Windows 11 26H2 will be the last officially supported release for Snapdragon 850

Microsoft confirmed that Windows 11 version 26H2 will be the last operating-system release officially supporting devices powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 850.

Windows 11 26H2 launched on 29 September 2026. Support for the Home and Pro editions is scheduled to end on 10 October 2028, so compatible PCs will continue receiving security updates until then.

Snapdragon 850 will miss 27H2

Devices with Snapdragon 850 can install 26H2 but will not receive Windows 11 version 27H2. Microsoft has not explained why support for the chip is ending.

Qualcomm released Snapdragon 850 in 2018 as its second-generation SoC for Windows 10 on Arm PCs. Windows Central described it as the company’s first chip specifically designed for Windows, while Snapdragon 835 was adapted from a smartphone platform.

The end of official support does not technically prevent users from installing newer Windows releases by bypassing system requirements. Microsoft’s stated position, however, is that future Windows versions will not officially support Snapdragon 850.

26H2 uses the Germanium platform

Windows Central reported that Windows 11 26H2 uses the same Germanium base platform as 25H2 and largely functions as an enablement package for features introduced over time. The publication suggested that 27H2 may use a newer platform, but Microsoft has not confirmed that.

Windows 11 26H1 is a separate branch for new devices with modern processors, including Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2 Series. Ending Snapdragon 850 support does not end Windows on Arm support overall: current Snapdragon-based Surface devices continue to receive new Windows releases.