The whispers surrounding Windows 11 26H1 suggest a calculated move to optimize performance for the Snapdragon X2, announced earlier this year, with PCs powered by this chip expected to debut in early 2026. Expect major announcements from Lenovo, HP, Dell, and others at CES 2026.
But Qualcomm might not be the only one getting a special boost. The 26H1 update is also likely optimized for Nvidia’s N1X and N1 ARM-based chips, designed for desktops and lightweight laptops, respectively. These chips aim to rival Snapdragon in the laptop space. Nvidia is reportedly working with MediaTek on these new Arm-based CPUs for slimmer and more powerful gaming laptops.
Microsoft’s decision to release 26H1 before the broader 26H2 update suggests a need to support these new ARM devices as soon as they hit the market. They simply can’t wait for the usual fall release cycle.
What to expect in 2026
New ARM PCs, shipping in early 2026, will come pre-loaded with Windows 11 26H1 and will eventually be upgraded to Windows 11 26H2, aligning them with the rest of the Windows ecosystem.
If Windows 11 26H1 begins seeding to manufacturers in November, it could be ready for the new Arm-based PCs when they hit the market in 2026. Microsoft is likely targeting the September-October window for Windows 11 26H2.
What’s particularly intriguing about Windows 11 version 26H1 is its potential connection to Nvidia’s N1X and N1 Arm-based CPUs. Nvidia has been working on these chips for some time. While N1X targets desktops, N1 is designed for laptops.
These ARM-based chips promise all-day battery life, similar to Snapdragon. However, unlike Snapdragon PCs, Nvidia’s ARM-based laptops could be optimized for gaming. This is a game changer (pun intended) for mobile gaming.
The move towards ARM isn’t just about power efficiency; it’s about tailoring the operating system to the specific strengths of the underlying hardware. Windows 11 26H1 is a bold step in that direction, and it could redefine what we expect from our PCs in the years to come.
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