As expected, today Microsoft is officially releasing Windows 11 version 22H2 to the general public. Version 22H2, also referred to as Windows 11 Update 2022, is a major update that brings many fixes and improvements to the operating system, improving the taskbar and start menu, dropping some of the additional Windows 8 era UI designs, adding a new touch screen. windowing functions and much more. We talked about many of the new features earlier this year when the update was still in beta.
Windows 11 21H2 users may see the 2022 update on Windows Update starting today, but Microsoft is planning its typical phased rollout to track down major issues. The update will eventually be offered to all Windows 11 users, but if you don’t see it, you can use the Windows 11 Setup Assistant or download a fresh copy of the Windows 11 installation media to start the installation manually.
In keeping with Microsoft’s promise of “continuous innovation,”more updates are in the pipeline for those who install the 22H2 update. Microsoft says the tabbed version of File Explorer (among other as-yet-unannounced things) will be available as an optional update in October and roll out more widely to all Windows 11 22H2 users in November.
“Going forward, we will continue to announce, document, and deliver new features and functionality as they become available,”wrote Microsoft Vice President John Cable.
The 2022 update does not change the system requirements of Windows 11 in any way; it doesn’t require a newer processor or additional security hardware, but it doesn’t cover anything older either. But Microsoft also says it will continue to allow unsupported installations using all currently documented workarounds. And if you haven’t upgraded from Windows 10 yet, the Windows 11 free upgrade offer is perpetual—Microsoft has no plans to end it (or pretend to end it, as it did with the upgrade to Windows 10 from Windows). 7 or 8).
As usual, a new major release of Windows comes with a new support schedule. Windows 11 22H2 Home and Pro will be eligible for updates for 24 months, while Enterprise and Education editions will get a more generous 36 months. The initial release of Windows 11 21H2 will receive updates until October 2023, after which you will need to upgrade to 22H2 or later to continue receiving updates.
Microsoft also said that Windows 10 version 22H2 will be released later this month for people who can’t or don’t want to upgrade to Windows 11, in line with the company’s commitment to support Windows 10 until October 2025. t released a detailed report on what’s coming in Windows 10 22H2, but all indications are that it won’t include anything special in the form of new features.