Yesterday was Patch Tuesday, which means Microsoft released a large batch of security updates to address flaws and vulnerabilities in its various products and services. But there was another update alongside that one: update KB5077179 (spotted by Windows Latest).
This appears to be the anticipated Windows 11 26H1 update, which Microsoft confirms. However, regular users won’t be able to download or install this update. Why? Because it’s exclusively intended for newer PCs running on Snapdragon X2 chips.
According to Microsoft, the first PCs with Windows 11 26H1 will launch “early this year.” The KB5077179 update appears to be the first step in preparation for this launch.
What is Windows 11 26H1?
Windows 11 26H1 is a version of the operating system that’s being specially adapted for upcoming Snapdragon PCs. We previously reported on this last November, which shortly afterwards entered testing. Last month, the official launch date was announced, which is expected to drop in April 2026.
On this support page, Microsoft explains that Windows 11 26H1 will be introduced on PCs with newer Arm-based chips. Other PCs can’t receive the update and there’s no way to install it manually.
However, there are now rumors that Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2 chips won’t be the only ones optimized for Windows 11 26H1. Nvidia is also said to be working on an Arm-based chip called N1X. However, there has been no official announcement on this yet.
Why Windows 11 users aren’t missing out
If you’re wondering whether you’re missing out on anything special with Windows 11 26H1, the answer is… no. You aren’t.
The update is being developed in collaboration with Qualcomm to enable optimal performance on Snapdragon X2 systems. However, apart from better performance, battery life, and a focus on AI computing power, version 26H1 doesn’t change the way Windows 11 works.
So, for now, you can confidently stick with Windows 11 25H2 (the most current version of Windows 11). The next major update will be Windows 11 26H2, which is scheduled for release in the fall of this year and is currently being tested by Windows Insiders. That one is expected to deliver new features (and certainly new problems).
Further reading: Check out the first preview of Windows 11 26H2
