To download a Windows 11 26H1 ISO from Microsoft, open the Windows Insider Preview Downloads page, sign in with an account enrolled in the Windows Insider Program, and select the offered 26H1 ISO. Windows 11 26H1 is a targeted release for select new hardware, not a normal in-place upgrade for existing Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2 PCs.
Microsoft’s regular Windows 11 download page currently identifies version 25H2 as its current release, so use the Insider page for 26H1 media. If the Insider page says “Validating your request,” wait without refreshing or using Back.
Before downloading the Windows 11 26H1 ISO
Windows 11 26H1 is a real, generally available Windows version, but Microsoft describes it as a hardware-focused release for select new devices. It is based on a different Windows core from 25H2 and is not offered as an in-place update from Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2.
Microsoft’s release information lists version 26H1 as generally available from February 10, 2026, with OS build 28000 as its baseline. The latest listed General Availability build is 28000.2608, released July 28, 2026. The build available in an Insider ISO may differ; check the download page or Microsoft Flight Hub for the offered build.
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Microsoft lists these Insider build series for 26H1:
| Insider channel | 26H1 build series |
|---|---|
| Beta | 28020 |
| Experimental | 28120 |
| Release Preview | 28000 |
Insider builds are pre-release software and may be unstable, incompletely localized, or subject to change. Windows 11 IoT Enterprise is not supported on 26H1. Check that this release is appropriate for your device and purpose before installing it.
How to download the Windows 11 26H1 ISO
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Open Microsoft’s Windows Insider Preview Downloads page.
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Select Sign in and use a Microsoft account that is a member of the Windows Insider Program. A Microsoft account alone may not be sufficient if it is not enrolled.
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After Microsoft validates your request, locate the Windows 11 26H1 download and choose the offered ISO.
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Save the ISO locally. Check the page for the actual build and download choices available at that time.
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On a smaller screen, open the navigation menu in the upper-left corner, then select Sign in in the upper-right. If the page displays “Validating your request,” do not refresh the page or select Back while validation is in progress.
Microsoft’s Flight Hub directs users to the Insider Preview Downloads page for the latest ISO downloads for each Insider channel. Do not treat an ISO from an unofficial mirror as a verified Microsoft download.
Do not confuse the normal Windows 11 ISO with a 26H1 ISO
Microsoft’s regular Windows 11 download page currently identifies Windows 11 2025 Update, version 25H2, as its current release. Its normal ISO selector does not provide a 26H1 ISO. For 26H1 media, use the Windows Insider Preview Downloads page instead.
Install Windows 11 from the ISO
Run Setup from Windows
Microsoft documents these steps for installing from an Insider Preview ISO:
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Download the ISO from the Insider Preview Downloads page.
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In File Explorer, browse to the downloaded ISO and select it to mount it.
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Open the mounted drive and run setup.exe.
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Choose Keep Windows settings, personal files, and apps if you want to retain them.
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After installation, check Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program to confirm the desired Insider configuration.
Do not assume this provides a supported in-place upgrade from an ordinary Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2 installation. Microsoft says 26H1 is not designed to be installed as an in-place update on those existing devices.
Perform a clean installation
A clean installation erases files, settings, and applications. Back up your files and applications before starting.
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Mount the ISO or create bootable USB media.
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If starting Setup from Windows, run setup.exe.
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Select Change what to keep, then select Nothing.
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Complete Windows Setup.
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Afterward, check Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program to confirm the desired Insider configuration.
Create a bootable USB drive
Microsoft’s Insider ISO instructions require a USB drive of at least 8 GB and warn that its contents will be erased. To create installation media using the documented built-in process:
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Connect the USB drive.
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Open Start, search for Recovery Drive, and launch the application.
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Clear Back up system files to the recovery drive, then select Next.
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Select the USB drive and choose Next.
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Select Create at the confirmation prompt.
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Mount the downloaded ISO and copy all its files to the USB drive.
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For a clean installation, restart the target PC and boot from the USB. You may need to change the boot order in BIOS or UEFI.
Important limitations and failure cases
The regular Microsoft Windows 11 download page currently provides version 25H2, not a 26H1 ISO. The Insider Preview Downloads page requires sign-in with an account enrolled in the Windows Insider Program, and its validation step may take several minutes.
Microsoft says 26H1 is not offered as an in-place update from 24H2 or 25H2. Moving between different Windows core versions can require a clean reinstall; Microsoft says switching from the 25H2/26H2 core to 26H1 cannot be reversed through a normal in-place downgrade.
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Insider builds may be unstable, incompletely localized, or contain features that change or are removed. A desktop evaluation watermark is normal for Insider builds. Windows 11 IoT Enterprise is not supported on 26H1.
FAQ
Where can I download the Windows 11 26H1 ISO?
Use Microsoft’s Windows Insider Preview Downloads page. Sign in with an account enrolled in the Windows Insider Program and select the offered 26H1 ISO.
Can I download 26H1 from the regular Windows 11 download page?
No. Microsoft’s regular download page currently identifies version 25H2 as its current release. Use the Insider Preview Downloads page for 26H1 media.
Why does the download page say “Validating your request”?
Microsoft may take several minutes to validate your request. Do not refresh the page or select Back while this message is displayed.
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Microsoft says 26H1 is not designed to be installed as an in-place update from Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2. Do not assume running Setup from the ISO makes that upgrade supported.
Will installing from the ISO keep my files and apps?
For an in-place installation, Microsoft’s instructions say to run setup.exe from the mounted ISO and choose Keep Windows settings, personal files, and apps. A clean installation using the Nothing option erases files, settings, and applications.
How do I make a bootable USB for the ISO?
Microsoft’s documented process requires a USB drive of at least 8 GB, erases its contents, and uses the Recovery Drive application before copying all files from the mounted ISO to the USB drive.
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