Interested users and developers can download the binaries from the provided link, which offers direct access to this latest test version. Additionally, the source code for this release candidate has been published on GitHub, under a signed tag, allowing for review and contributions from the wider developer community. The corresponding GitHub repository can be accessed through this link.

This version is introduced as a release candidate, serving as a test version before the final release. The process involves thorough testing and validation by the community to identify and rectify any critical issues. Assuming no significant problems are encountered during this phase, the intention is to formally tag this candidate as version 26.2. Further details and preliminary release notes that outline the changes, improvements, and any known issues with this release candidate have been made available. These notes provide valuable insights into what has been addressed in this update and can be found here. This structured approach to releasing a new version ensures stability, reliability, and continuous improvement of the Bitcoin Core software, reinforcing its role in supporting the Bitcoin network.