Key Points
- Windows 11 version 26H2 is now available in the Experimental channel as an enablement package.
- Insiders see the new version under Settings > System > About after a single restart.
- Build 26300.8697 is the latest Experimental preview, while Beta gets Build 26220.8690.
What is changing
As announced on the Windows Blog (blogs.windows.com), Windows 11 version 26H2 is being rolled out to the Experimental channel through an enablement package. This means your device updates to the new version with just one restart, without a full reinstall. It delivers the new features and security improvements that Microsoft plans for the second half of the year.
Devices already in Experimental will see the version change to 26H2 under Settings > System > About (and winver). If you are in Beta, you can switch to Experimental via Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program, and switch back anytime. The current Experimental preview is Experimental build 26300.8697, while the Beta channel receives Build 26220.8690. You can also confirm the version by typing winver in the Run dialog.
Why it matters
This matters most to Windows Insiders who want to test the next half-year update early. IT administrators and developers can preview upcoming features and assess compatibility before the general release. This early access helps them plan deployments and provide feedback to Microsoft.
The practical takeaway is that moving to 26H2 is a simple restart for those in the Experimental channel. Note that devices still on Windows 11 version 26H1 cannot jump to 26H2 and will need a future release instead. If you are on the Beta channel, switching to Experimental is reversible and does not wipe your data.
Let us know in the comments how the update works for you.
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