What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
If you’re using Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2, don’t assume the next upgrade for your PC is version 26H1. Microsoft says 26H1 is for select new devices, while its 26H2 guidance describes an upgrade path for eligible 24H2 and 25H2 devices. Back up your files, install pending updates, restart, then check Settings > Windows Update for the update offered to your PC.
Which Windows 11 version should you expect?
The version number matters because 26H1 and 26H2 do not serve the same upgrade path. Microsoft says Windows 11 version 26H1 enables a new generation of silicon and hardware, includes the features introduced in the 2025 Update (25H2), and is intended for select new devices. Its February 10, 2026 notice says 26H1 “is not designed to be offered or installed on existing devices.” Microsoft also says it is not an in-place update from 24H2 or 25H2 because it uses a different Windows core. (Microsoft’s Windows 11 version 26H1 notice.)
For a PC already running 24H2 or 25H2, Microsoft’s 26H2 documentation is the relevant guidance. It lists prerequisites for those versions and explains the enablement-package route. The notice does not establish when 26H2 will be offered to any particular device, so use the update shown on your own Windows Update page rather than relying on a universal date. (Microsoft’s KB5121794 feature-update guidance.)
Recommended Free Tools
How to prepare your PC safely
- Check your Windows edition and version. Open Settings > System > About and note the edition and version. Edition matters because support deadlines differ.
- Make sure important files are backed up. Microsoft recommends backing up before installing a new Windows version. OneDrive may already sync some files; check that the files you care about are present in the synced account. For a separate copy, Microsoft also names an external backup device as an option. Verify that you can access the backup before proceeding. (Windows 11 upgrade FAQ; Ways to install Windows 11.)
- Install available updates for your current version, then restart. Microsoft notes that current-version updates and a restart may be needed before an upgrade appears. After restarting, open Settings > Windows Update and check again. (Getting ready for the Windows 11 upgrade.)
- Use the offer shown for your device. If the update appears, read the displayed release information and prerequisites before selecting Download & install. Microsoft says rollout timing varies by device; an absent offer by itself does not establish that a PC is ineligible or indicate when it will become eligible. For Windows 10 eligibility questions, Microsoft provides separate upgrade eligibility guidance. (Can I upgrade to Windows 11?.)
- Do not boot from installation media for a routine upgrade unless you intend to reinstall. Microsoft warns that starting from installation media to perform a fresh install wipes the drive, removing files and apps. Follow the supported upgrade route for your device and back up first. (Ways to install Windows 11.)
What 26H2 requires on 24H2 and 25H2 PCs
Microsoft’s September 2026 KB5121794 guidance says a PC must be running Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2 and have the September 22, 2026 cumulative update, OS Build 26100.9546, or a later cumulative update installed. For devices receiving updates directly through Windows Update or Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), Microsoft says the feature update supplies the enablement package. Applying that package requires a restart. If 26H2 is listed in Windows Update, Microsoft’s stated action is to select Download & install. These prerequisites describe the documented package path; they are not a guarantee that the update will be offered to every device at the same time.
#1 Best Overall
- Less chaos, more calm. The refreshed design of Windows 11 enables you to do what you want effortlessly.
- Biometric logins. Encrypted authentication. And, of course, advanced antivirus defenses. Everything you need, plus more, to protect you against the latest cyberthreats.
- Make the most of your screen space with snap layouts, desktops, and seamless redocking.
- Widgets makes staying up-to-date with the content you love and the news you care about, simple.
- Stay in touch with friends and family with Microsoft Teams, which can be seamlessly integrated into your taskbar. (1)
What the “latest updates” switch does—and doesn’t do
In Settings > Windows Update, the switch labeled Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available lets Windows prioritize the latest changes as they become available for that device. Microsoft says regular security updates continue whether the switch is on or off. It is not a promise that a particular feature update will install immediately. (Microsoft’s guidance on getting Windows updates as soon as they’re available.)
Check your support deadline, especially on 24H2
Microsoft’s 2026 update notices give different end-of-updates dates for Windows 11 version 24H2 by edition. If your PC is on 24H2 Home or Pro, October 13, 2026 is the published deadline; Enterprise and Education remain supported until October 12, 2027. Check your edition before planning around either date. (Microsoft’s July 28, 2026 update notice; Microsoft’s September 22, 2026 update notice.)
Rank #2
- MICROSOFT WINDOWS 11 PRO (INGLES) FPP 64-BIT ENG INTL USB FLASH DRIVE
Know the limits of the requirements and rollback option
Microsoft’s general Windows 11 minimum requirements include 4 GB of RAM and a storage device of 64 GB or larger. These are baseline Windows 11 requirements, not a statement that the next feature update needs exactly that much free disk space. (Windows 11 system requirements.)
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsMicrosoft’s upgrade FAQ says you have 10 days after upgrading to Windows 11 to move back to Windows 10 while retaining files and data migrated during the upgrade. After that period, returning requires a manual backup and clean install. This rollback window is not a replacement for backing up before you start. (Windows 11 upgrade FAQ.)
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- STREAMLINED & INTUITIVE UI, DVD FORMAT | Intelligent desktop | Personalize your experience for simpler efficiency | Powerful security built-in and enabled.
- OEM IS TO BE INSTALLED ON A NEW PC with no prior version of Windows installed and cannot be transferred to another machine.
- OEM DOES NOT PROVIDE SUPPORT | To acquire product with Microsoft support, obtain the full packaged “Retail” version.
- PRODUCT SHIPS IN PLAIN ENVELOPE | Activation key is located under scratch-off area on label.
- GENUINE WINDOWS SOFTWARE IS BRANDED BY MIRCOSOFT ONLY.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
