GitHub is migrating windows-11-arm runners to Visual Studio 2026 from September 21, 2026. Here is how to test early and avoid a broken ARM64 CI pipeline.
Key takeaways
- On August 20, 2026, GitHub made the Windows 11 arm64 image with Visual Studio 2026 generally available under the label windows-11-vs2026-arm.
- GitHub will gradually move the default windows-11-arm image to Visual Studio 2026 starting September 21, 2026, with completion by September 30.
- The change may break workflows that depend on Visual Studio 2022, so C++, .NET, and native ARM64 pipelines are the most exposed.
- You can test the new toolchain now by setting runs-on to windows-11-vs2026-arm, before the default flips.
- Van Data Team's recommendation: test this week, fix what breaks, and decide before September 21 whether you're moving to VS2026 or need a pinned alternative.
📖 Read the full guide on Van Data Team → windows-11-arm Runners Move to Visual Studio 2026
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