Windows 11 Introduces ARM-Optimized 26H1 Core

Microsoft is releasing Windows 11 26H1 in 2026 as a hardware-optimized build that ships only on new ARM devices, starting with Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 and possibly NVIDIA's N1X. The release uses a different platform core (reportedly codenamed Bromine) with scheduler, NPU and power-management changes, and will not be offered as an in-place upgrade for current Intel/AMD PCs; support runs through March 2028.