Windows 11 version 22H2 has just arrived on the Microsoft Release Preview channel for Windows Insiders, the company announced today. The Release Preview channel is the last stop before the public release of most Windows updates, barring unexpected bugs that stop showing, and gives developers, businesses, and enthusiasts the opportunity to test new updates before they go public.
Microsoft is sticking to a less rigid schedule than before when it comes to releasing new apps, UI enhancements, and minor feature improvements in Windows 11. The operating system has received a stream of continuous tweaks and app updates since its release last October, including a particularly noteworthy series of updates in February. But the 22H2 update includes broader improvements, a new Microsoft account sign-in requirement for new installations of Windows 11 Pro, new default security settings, and other changes.
The Microsoft support schedule for Windows Updates is also tied to these annual Windows Updates. For example, security updates for Windows 11 version 21H1 will only be provided until October 2023. If you want to continue receiving security updates, you will eventually need to install version 22H2.
Windows 11 22H2 is nearing release, but we haven’t heard much about Windows 10 version 22H2 so far (a Microsoft spokesperson told Ars that the company has “nothing to share at the moment”). Windows 10 will continue to receive updates once a year for at least the next few years, but since the company doesn’t release new Windows 10 Insider Builds, we don’t know how significant those updates will be. Windows 10 will continue to be supported until at least October 2025, which will be important for PCs that don’t officially support Windows 11.