The September 2026 non-security preview update is now available for Windows 11, versions 26H1, 25H2, and 24H2. Information about the contents of this update is available in the release notes, which are accessible from the
Windows 11 update history page. To learn more about the different types of monthly quality updates, see
Understanding Windows monthly updates.
Looking to explore upcoming features and improvements in Windows 11? Check the
Windows roadmap. It includes what’s coming to the Windows Insider Program, what's gradually rolling out, and what's generally available.
Highlights for the Windows 11, version 25H2 update:
- You can now remap the Copilot key to function as the Right Ctrl or Context Menu key, helping preserve familiar keyboard shortcuts and accessibility workflows.
- Camera roll backup in Settings helps eligible users protect their photos with OneDrive. You can turn on the feature from the Settings Home or Accounts page and finish setup on your phone using a QR code.
- Windows now supports Emoji 17.0, adding new emoji such as distorted face, fight cloud, and hairy creature, and refreshing several existing designs including saluting face, goose, and lotus for better consistency across platforms. To insert them, press Windows key + Period (.) to open the emoji panel.
- File Explorer now handles downloaded files more flexibly, with a new Preview anyway button for HTML files and automatic previews for non-HTML files such as PDFs, while Home remembers whether each section is expanded or collapsed and the reorganized Details pane shows cloud file thumbnails more reliably.
- A new Open apps maximized setting automatically maximizes app windows as they open, whether you use a screen reader or magnification, work in tablet mode, or simply prefer a consistent full-screen workspace.
For instructions on how to install this update, see the KB article for your operating system listed below:
Note: With recent and upcoming Windows updates over the next few months, a limited number of consumer and business devices might experience one additional restart during installation. This one‑time restart occurs after a Secure Boot certificate update is applied as part of the
Secure Boot update process.