Microsoft expands Windows 11 25H2 update to more PCs and plans architecture‑specific 26H2 rollout

Microsoft revised its Windows 11 update policy on May 15, removing the requirement that devices run version 24H2 before receiving the 25H2 update. Home and Pro PCs that are not managed by IT departments will now automatically receive Windows 11 25H2 via a machine‑learning‑based distribution system, extending the rollout beyond the earlier gradual deployment.

The company also announced that the upcoming Windows 11 26H2 update will be split by hardware architecture. It will be delivered only to x86‑64 PCs (Intel and AMD), while ARM‑based devices such as those with Qualcomm Snapdragon chips and newer NVIDIA RTX Spark systems will follow a separate update branch. The 26H2 release is described as a maintenance update built on the 25H2 code base, comparable to a monthly Patch Tuesday, with enterprise LTSC options for long‑term support.