When is the release date of Windows 11 22H2?

Sep 20, 2022 - 07:22 Updated: Sep 20, 2022 - 08:31

0 30

When is the release date of Windows 11 22H2? The final version of Windows 11 22H2 has been available since June 7, 2022, but only as a preview in the Release Preview Channel. The feature update is expected to launch on Tuesday, September 20, 2022 (Microsoft usually begins the rollout sometime after 1PM EST).

The update will be offered as a free upgrade for computers already running the original version. In addition, the first “moment” update (or feature drop update) is scheduled for sometime before the end of the year, possibly in October 2022.

Only computers with a good upgrade experience will receive version 22H2 immediately. Also, the company will continue to place temporary blocks on tablets, laptops, and desktops that may have compatibility issues.

On the Windows 11 22H2 release date, you’ll also be able to install the new version using the Installation Assistant or a USB bootable media created using the official Media Creation Tool.

This release will include new features like Live Captions and Voice Access. It will also introduce an updated version of File Explorer that brings support for tabs and a redesigned navigation pane, a new way to snap applications on the screen with drag and drop Snap layouts flyout, and redesigned version of Task Manager. Furthermore, you will find many visual updates for legacy elements and more.

Will Windows 11 22H2 be an optional update?

Yes, Microsoft will offer version 22H2 as an optional update, which means that the feature update won’t download and install automatically until you manually start the process from the Windows Update settings. However, if the device is running a Windows 11 setup nearing the end of service, eventually, version 22H2 will install automatically.

What are the new Windows 11 22H2 new features?

The feature update focus primarily on updating the user interface to make it more consistent with the new design language. For example, the Windows 11 2022 Update now has an updated flyout design for the system hardware indicators, including volume, brightness, camera, and airplane mode.

Some of the late removed features are coming back. Example is the ability to drag and drop files to the Taskbar to open the file with the running application. You can also pin apps from the Start menu to the Taskbar.

The Taskbar app drag and drop

The Start menu gets folders better to organize apps in the “Pinned” area, and you can now change the layouts of the “Recommended” section to show more pins or suggestions.

Windows 11 22H2 Start menu folders

The Settings app is also getting a bunch of updates. Microsoft is updating several areas of the app to align with the design language. You will find these changes on the “Storage spaces” settings, “Time & language” section, “Focus” page, and in the “Windows Update” section, you will now find a new page to uninstall updates.

In a continued effort to keep modernizing the built-in apps and tools, version 22H2 also comes with a redesigned Task Manager that matches the design style available on Windows 11 with rounded corners and mica material that shines the desktop background through the app’s frame and new iconography. However, the app retains the familiar experience as the legacy version but with modern improvements.