Under the code name “Sun Valley 2”, Microsoft is already working on Windows 11 22H2, which will have many new functions. We will show you which innovations are planned for autumn.
Two new Windows versions per year, that was the case with Windows 10. This year Microsoft only has one major version update available for Windows 10 and Windows 11. As far as Windows 11 is concerned, the new version Windows 11 22H2 seems to have come a long way.
In a Microsoft document, Windows fans found an entry that should indicate that all new features should be integrated into Windows 11 22H2 by February 4th. In fact, the term “feature complete” appears there. We show what innovations Windows 11 should get this year.
Windows 11 22H2 news
The list of new features is not yet complete, but considering every change, it is very extensive. Here we show the highlights of Windows 11 22H2 and will also add changes here:
- Android apps: Support for Android apps was promised for Windows 11, and Windows 11 22H2 will deliver them later.
- Start menu: There will probably not be a major update for the start menu, but more programs can be pinned or more recommended content can be displayed.
- Taskbar: The taskbar, a major point of criticism in Windows 11, is not radically rebuilt. But there are small cosmetics, for example, the time can be displayed on several monitors again. In addition, a microphone icon appears on the taskbar in Teams meetings for quick audio control. Speaking of teams, right-clicking on icons in the taskbar makes it easier to share the selected windows in video conferences.
- flyout: There are now fancier flyout menus when pressing volume or screen brightness buttons. So far, you had to retrofit them with additional programs.
- widgets: The widgets introduced with Windows 11 are not yet a real success. That should change by Microsoft opening the offer for third parties.
- Power: Windows 11 22H2 should also give a performance boost.
- Desktop: The Windows desktop gets changing wallpaper, as you can retrofit with Bing Wallpaper.
- Ideas: The settings have been improved in various places or have more options, such as “Display”, “Sound”, “Bluetooth”, “Microsoft Account” or “Network”.
Windows 11 22H2 release
It is a common practice in software development that at some point a deadline is set for the innovations. This is the status called “Feature Complete”. After that, mainly only bugs are fixed and a lot of time is spent on testing. The above document sets on March 4th another deadline. By then, all features that are not suitable for the final release should have been removed.
But it doesn’t mean that Windows 11 22H2 will be available for download right away. Microsoft itself has not yet commented on this, so one can only speculate. But they will probably not rush things and aim for an autumn update for Windows 11. Our tip is October 2022 for the start of Windows 11 22H2. This would keep you in the yearly rhythm.
Try Windows 11 22H2 in advance
It’s not a big secret what happens in Windows 11 22H2. Windows Insiders have been able to try this for some time. If you also want to get a sneak peek at the latest Windows 11, register as a Windows Insider and sign up for the “Windows Insider Program” via Windows Settings under “Windows Update”.
There are three channels to choose from: In the “Dev Channel” area you get the latest bits, but possibly also features that don’t make it into Windows 11 22H2 after all. The better choice is the “Beta Channel”. Here you are a bit later, but the Windows builds are more reliable. If you want Windows 11 22H2 before the big onslaught, but still value a stable system, the “Release Preview” area is the best place to go.