TL;DR: A few weeks into the rollout, Microsoft has confirmed that all eligible Windows users can now get the latest OS build on their compatible systems. There are no earth-shattering changes this time, but the extra security bonus should be enticing enough for most people.
Microsoft recently updated its official guidance on installing the latest version of Windows 11. Windows 11, version 26H2 is now available to all eligible devices, including those running the 25H2 and 24H2 releases and, well, most everything else a reasonably modern PC can run. The upgrade process also supports the latest Windows 10 version enrolled in the extended support program.
Windows 10 reached its scheduled end of life in 2025, but Microsoft has repeatedly extended the window for customers who want to hang on a bit longer. The highlander of operating systems can now receive free, officially sanctioned security updates for home users until October 2027. After that, 0patch micropatching solution should keep the system safe for many years to come.
Either way, Microsoft has now confirmed that up-to-date Windows 10 builds can still get the latest Windows edition for free. The company initially extended the offer to earlier Windows 10 versions as well, but that option is long gone. Windows 11 and 10 share a common licensing structure, which should help with installing the latest OS build in a variety of usage scenarios.
Windows 10 remains a massively popular OS, and many people are likely clinging to the tried-and-tested platform to avoid whatever Microsoft is up to with Windows 11. Enterprise organizations, however, might find the free upgrade option enticing enough to finally pull the plug on the platform that let every PC user forget about the Windows 8.x fiasco.
Officially known as the Windows 11 2026 Update, Windows 11 26H2 was released on September 29, 2026, for both x86-64 and Arm CPU architectures. Microsoft described the new build as a predictable, low-disruption update, with greater stability and compatibility than previous releases. In fact, 26H2 simply enables and switches on dormant features that were already present in earlier versions.
Microsoft has been working hard to improve performance and reliability in Windows 11, but AI-assisted vulnerability discovery has turned software security upside down. The company is now being forced to ship massive bug-fix packages covering thousands of security flaws found by both Microsoft's own AI and third parties.