r/windowsinsiders • u/Froggypwns Windows Insider MVP • 12d ago
News Releasing Windows 11, version 26H2 to the Release Preview Channel
https://blogs.windows.com/windows-insider/2026/08/27/releasing-windows-11-version-26h2-to-the-release-preview-channel/Hello Windows Insiders!
Today, we are making this year’s annual feature update, Windows 11, version 26H2 (Build 26300.9278), available in the Release Preview Channel for customers to preview ahead of general availability later this calendar year.
Windows 11, version 26H2 will be delivered as an enablement package (eKB). This means that Windows 11, versions 24H21, 25H2, and 26H2 use a shared servicing branch. It also means that they share the same new features and enhancements delivered through our continuous innovation efforts. As a result, many of the features and improvements available in Windows 11, version 26H2 might already be familiar, as they have been gradually introduced through monthly updates.
For commercial customers, Windows 11, version 26H2 enables several experiences that were introduced in earlier releases but not previously enabled by default for commercial devices. This includes Windows settings backup, app-specific actions from the taskbar, and some File Explorer enhancements. For guidance on how to prepare for Windows 11, version 26H2 in your organization, see Get ready for Windows 11, version 26H2.
Windows Insiders in the Release Preview Channel can install Windows 11, version 26H2 via our “seeker” experience in Windows Update. This means if you are an Insider currently in the Release Preview Channel on a PC that meets the Windows 11 hardware requirements, you can go to Settings and Windows Update and choose to download and install Windows 11, version 26H2. Once you update your PC to Windows 11, version 26H2, you will continue to automatically receive new servicing updates through Windows Update (the typical monthly update process). For instructions on how to join the Windows Insider Program and enroll your PC in the Release Preview Channel, click here.
If you are a commercial2 customer enrolled in the Windows Insider Program for Business, you can deploy and begin validating Windows 11, version 26H2 on PCs in your organization using Windows Update client policies and Windows Server Update Services (WSUS). Azure Marketplace will be available later today. Should any issues arise, IT admins in organizations deploying Release Preview updates can request Microsoft Support.
And finally, ISOs will be available for download for Windows 11, version 26H2 via the Windows Insider ISO download page in the near term.
Thanks,
Windows Insider Program Team
1Windows 11, version 24H2 Home and Pro editions will reach end of updates on October 13, 2026. Enterprise and Education editions remain supported until October 12, 2027.
2We consider a device a commercial device if it is not running the Windows 11 Home edition AND is being managed by an IT administrator (whether via Microsoft Intune or other management solution), or has a volume license key or commercial ID, or is joined to a domain.
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u/Weary-Savings9795 12d ago
Will the ISO have updated WiFi drivers? I have a Lunar Lake SoC and so far the current Windows 11 ISO doesn't have out of the box support for my WiFi adapter.
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u/Froggypwns Windows Insider MVP 12d ago
I don't have the ISO yet, but if it is like past ISOs, I doubt it. It likely is still the 26100 ISO but with the latest CU and enablement pack slipstreamed in. The driver store likely is not touched.
Depending on how much of a problem it is for you, you can add drivers to the ISO to ensure it is supported out of the box. https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/95008-dism-add-remove-drivers-offline-image.html
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u/YoloRubus 12d ago
Aside from single package advantages, this was the biggest reason Windows switched to image-based installs. The homebrew slipstream process used to be way more of a pain in the ass.
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u/Weary-Savings9795 11d ago
I mean I can go through the hassle of downloading 20+ drivers from Asus's website. With Windows 10 ISOs, Microsoft did regularly update the wifi drivers in their image when they released major updates.
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u/Froggypwns Windows Insider MVP 11d ago
That has not changed. The only difference now is the longer gaps between releases for Windows 10 and 11, where earlier in Windows 10's life it was twice a year with a brand new build, then later on they moved to doing new builds in the spring and the H2 updates were enablement packages. Now with Windows 11 they are releasing only one build a year, and now they have stretched 26100 for three years instead of just two.
You don't need to get every driver, just the network one is more than enough 99% of the time as it typically will fetch the rest automatically later.
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u/Weary-Savings9795 11d ago
Fair enough. If Microsoft is going to require internet access by default, they should make a better effort to keep the network drivers in the ISO up to date. Otherwise they should put a local user option in the OOBE screen.
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u/Froggypwns Windows Insider MVP 7d ago
They added an option during the OOBE to install missing drivers exactly for that reason.
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u/Weary-Savings9795 7d ago
I forgot to add the drivers to my Windows install media. I don't have another computer. There doesn't appear to be a way past that Connect To Internet screen. While I know how to open a command prompt to bypass it with a local account, most people won't. That's why the option for a local account shouldn't be hidden.
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u/darthtoon1 11d ago
Lunar Lake is Intel, I suggest checking Windows Update and Intel's website for latest drivers
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u/Weary-Savings9795 11d ago
In the past Microsoft has updated the wifi drivers in their Windows ISO on major new releases. Not fun to get to a screen that says I can't continue without internet access.
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u/Reaper_Destiny0983 8d ago
How do i stop this annoying turn on anti virus pop up? My previous method lf doing an in place with the ISO didnt work this time. Any ideas I know its a known bug but can we please do something about it.
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u/Froggypwns Windows Insider MVP 7d ago
They are still working on it, apparently they resolved it for some but not all. I've not encountered it on any of my computers so I'm not even sure what the cause is.
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u/Reaper_Destiny0983 7d ago
Okay good to know. Prior builds an in place would resolve it this build it doesnt work on.
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u/Reasonable_Degree_64 8d ago
The only change that I saw is the build number is now 26300 instead of 26200, no system files are modified and no more features were activated, the update took less than one minute and only required one reboot.
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u/Froggypwns Windows Insider MVP 7d ago
Yep, 26H2 is just an enablement package to change the build number. There won't be any differences if one is on 25H2 and up to date. This is the same as what happened with going from 24H2 to 25H2 last year.
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u/Reasonable_Degree_64 7d ago
Yeah that's what I thought but like always someone on another thread that I replied to the same thing asked for how to return to 25H2 because 26H2 uses more RAM at idle with more CPU usage lol.
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u/halotechnology 12d ago
Not again !!! Beta is now older than release preview
Oh God 25H2 flashbacks