How can I upgrade to Windows 11 26H1 on my PC?

26H1 is only for new ARM64 devices powered by upcoming silicon NOT as an upgrade

it for the most part shares the same feature set as 24H2/25H2 (those 2 are slightly ahead actually) with the exception of a redesigned reset dialog, webp wallpaper support and platform enhancements for the new silicon 

Before starting upgrading to Windows 11 26H1 from 25H2 or 24H2, make sure your PC meets the requirements and that you’ve taken some precautions: 

Ensure your PC meets the minimum system requirements for Windows 11 (TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, supported CPU) Some older CPUs may be blocked from feature updates.

Back up your important files. Even though the upgrade should retain your files/apps, having a backup is always good.

Check your current Windows version: Go to Settings → System → About and see the “Version” field. If you are on version 25H2, the upgrade path to 26H1 is streamlined.

Make sure your system is up to date with the latest cumulative update for your current version. For example, if you’re on 25H2 you may need certain updates installed before applying the 26H1 enablement package.

Using the Windows 11 Installation Assistant is an excellent and official method to upgrade to Windows 26H1, especially when Windows Update hasn't offered it to you yet. It's an official tool provided by Microsoft that performs an in-place upgrade on your current PC. Its primary job is to bypass the phased rollout of Windows Update and directly download and install the latest public release of Windows 11 (which, once available, will be 26H1).

• Go to the official Microsoft Windows 11 Software Download Page.
• Under the "Windows 11" section, find and click "Download Now" under the Windows 11 Installation Assistant.
• Run the downloaded file. It will check your device for compatibility and then guide you through the upgrade process to the latest version (which should be 26H1).

For your goal of upgrading to Windows 26H1 moving from Windows 11 25H2 to , the Windows 11 Installation Assistant is the most reliable and recommended method if the update isn't appearing in Windows Update. It is designed specifically for this purpose and provides a smooth, official upgrade path.

First, a critical point: Windows 11 26H1 is a future version that has not been released. It does not exist as a final, stable product yet. Any method to get it now will involve pre-release, unfinished software.

How about using UUP Dump to Create an ISO for upgrading to Windows 11 26H1. This is a powerful, legitimate, but complex method used by tech enthusiasts. The website UUP Dump is a community-run site that lets you download the same update files Microsoft uses in its Insider Program and package them into a standard ISO file.

The site scrapes Microsoft's servers for the latest build files and provides a script that downloads and builds an ISO for you.

How to Do It:

1. Go to uupdump,net.
2. Select the latest Dev Channel build for Windows 11 (this will be the 26H1 pre-release).
3. Choose your language and edition (e.g., Windows 11 Pro).
4. Download the zip file provided, run the script inside it, and it will build your ISO.
5. You can then use this ISO to perform an in-place upgrade.

Windows 11 26H1 is not officially released to the general public. If you’ve seen users with 26H1 already installed, they are likely running pre-release or insider build versions, which are available through the Windows Insider Program.

How to Upgrade to Windows 11 26H1?

1. Join the Windows Insider Program

If you want early access to upcoming features (like 26H1), you need to enroll in the Windows Insider Program:

• Go to Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program.
• Click Get started and link your Microsoft account.
• Choose your Insider channel: Dev Channel (most bleeding edge), Beta Channel (more stable, upcoming features), or Release Preview.
• Follow the prompts and restart your PC.

2. Check for updates

• Once enrolled, go to Settings > Windows Update.
• Click Check for updates.
• If the 26H1 build is available for your Insider channel, it will appear here.

3. Manual installation
When Windows 11 26H1 is officially released to the public, it will be pushed via Windows Update.
If you want to upgrade manually:

• Use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant from Microsoft's official website.
• Or, create a bootable USB with the Media Creation Tool and perform an in-place upgrade.

4. Ensure your PC is compatible

• Make sure your PC meets the minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11.
• Backup your data before upgrading.

The official, free way to upgrade to any new version of Windows 11, including the future 26H1, is through Windows Update on a PC that is already running a genuine copy of Windows 10 or Windows 11.

When 26H1 is officially released by Microsoft (expected in the second half of 2025), you can upgrade to Windows 11 26H1 following:

1. Go to Settings > Windows Update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. If your device is eligible and the update is being rolled out to it, you will see an option titled "Windows 11, version 26H1" or similar.
4. Click Download and install.

This process is free and will preserve all your files, applications, and settings. Your current Windows 11 PC will automatically be eligible for the free upgrade. If you are on Windows 10, check Microsoft's official Windows 11 requirements to see if your hardware supports it. When the time comes, use the official Settings > Windows Update method. This is the only method that is guaranteed to be free, safe, and reliable.