A clear answer to which version of Windows is newest right now, with the release dates and support timelines you need.
Quick answer: The latest version of Windows is Windows 11, version 26H2, which Microsoft made generally available on September 29, 2026 (OS build 26300). A separate version, 26H1, released in February 2026, only ships on certain new Arm-based PCs. Most Windows 11 PCs on 24H2 or 25H2 can get 26H2 through Windows Update as a small update with one restart.
Microsoft releases one main Windows 11 feature update each year, usually in the autumn. Each update gets a name based on the year and half of the year it was released, such as 24H2 or 26H2.
Because several versions are supported at once, it can be confusing to know which one is newest and whether you need to update. This guide lists every current version, explains what makes 26H2 different, and shows how to check and update your own PC.
In this article
- Which Windows versions are current in 2026?
- How do Windows version names work?
- What is new in Windows 11 26H2?
- What is Windows 11 26H1, and should you get it?
- How do you check which version you have?
- How do you get the latest version?
- How has Windows 11 changed since launch?
- Should you update right away?
- Frequently asked questions
- Final thoughts
Which Windows versions are current in 2026?
According to Microsoft’s Windows 11 release information page:
| Version | Released | Build starts with | Home and Pro support ends |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26H2 (latest) | September 29, 2026 | 26300 | October 10, 2028 |
| 26H1 (new Arm PCs only) | February 10, 2026 | 28000 | March 14, 2028 |
| 25H2 | September 30, 2025 | 26200 | October 12, 2027 |
| 24H2 | October 1, 2024 | 26100 | Already ended |
If your PC is still on 24H2, it no longer receives security updates for Home and Pro, so updating should be a priority. Windows 10 is no longer the latest or a supported option for most users; see our Windows 10 end of life guide.
How do Windows version names work?
Windows 11 version names follow a simple pattern: the last two digits of the year, then H1 or H2 for the first or second half of that year. So 26H2 means the second half of 2026.
- Version: The yearly feature update, such as 26H2.
- Build: A number that rises with every monthly update, such as 26300.xxxx.
- Edition: Home, Pro, Enterprise and others, which set the features you get.
Knowing these three pieces makes it easy to follow support guides and check whether your PC is up to date.
What is new in Windows 11 26H2?
According to Windows Central, 26H2 is mainly a “checkpoint” release. It uses the same platform as 24H2 and 25H2 and turns on features that already arrived on 25H2 over the past year, rather than adding a large new set of features.
- Small, fast update: On 24H2 and 25H2 PCs, it installs as a small enablement package with a single restart.
- Same app and driver compatibility: Because the platform is unchanged, app and driver problems are less likely.
- A fresh support clock: Home and Pro editions get support until October 2028, a full year longer than 25H2.
Sara’s laptop was on 25H2 and working well. She installed 26H2 from Windows Update during her lunch break. It needed just one restart, her apps stayed the same, and her PC now receives updates until 2028.
What is Windows 11 26H1, and should you get it?
Windows 11 26H1 is a special release built on a newer platform for certain new Arm-based PCs, such as those with Snapdragon X2 chips. It is not offered as an update to existing PCs, and those 26H1 devices will not be offered 26H2. Microsoft has said it plans to bring both lines back onto one platform in a later release. For most people, 26H2 is the version that matters.
How do you check which version you have?
- Press Windows + R, type
winverand press Enter. - Read the version (for example, 25H2) and the OS build.
- Compare it with the table above.
Our full guide on how to tell what version of Windows you have covers more methods, including the Settings app.
Write down your version and build before any big update. If something behaves differently afterwards, knowing exactly what changed makes troubleshooting, or asking for help, much faster.
How do you get the latest version?
1. Use Windows Update
Go to Settings > Windows Update. Turn on Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available if you want it sooner, then select Check for updates. When the 26H2 offer appears, choose Download and install.
2. Wait for the rollout
Microsoft releases feature updates in phases. If you do not see the offer yet, your PC may simply not be in the current wave.
3. From Windows 10
If your PC meets the requirements, you can upgrade to Windows 11 for free. Read how to update to Windows 11.
4. Clean install from an ISO
For a fresh start, download the official Windows 11 ISO. See our guide to the Windows 11 ISO download.
How has Windows 11 changed since launch?
| Version | Year | Notable point |
|---|---|---|
| 21H2 | 2021 | Original Windows 11 release |
| 22H2 | 2022 | First big feature update |
| 23H2 | 2023 | Last update on the older platform |
| 24H2 | 2024 | New Germanium platform |
| 25H2 | 2025 | Enablement update on 24H2’s platform |
| 26H2 | 2026 | Latest checkpoint release |
Every version eventually reaches end of servicing, so staying on a current release is the simplest way to keep your PC secure.
Should you update right away?
- Yes, if you are on 24H2: It no longer gets security updates for Home and Pro.
- Soon, if you are on 25H2: It is supported until October 2027, but 26H2 extends support and installs quickly.
- Plan carefully at work: Businesses often test feature updates on a few PCs first.
A small design studio tested 26H2 on two PCs for a week, checking their printers and design apps. When nothing broke, they rolled it out to the other eight computers on a Friday afternoon.
Run winver on your PC. If it shows 24H2, open Windows Update and install the latest version now so you keep receiving security updates.
Frequently asked questions
What is the latest version of Windows 11?
Windows 11 version 26H2, released on September 29, 2026.
What is the latest Windows build number?
Windows 11 26H2 builds start with 26300.
Is Windows 11 26H2 a big update?
No. On 24H2 and 25H2 PCs, it is a small enablement update with one restart.
What is Windows 11 26H1?
A version for certain new Arm PCs, released in February 2026. It is not offered to existing PCs.
How long is Windows 11 26H2 supported?
Home and Pro editions are supported until October 10, 2028.
Is Windows 10 still the latest Windows?
No. Windows 10 reached end of support in October 2025, and Windows 11 is current.
Final Thoughts
- Windows 11 26H2 is the latest version, released September 29, 2026.
- 26H1 only applies to certain new Arm PCs.
- 24H2 Home and Pro no longer get updates, so update if you are still on it.
- Use Windows Update for a quick, one-restart upgrade from 24H2 or 25H2.
