Windows 11 26H2: Why Microsoft only needs 174 KB for the big annual update:
With Windows 11 26H2, Microsoft is primarily changing the update mechanism ...
pcgameshardware.de/Windows-Software-277633/News/Nur-174-KB-fuer-Win-11-26H2-Microsoft-aendert-den-Update-Ansatz-1551916/
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Windows 11 26H2 Set to Use 174 KB Enablement PackageOn the shared 24H2/25H2 base, existing features are activated; 23H2 requires a full feature update.
Key FactsAug 24, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: pcgameshardware.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: pcgameshardware.de
- On PCs running Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2, 26H2 is set to be distributed through a 174 KB enablement package because both versions use the same servicing base.
- According to Microsoft, the required features are brought to the device through cumulative updates and later activated through flags, a restart, and a build-number change.
- Systems still running Windows 11 23H2 instead require a full feature update; Microsoft said the move from 23H2 to 25H2 needed a 5.3 GB base image and an 887 MB update.
- Version 26H2 starts a new support period, while Windows 11 24H2 reaches end of support for Home and Pro on October 13, 2026.
“quickly to Windows 11, version 26H2”— The developers explained to PCGH that a PC running Windows 11 25H2 can be quickly upgraded to Windows 11, Version 26H2 via an enablement package. Components already present on the system are activated under a common maintenance baseline.
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