Windows 11 22H2 big feature update is now ready for release

The first major update to Windows 11 since its launch in October is now ready and expected to begin rolling out within two weeks, according to sources familiar with Windows 11's plans. Microsoft is reportedly calling the upgrade "Windows 11 2022 Update," but the name could change.

Windows 11 Build 22621.382 (deployed to testers a few weeks ago) is now considered the final update for the public on September 20. Of course, Microsoft will continue to work on Windows 11 22H2 and improve the overall performance of customer PCs. Part of the normal maintenance rhythm.

Another reason to believe that Windows 11 2022 update is coming is the availability of its Windows Driver Kit (WDK), Software Development Kit (SDK), and Enterprise Windows Driver Kit (EWDK). While there's no official word on a release date, Microsoft has now quietly released these toolkits, which are typically available ahead of public releases.

"Use this SDK to build Universal Windows Platform (UWP) and Win32 applications for Windows 11 version 22H2 and previous Windows versions," Microsoft noted in a filing for the weekend update.

The 22H2 release also specifically supports Visual Studio 2022, allowing developers to build and test kernel-mode drivers for x64 and Arm64.

Currently, Microsoft is still calling the update "Version 22H2."

Windows 11 is a brand new operating system with a new servicing cadence, and we don’t know how the company will name the major updates. As you probably know, Windows 10 updates are named after the month they are released. The last update is named “Windows 10 November 2021 Update”.

This time around, the company wants to simplify its naming convention and intends to use the slightly shorter "Windows 11 2022 Update."

The company is likely to stick to the existing naming convention for Windows 10 version 22H2.

Windows 11 22H2 release date rumors

According to sources, we are now looking at a late September version. Previous reports also suggested Microsoft could start pushing this update as early as September 20th, and it does seem possible.

Initially, the update will only appear on modern devices such as Surface Pro 8, Dell XPS and other flagships.

As for when Windows 11 22H2 will actually be released as an automatic update for all devices, given the speculation and the fact that final preparations are currently underway, we assume it will begin in October or November. Of course, you can manually download the update yourself on September 20th.

As for what’s new in this version, Microsoft has confirmed that this update will come with a redesigned Task Manager. Task Manager in Windows has always been the most important tool for users and it is the last resort when a PC stops working the way it is supposed to.

With the upcoming Sun Valley 2 update, the Task Manager has been redesigned, replacing the classic shell with WinUI, and Fluent Design and add Mica to the background. Additionally, it gets dark mode, accent color support, and a new sidebar-based interface that houses all the key options like processes or performance.

There are many other improvements in this version. For example, you could have more icons or suggestions in the Start menu. Likewise, context menus are now slightly faster.

Microsoft is also testing a new version of File Explorer, which comes with tabs and a sidebar that is sure to please many users. However, features like the new File Explorer and "Recommended Actions" won't come with Windows 11 22H2.

As we reported earlier today, Microsoft plans to roll out some features of the Windows 11 “Moment 1” update in October.

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