Microsoft releases Windows 11 22H2, officially dubbed the '2022 Update'

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As expected, Microsoft is officially releasing Windows 11 version 22H2 to the general public today. Also referred to as "Windows 11 2022 Update", version 22H2 is a major update that brings a plethora of fixes and improvements to the operating system, improving the Start menu, removing other user interface designs from the Windows 8 era, adding a new touch screen and window. management features, etc. We covered many new features earlier this year while the update was still in beta testing.

Windows 11 21H2 users can see the 2022 update in Windows Update starting today, but Microsoft is planning its typical gradual rollout to watch for 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 installation wizard or download a fresh copy of the Windows 11 installation media to trigger installing manually.

As part of Microsoft's "continued innovation" promise, there are even more updates on the way for people who install the 22H2 update. Microsoft says the tabbed version of File Explorer (among other things not yet announced) will be available as an optional update in October and rolling out more widely to all Windows 11 22H2 users in November.

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"Going forward, we will continue to announce, document, and deliver new features and experiences as they are ready," writes Microsoft Vice President John Cable.

The 2022 Update does not change Windows 11 system requirements in any way; it doesn't require a newer processor or additional security hardware, but it also doesn't extend support for anything older. 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 open - Microsoft has no plans to end it (or pretend to). 'end it, like it did for upgrading 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 original 21H2 version of Windows 11 will continue to receive updates until October 2023, when you will need to upgrade to 22H2 or later to continue receiving updates.

Microsoft also said 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 supports Windows 10 until October 2025. The company still hasn't released a detailed record of what's coming in Windows 10 22H2, but all indications are that it won't include much in the way of new features.