Microsoft launched the Windows 11 2026 Update (version 26H2) on September 29, 2026, and its status page has stated since October 28, 2026 that it is available for all eligible devices. Yet Windows Update still does not offer it to you? This guide helps you find out why, starting from the version installed on your PC, and get it without taking unnecessary risks.
Problem
- The "Windows 11, version 26H2 is available" line does not appear in Windows Update.
- Windows Update says the PC is up to date, but winver does not show version 26H2.
- You do not know whether your PC can receive 26H2 through Windows Update.
How Microsoft delivers version 26H2
| Point | What Microsoft says |
|---|---|
| Versions eligible through Windows Update | Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 (Home, Pro, Enterprise, Education editions…) |
| Method | An enablement package (KB5121794): small download and a single restart |
| Prerequisite | Cumulative update KB5124010 of September 22, 2026, or a later cumulative update |
| Pace | Gradual rollout; Microsoft may temporarily hold the update on devices affected by a known compatibility issue |
| Support | Installing 26H2 restarts the support period: 24 months for Home and Pro, 36 months for Enterprise and Education |
Step 1: check the installed version
When to use it: always, before anything else.
Suggested solution
- Press the Windows + R keys, type the following command, then confirm:
winver- Read the Version line.
Expected result:
- Version 26H2: the update is already installed, there is nothing to do.
- Version 24H2 or 25H2: go to step 2.
- An earlier version of Windows 11, or Windows 10: the enablement package does not apply. Go straight to step 6.
Step 2: install the latest cumulative updates
When to use it: your PC runs 24H2 or 25H2 and 26H2 does not appear.
Microsoft requires cumulative update KB5124010 (September 22, 2026) or a later one before the enablement package can be installed.
Suggested solution
- Open
Settings > Windows Updateand select Check for updates.
- Install all the updates offered, then restart the PC.
- Repeat until Windows Update offers no more updates.
- Check in
Settings > Windows Update > Update historythat a September 2026 cumulative update (KB5124010) or a later one is installed.
Expected result: the PC meets Microsoft's prerequisite. 26H2 can then appear in Windows Update.
If a cumulative update refuses to install: see Windows 11: an update refuses to install (0x800f0922, 0x800f081f, 0x8007000d) (French guide).
Step 3: ask for the update as soon as it is ready
When to use it: the PC is up to date, but 26H2 is still not offered.
Suggested solution
- In
Settings > Windows Update, turn on Get the latest updates as soon as they're available ("Recevez les dernières mises à jour dès qu'elles sont disponibles" on a French Windows).
- Select Check for updates.
- If the Windows 11, version 26H2 is available line appears, select Download & install. You can first read what is new with the dedicated link.
- Restart the PC when Windows asks: a single restart is enough.
Expected result: after the restart, winver shows Version 26H2.
Step 4: check whether a compatibility hold affects your PC
When to use it: the option in step 3 is turned on, the PC is up to date, but 26H2 still does not arrive.
Microsoft says it is rolling out 26H2 gradually and may place safeguard holds on devices where a known compatibility issue could affect the update. These holds are published on the version 26H2 status page (link in the sources).
Suggested solution
- Open the Windows 11, version 26H2 known issues page.
- Read the open issues and any safeguard holds, and compare them with your hardware or software.
- If a hold matches your PC, wait for Microsoft to lift it: the update will then be offered automatically.
Expected result: you know whether your PC is waiting for a hold to be lifted. In that case, waiting is the cautious choice: the hold exists to avoid a known problem.
Good to know: as of October 28, 2026, this page listed resolved issues and one "mitigated" issue (some USB Audio Class 1.0 devices failing with Code 10). For the latter, see USB headset or sound card silent (Code 10) after the September 2026 Windows update.
Step 5: PC managed by a company or school
When to use it: your PC is provided by an employer or a school.
On these devices, feature updates are often controlled by the IT department (Windows Server Update Services, Windows Autopatch or update policies). Microsoft also advises organizations to test 26H2 before deploying it broadly. If the update does not appear, it is probably the organization's choice: contact your IT department rather than working around its settings.
Step 6: install 26H2 with the Installation Assistant
When to use it: your PC runs Windows 10 or a version of Windows 11 older than 24H2, or you want to install 26H2 without waiting for Windows Update.
Microsoft's download page offers the Windows 11 Installation Assistant, whose current release is "Windows 11 2026 Update l Version 26H2".
Suggested solution
- Check the conditions given by Microsoft: the PC must run Windows 10, version 2004 or later, have 9 GB of free disk space, and have an x64 processor (the Assistant does not work on PCs with an Arm processor).
- Check that the PC meets the Windows 11 requirements. Microsoft states that a non-compliant PC will no longer be supported and will not be entitled to receive updates.
- Download the Installation Assistant from the Microsoft page listed in the sources, run it and follow the instructions.
Expected result: after installation and the restarts, winver shows Version 26H2.
If your PC is not compatible: see This PC doesn't currently meet Windows 11 system requirements: TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot (French guide).
Special cases
| Situation | What you need to know |
|---|---|
| PC with an Arm processor | Microsoft says you need to wait until Windows Update notifies you that the upgrade is ready: the Installation Assistant is not supported. |
| Windows 10 PC that cannot move to Windows 11 | See ESU enrollment missing from Windows Update on Windows 10 to keep receiving security updates. |
| The update fails or is undone at restart | See the guide on updates that refuse to install on Windows 11 (French guide). |
Final check
- ☐ winver shows the starting version (24H2, 25H2 or earlier).
- ☐ All cumulative updates are installed (KB5124010 or later).
- ☐ The "Get the latest updates as soon as they're available" option is turned on.
- ☐ The 26H2 known issues page has been checked.
- ☐ winver shows Version 26H2 after the update.
Sources
- Microsoft: KB5121794: Feature update to Windows 11, version 26H2 by using an enablement package
- Microsoft: Windows 11, version 26H2 known issues and notifications (status as of October 28, 2026)
- Microsoft: How to get the Windows 11 2026 Update (Windows Experience Blog, September 29, 2026)
- Microsoft: Download Windows 11
Still having the problem?
Reply in this topic with the version shown by winver, the Windows edition (Home, Pro…), the date of the last cumulative update installed, whether the PC is managed by an organization, and the exact text of any error message. Never post your product key, your Microsoft credentials or your password.