Windows 11 26H1: Support for specific processors
The rumor mill was churning, now Microsoft has released an Insider preview for Windows 11 26H1. It supports specific CPUs.
(Image: heise online / dmk)
There were already rumors in the media that Microsoft might release a Windows 11 26H1 version. Details remained unclear. Now Microsoft has indeed released a new build in the "Canary" Windows Insider channel that carries this version number.
According to Microsoft announcement, this is apparently also the most striking change to Windows 11 with build number 28000. "With this build, Windows Insiders in the Canary channel will see updated version information under 'Settings' – 'System' – 'About' (and winver), to Windows 11, version 26H1," Microsoft writes. The company clearly points out that this is not a feature update for Windows 11 25H2. The version therefore only contains platform adjustments to support certain processors (English "Silicon"). Customers do not need to take any action.
Windows 11 25H2 remains the development focus
The 25H2 build branch remains the primary location for new features, Microsoft further explains. "Windows 11 continues to have an annual feature update cadence, with releases in the second half of the calendar year," the company clarifies. The authors add another explanation: "In the Windows Insider Program, new 'experiences' land in builds in the Beta and Dev channels, while the Canary channel focuses on platform changes." The company further explains: "The builds we release to the Canary Channel represent the latest platform changes early in the development cycle and should not be seen as matched to any specific release of Windows."
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Microsoft remains silent on the nature of the extended CPU support. According to rumors, it is said to be about Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 Elite, which is to be delivered from early 2026. Regarding the features, Microsoft only says that the Canary preview brings "a small set of general improvements and fixes that improve the overall 'experience' for Insiders who install this build on their machine." This includes, for example, that live captions no longer crash or the credentials window was not accessible when a login attempt in Outlook was pending.
Recently, Windows Insider previews have brought, for example, improved system search and automatic storage checks after system crashes.
(dmk)
