Windows 11 Version History Jun 2026

Windows 11 was officially released on October 5, 2021. Built on the same core architecture as Windows 10, version 21H2 introduced a radical visual overhaul. The most striking change was the centered Taskbar and a simplified Start menu that abandoned Live Tiles in favor of a grid of pinned apps. This version focused on "glass" aesthetics (Mica material), rounded corners, and a new Snap Layouts feature that made multitasking significantly more intuitive. Under the hood, it demanded stricter hardware requirements, notably TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot, aiming to make Windows 11 the most secure version to date. The First Major Refresh: Version 22H2 (The 2022 Update)

Version 24H2 marks the transition of Windows 11 into a "Copilot+ PC" era. Unlike previous updates that were essentially feature packs, 24H2 is a "full OS swap," meaning it replaces the underlying platform code. This version is heavily optimized for ARM-based processors and NPU (Neural Processing Unit) hardware. Key features include "Recall," which allows users to search through a visual timeline of their past activity, and "Cocreator" in Paint for AI-generated art. It also introduces Sudo for Windows, a tool specifically designed for developers and power users. Future Trajectory and "Moments" windows 11 version history