How to get the Windows 11 2026 Update

🚨 The Signal: Windows 11, version 26H2 (2026 Update) is now generally available, resetting support lifecycles. This update includes security enhancements, requiring organisations to plan deployment to maintain a secure posture and ensure continued support.

The Impact

Security teams and IT administrators are affected by the need to update operating systems, risking unpatched vulnerabilities if not deployed.

• Security Teams: Risk of unpatched vulnerabilities if OS updates are delayed.
• IT Administrators: Increased workload for planning and deploying the new OS version.
• Organisations: Potential non-compliance with patching policies and security frameworks.
• End Users: May experience disruptions during the update process.

The Action

1. Review Windows release health for known issues and safeguard information before deployment.
2. Utilise existing Windows update management tools (e.g., Intune, Windows Autopatch) to deploy Windows 11, version 26H2.
3. Validate the update on a pilot group of devices to identify and mitigate compatibility issues.
4. Update internal patching policies and documentation to reflect the new support lifecycle for Windows 11, version 26H2.
5. Monitor deployment progress and address any devices subject to safeguard holds.

Domain: Intune · Impact: high · Workload: Other · Essential Eight: Patch Operating Systems · ISM: ISM-1407, ISM-1501, ISM-1621, ISM-1622, ISM-1623, ISM-1654, ISM-1655, ISM-1694, ISM-1695, ISM-1696, ISM-1701, ISM-1702, ISM-1877, ISM-1889, ISM-1902