How can I update Windows 11 23H2 to 26H2 or 26H1 now?

The Windows Feature Upgrade Tool (wfu-tool) is a free, open-source PowerShell tool created for this exact purpose . It can help you update Windows 11 23H2 to 26H1, but using it comes with important conditions and limitations.

The most significant issue is the nature of the version you want to reach. Windows 11, version 26H1, is a special release:

• Limited Scope: It is designed primarily for new devices with specific hardware and is not offered as an in-place upgrade from existing versions like 23H2, 24H2, or 25H2 .
• Different Core: Version 26H1 is built on a different Windows core than the standard annual feature updates . This means it does not follow the usual upgrade paths and will not be a typical update for general users.

Technically, yes. A tool like wfu-tool can attempt to update Windows 11 23H2 to 26H1 by forcing a full install using the 26H1 ISO . However, this bypasses Microsoft's intended design.

The key risk is that Microsoft explicitly states that devices on version 26H1 "will not be able to update to the next annual feature update" (like 26H2) . You would be effectively moving your PC onto a dead-end branch that locks you out of future standard feature updates.