ST-2026-220 · Runtimes & developer platforms
GitHub makes the Windows 11 arm64 Visual Studio 2026 runner image generally available and schedules default-image migration
GitHub made the `windows-11-vs2026-arm` image generally available for standard and larger GitHub-hosted runners and scheduled the default `windows-11-arm` image to migrate to Visual Studio 2026 from 21 through 30 September 2026, warning that workflows depending on Visual Studio 2022 may break.
Previous state
The dedicated Visual Studio 2026 arm64 image was not generally available and the default `windows-11-arm` image had not entered the announced Visual Studio 2026 migration window.
Current state
The `windows-11-vs2026-arm` image is generally available; GitHub plans to begin migrating the default `windows-11-arm` image to Visual Studio 2026 on 21 September 2026 and complete rollout by 30 September 2026.
Affected users
Who needs to care
GitHub Actions workflows using Windows 11 arm64 hosted runners, especially workflows that depend on Visual Studio 2022 components or image-specific tooling.
Required response
What to do
Test arm64 workflows explicitly on `windows-11-vs2026-arm`, identify Visual Studio 2022 dependencies, and prepare for the scheduled `windows-11-arm` default-image migration before the September rollout window.
Evidence boundary
What the source does not prove
GitHub proves current general availability of `windows-11-vs2026-arm` and a future 21–30 September migration schedule for the default `windows-11-arm` image. The default-image migration is planned and must not be described as already complete.
Lifecycle history
Dated event sequence
- Visual Studio 2026 arm64 image generally available
GitHub announced general availability of `windows-11-vs2026-arm`.
- Default-image migration begins
GitHub plans to begin moving `windows-11-arm` to Visual Studio 2026.
- Default-image migration scheduled complete
GitHub plans to complete the `windows-11-arm` Visual Studio 2026 rollout by this date.
Evidence ledger
First-party sources
- 01GitHub — Windows 11 arm64 VS2026 image generally available
Official GitHub Changelog · 2026-08-20
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