The latest version of Windows 11 will roll out exclusively on laptops with the Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 processors.
Microsoft is ready to roll out a new Windows 11 version, Windows 11 26H1. The last major Windows update was only in October, and Windows 11 26H1 is not a direct successor to the 25H2 version that appeared then. The new version will only appear on laptops with a Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 processor on board, according to Windows Central, a handful of which were announced during CES 2026.
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There are several reasons why Microsoft is breaking with its own habits again with Windows 11 26H1. The update is built on a completely new version of the Windows platform, known internally under the code name Bromium.
This brings an extra boost in performance and stability. A second possible reason for this ‘extra’ update for Qualcomm PCs is that the release cycle is not yet the same as with x86 laptops, and Microsoft had to roll out necessary platform changes for the X2 processors.
Preferential treatment
It is the first time that a Windows release is exclusive to a certain type of processor. Microsoft already gave Qualcomm priority with Windows 11 24H2 when it took its first steps in the PC market, but that release would eventually appear on all PCs later. Whether that will happen with Windows 11 26H1 is unclear, but since the 25H2 release was only recently released and Microsoft rolls out one major update per year, that seems unlikely.
However, owners of Intel and AMD laptops do not have to fear that Microsoft is giving Qualcomm preferential treatment. Laptops compatible with Windows 11 25H2 will continue to receive new functionalities and updates. 25H2 and 26H1 will continue to exist side by side. Microsoft will likely level everything out again with the 26H2 update in the fall.
The first laptops with Windows 11 26H2 are expected in the spring.