provide a clear framework for the Windows 11 development roadmap. As of the latest updates in late 2025, specifications for the next major versions have been finalized for hardware partners ^[1][5].

Confirmed Development Roadmap

Microsoft has officially released specifications and policies for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 26H1 ^[5]. Internal version mapping identifies Build 26200 as the primary association for the 25H2 release cycle ^[9]. For hardware certification, the minimum acceptable build for Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) submissions is 26200.6584 ^[11].

Hardware & Driver Compliance

Technical requirements for system integrators are currently established through specific tools and identifiers. The following table summarizes the confirmed compatibility environment:

Requirement	Specification	Source
HLK Kit Version	26100.6584	[2]
Update Identifier	KB5074105	[10]
25H2 Transition End	January 9, 2026	[13]
Mandatory SBOM	H2 2026	[14]

The 90-day transition period for using Windows 11 24H2 drivers to qualify 25H2 systems ended on January 9, 2026 ^[13]. For ongoing testing, Errata 225900 remains available to filter System Logo Check failures when older qualified drivers are used on newer systems ^[12].

---

Feature Rollouts and Device Support

Official releases confirm expanded hardware support for biometric and mobile integration. Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS) now supports peripheral fingerprint sensors, expanding security options for desktop users ^[7]. Additionally, the Cross-Device Resume feature is confirmed for Android devices from Samsung, Xiaomi, OPPO, HONOR, and Vivo ^[8].

Specific hardware fixes have also been documented. For instance, the Surface Pro 12 received a firmware update to address pairing and alignment issues with the Surface Slim Pen 2 ^[15]. While feature updates like the Settings Device card are active, they are currently limited to the United States ^[6].

Future Requirements

While the Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) requirement is a critical part of future CRA compliance, its mandatory enforcement has been deferred ^[14]. Industry documentation indicates that the Hardware Dev Center will begin enforcing these requirements in the second half of 2026 ^[14]. Currently, hardware certification still requires the use of matching playlists and supplemental content to generate valid logs ^[3].

Self-Check / Diagnosis

Identifying whether a system is impacted by recent update complications requires verifying specific build numbers and update identifiers. The following steps help determine if a Windows 11 installation is running the versions associated with reported boot issues or software regressions.

1. Verify Your OS Version and Build Number

Affected systems primarily run Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2 ^[8]. To check your current version, type winver in the Windows search bar and press Enter.

Identify if your build number matches these specific technical identifiers:

• 26100.7701 or 26200.7701 ^[4]
• 26200.7623 ^[11]
• 26200.6584 (Minimum acceptable build for 25H2 WHCP) ^[14]

2. Check for Specific Update Identifiers

Navigate to Settings > Windows Update > Update history to see if specific patches have been installed. The primary updates linked to these issues include:

• KB5074105: Associated with builds 26100.7701 and 26200.7701 ^[4].
• KB5074109: Associated with build 26200.7623 ^[11].
• KB5074169: Corresponds to build 26220.7670 ^[10].

3. Screen for Critical Error Codes

The most severe symptom associated with the January 2026 update cycle is a failure to reach the desktop. Check for the following Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error during the boot sequence:

• UNMOUNTABLE_BOOT_VOLUME: This error is frequently reported on affected 24H2 and 25H2 systems ^[8].
• inaccessible boot device: Unverified reports suggest Windows Server 2019 systems may also experience this specific error following the same update cycle ^[9].

4. Review System State and Past Updates

Evidence suggests the root cause may be an improper system state resulting from failed updates in December 2025 ^[5]. It is likely that if a machine experienced installation failures or "undoing changes" loops in late 2025, it may be at higher risk for boot issues during subsequent updates ^[6].

5. Check Hardware and Feature Functionality

If the system boots successfully but exhibits strange behavior, verify the status of specific features and driver compatibility:

• Windows Sandbox: According to unverified user reports, build 26220.7670 may cause this feature to fail ^[10].
• System Logo Check: If you are a hardware tester, check if Errata 225900 is being used to bypass failures when testing 25H2 systems with 24H2 qualified drivers ^[1].

---

Update Tracking Summary

Component	Identifier	Status
Microsoft Advisory ID	WI1221934	Official Tracking [12]
Primary Update ID	KB5074105	Confirmed [4]
Secondary Update ID	KB5074109	Confirmed [11]
Beta Build	26220.7670	Unverified Issues [10]

Warning: If your system displays an UNMOUNTABLE_BOOT_VOLUME error ^[8], do not attempt to force multiple restarts, as this may complicate the recovery process.

If your system matches these identifiers and you are experiencing stability issues, you may be affected by the documented update regressions. IT administrators can cross-reference these findings with advisory WI1221934 in the Microsoft 365 Admin Center ^[12].

Solutions / What to Do

Addressing the current Windows 11 update complications requires a combination of immediate technical rollbacks and the application of specific corrective patches. Depending on the severity of the system state, different actions are recommended to restore stability.

Immediate Technical Fixes

For systems experiencing application failures or instability following recent updates, Microsoft has provided specific guidance. Official support documentation advises users to uninstall the January 2026 update if they are encountering issues with Outlook or other core applications ^[5].

If the operating system is still functional but experiencing boot instability, several out-of-band fixes have been released to address these specific failures. Users should prioritize installing the following updates:

Update Identifier	Release Date	Function
KB5077797	January 17, 2026	Corrective out-of-band fix for boot issues [58]
KB5078127	January 24, 2026	Corrective out-of-band fix for boot issues [58]
KB5074105	—	Technical patch for Builds 26100.7701 and 26200.7701 [4]

These patches are designed to mitigate errors caused by an improper system state following the December 2025 updates ^[10][58]. It is important to note that the problematic update, KB5074109, was originally intended to address security vulnerabilities CVE-2026-20805 and CVE-2026-21265 ^[58][31].

---

Hardware-Specific Solutions

Certain devices require specialized firmware or configurations to resolve compatibility issues introduced during the update cycle.

• Surface Pro 12: Users reporting problems with Surface Slim Pen 2 pairing or cursor alignment should apply the latest firmware update specifically designed to resolve these hardware-level glitches ^[12][53].
• System Testing and Compatibility: For technicians testing Windows 11 version 25H2 systems with version 24H2 qualified drivers, Microsoft provides Errata 225900 ^[13][15]. This errata allows users to filter and bypass System Logo Check failures that may occur during the hardware compatibility process ^[13].
• Compliance Deadlines: Hardware developers should be aware that the mandatory SBOM (Software Bill of Materials) requirement for CRA compliance has been deferred until H2 2026 ^[15].

---

Engineering Strategy and Future Outlook

Microsoft is reportedly utilizing an internal strategy known as swarming to address the volume of reported bugs ^[1][3][9]. This technique involves reallocating engineering resources to prioritize performance and reliability fixes over the introduction of new features ^[1][14].

Reports suggest a forthcoming partial resolution is planned to prevent future boot problems on systems not yet affected ^[5]. However, this upcoming fix is likely unable to repair devices that have already entered a non-bootable state ^[5]. In such cases, a full system recovery or the manual application of out-of-band patches via recovery media may be necessary.

Risks, Limits, and When to Stop

Operating the Windows 11 26H2 environment in early 2026 involves specific technical risks, particularly regarding update stability and hardware-dependent features. While Microsoft continues to iterate on the platform, recent software cycles have introduced significant performance "pain points" that users must navigate carefully ^[5][11].

Technical Risks and Update Stability

The January 2026 update has been associated with critical system failures, including improper shutdown behavior and boot loops ^[9][11]. Analysts suggest these boot issues are likely caused by an improper system state following failed December 2025 updates ^[3][15]. Furthermore, unverified reports indicate that recent builds may cause explorer.exe to crash repeatedly, leading to a disappearing taskbar ^[8].

Due to these stability concerns, Microsoft has required two out-of-band fixes within a single two-week period to address performance degradation ^[9]. In some instances, official guidance has advised users to entirely uninstall the January 2026 update to restore functionality to applications like Outlook ^[11].

Regional and Hardware Limitations

Not all features announced for Windows 11 are globally or universally available. Users should be aware of the following restrictions:

• Regional Locks: The Settings Device card feature is currently restricted to users located in the United States ^[7].
• Hardware Compatibility: The Cross-Device Resume feature only supports specific Android devices from HONOR, OPPO, Samsung, Vivo, and Xiaomi ^[4].
• Biometrics: While Windows Hello ESS has expanded to support peripheral fingerprint sensors, this requires specific hardware compliance to function ^[13].

Strategic AI Shifts and Rumors

Microsoft is reportedly scaling back its AI integration strategy following user criticism and lower-than-expected adoption rates ^[2][12]. The development of new Copilot buttons within built-in Windows applications is currently paused ^[5].

Additionally, unverified internal reports suggest that Windows Recall is considered a failure in its current iteration, which may lead to further changes or removals of the feature ^[14]. Industry leaders have also raised concerns regarding the mental health impact of AI, with some reports linking heavy LLM usage to emotional stress or psychosis in a small percentage of users ^[1][6].

---

When to Seek Professional Assistance

It is generally recommended to stop manual troubleshooting and seek professional support if the following conditions occur:

• The system enters a persistent boot loop that cannot be resolved via the Windows Recovery Environment ^[3].
• Manual uninstallation of the January 2026 update does not resolve application crashes or taskbar disappearances ^[8][11].
• The device experiences recurring shutdown issues that could potentially lead to data corruption ^[9].

Risk Factor	Potential Impact	Status
January 2026 Update	Boot loops and app failures	Confirmed [3][9][11]
explorer.exe	Taskbar disappearance	Unverified/Reported [8]
Windows Recall	Strategic withdrawal/Feature failure	Rumored [14]
Regional Features	Inaccessible settings cards	Confirmed (US Only) [7]

Warning: Attempting to force-install regional features or bypassing update blocks may lead to an unstable system state. Always verify that your hardware is listed as compatible before enabling cross-device features ^[4][7].

Modifying system files to fix "pain points" manually is not guaranteed to work and may void certain software warranties. If a machine remains inoperable after two recovery attempts, further intervention by the user is typically discouraged to avoid permanent data loss.

FAQ

Which version of Windows 11 does Build 26200 represent?

Build 26200 is internally associated with Windows 11 version 25H2 ^[10]. Microsoft released this build, along with Build 26100.7701, to the Release Preview Channel on January 27, 2026 ^[7]. These builds are part of the early rollout for the 2026 release cycle ^[10].

What is the specific identifier for the January 2026 update?

The technical identifier for this update is KB5074105 ^[1][2]. This specific KB number is tied to the installation instructions and release notes for the non-security preview update made available in January 2026 ^[2].

Why is the new Settings Device card missing from my computer?

The Settings Device card feature is currently subject to regional limitations ^[5]. As of February 2026, this feature is only available to users located in the United States ^[5][7]. Users in other regions may not see this card even if they have installed the correct build version ^[5].

Which mobile devices support the new Cross-Device Resume feature?

The Cross-Device Resume feature, which allows for continuity between mobile devices and PCs, currently supports hardware from five specific manufacturers ^[11]. These include HONOR, OPPO, Samsung, Vivo, and Xiaomi ^[11].

Are there any known issues with the latest quality updates?

Reports suggest some users may face challenges when attempting to uninstall quality updates after applying the January 2026 Security Update ^[12]. However, these reports are currently unverified and appear to be limited to specific user configurations ^[12]. Additionally, while not a Windows issue, it is noted that macOS Tahoe 26.1 has a known compatibility conflict with external SSD enclosures that may affect cross-platform users ^[14].

Which languages are now supported for the Settings Agent?

For users on Copilot+ PCs, the Settings Agent has expanded its language support to include German, Portuguese, Spanish, Korean, Japanese, Hindi, Italian, and Simplified Chinese ^[13]. These expanded experiences are specifically reserved for Copilot+ PC hardware and are not available on standard Windows 11 installations ^[13].

---

Summary of the January 2026 Windows Update:

• Main Version: Windows 11 version 25H2 (Build 26200) ^[10].
• Key Update: KB5074105 ^[1].
• Major Features: Expanded biometric support for peripheral sensors ^[9] and broader language support for AI-enhanced PCs ^[13].
• Primary Action: Users in the Release Preview Channel should check for KB5074105 to access these new features ^[2][7].
• If you are unsure about manual update installations, it is usually safer to wait for the automatic rollout than to risk a system error.

Summary / Key Takeaways

• Enhanced Biometric and Audio Support: Recent updates, including build 26100.7701 (KB5074105), introduce Windows Hello ESS support for peripheral fingerprint sensors and implement MIDI 2.0 standards with backward compatibility for MIDI 1.0 ^{[1][2][11][14]}.
• Expanded Mobile Integration: The Cross-Device Resume feature now supports a wider range of Android hardware, specifically devices from Samsung, Xiaomi, OPPO, HONOR, and Vivo ^[3][14].
• Hardware Compliance and Testing: For systems seeking 25H2 qualification, the HLK Kit version is identified as 26100.6584, and the mandatory SBOM requirement for CRA compliance has been deferred until the second half of 2026 ^[13][15].
• Stability and Security Requirements: While new AI-driven features like PDF summarization are integrated, advanced tools like Recall require device encryption and Windows Hello login; meanwhile, some early 2026 updates reportedly necessitated out-of-band fixes to address shutdown issues ^[6][8][12].

If you’re unsure, it’s usually cheaper to ask someone once than to fix a mistake later.

Quellen

^[1] techcommunity.microsoft.com

^[2] Microsoft Learn: Windows Hardware Compatibility Program Specifications and Policies

^[3] Microsoft Community Hub: Windows Hardware Compatibility Program - Guidance for Windows 11, version 25H...

^[4] Microsoft Windows Blogs: Releasing Windows 11 Builds 26100.7701 and 26200.7701 to the Release Preview ...

^[5] Sportskeeda Tech: Microsoft says Windows 11's 'pain points' will be addressed in 2026

^[6] GB News: Microsoft wants to fix everything you hate about Windows 11 with major update...

^[7] The Verge: Microsoft is working to rebuild trust in Windows

^[8] Windows Latest: Microsoft reportedly admits Windows 11 went off track, cuts back Copilot, and...

^[9] ZDNET: Windows 11 has 1 billion users - and they're furious

^[10] 80 Level: Microsoft Acknowledges Windows 11's Issues, Promises to Fix Them

^[11] Wikipedia: Windows 11

^[12] ZDNET: Microsoft said my PC can't run Windows 11, but I upgraded in 5 minutes anyway...

^[13] Windows Latest: Windows 11 26H2 confirmed for later this year, as references spotted on Windo...

^[14] PCWorld: Microsoft’s first Windows 11 26H2 preview is here. So far, it’s AI and fixes

^[15] Tech Sportskeeda: Windows 11 26H2: Expected features, possible platform, and potential release ...

^[16] StartupNews.fyi: Windows 11 version 26H2: Everything we know so far about Microsoft’s next OS ...

^[17] WinBuzzer: Windows 11 26H2 Preview Lands with File Explorer Copilot AI Integration

^[18] PCQuest: Windows 11 Is Getting a Massive Hidden Overhaul That Changes Everything

^[31] How to Fix Windows 11 Boot Issues After January 2026 Update

^[35] Windows Latest: Microsoft says latest Windows 11 issue crashes explorer.exe, makes taskbar di...

^[38] Ad-Hoc-News (via Boerse-Global): Windows 11 26H1: Microsoft's Exclusive ARM Update for Snapdragon X2

^[41] Borns IT- und Windows-Blog: Windows 11 24H2/25H2: Cause for boot problems likely found

^[45] PC Games Hardware: Updates 26H1 and 26H2 for Windows 11: What’s it all about?

^[46] CHIP: A New Windows Version Is Coming in Spring, but Not Everyone Will Get It

^[47] PC-WELT: Windows 11 26H1: Release Date for the New Version is Now Set

^[48] WinFuture: Windows 11 26H1: New Microsoft Operating System Starts in Q1

^[53] The Verge: Microsoft is working to rebuild trust in Windows

^[54] PCWorld: Microsoft’s first Windows 11 26H2 preview is here. So far, it’s AI and fixes

^[58] Ctrl Alt Nod: How to Fix Windows 11 Boot Issues After January 2026 Update