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Microsoft[4][6] only says 26H2 went to the Release Preview Channel on 27 August 2026 "ahead of general availability later this calendar year", and the Windows message center names no date as of 22 September 2026. PCWorld[3] reports it "is coming in October 2026": 25H2 started rolling out on 30 September 2025, about a month after its own Release Preview, and 24H2 and 23H2 shipped in October. The pin takes the last day of October, estimated.
Windows[1] Central[5] reports 26H2 reaching the Release Preview Channel, the last phase of testing, and says general availability typically follows within a few weeks.
PCWorld expects 26H2 in October 2026, noting 25H2 began rolling out on 30 September 2025 and 24H2 and 23H2 shipped in October, and explains the support extension it brings.
Microsoft's[6] Windows[1] IT Pro Blog says Windows settings backup turns on by default for eligible devices and becomes generally available starting with Windows 11, version 26H2, with restore still admin-controlled.
Windows[1] Central[2] lists features expected in 26H2 from Insider builds, including Ask Copilot in the taskbar search box and a taskbar that can be moved to any edge and made smaller.
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