Since the first introduction of Windows 11 in October 2021, Microsoft has continued to update and modify its operating system.
Within weeks, the corporation started introducing new features, and a significant amount of new functionality was later included in a February 2022 release. However, Windows 11 only receives one major upgrade per year, as evidenced by the name of its most recent feature update, which is just the “2022 Update” as opposed to the “22H2” we might have anticipated.
Whatever name you choose, the upgrade is now formally accessible. All Windows 11 devices have now undergone a gradual rollout, however there are still certain problems that may prevent you from updating. Here is all the information you require.
When was the Windows 11 22H2 Update released?
However, if your device is unaffected, you may already have the October 2022 update downloaded. The first-ever tabs in File Explorer were among the additional features that were included.
It is believed to be the first phase of Microsoft’s new “Moment” approach to upgrades, which would see new features released periodically rather than all at once. Rumor has it that Windows 12 may then be introduced in 2024.
How to immediately download Windows 11 22H2 update
Several Windows 11 devices will be able to install the 2022 Update right away because it is officially available. Simply navigate to Settings > Windows Update and select “Check for updates” as usual. Before it appears, you might need to install any existing updates.
But it won’t be accessible to most people just yet. If you don’t want to wait, the Windows Insider Program currently offers an early version of the 2022 Update. Anyone with a Windows 11 device can register and test out fresh updates before they are made public.
Enter the same Microsoft account you use on your Windows 11 device at insider.windows.com to sign in. Click “Get started” after opening Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program. To get the 2022 Update, follow the procedures here, making sure to link the appropriate account and select the Release Preview Channel.
Clear any more updates as before, and it should show up. Learn more about installing the update right now in our other article.
You may choose to opt out entirely going ahead or switch to the Beta/Dev channels. Simply choose “Leave the Insider program” or “Choose your Insider preferences” from the drop-down menu, then follow the on-screen directions.
Is the 2022 Update compatible with every Windows 11 device?
Yes. Microsoft revised the device specifications for Windows 11 in a contentious way, leaving out a lot of older technology. Nothing suggests it will happen again anytime soon, especially with a feature update.
You will ultimately receive the 2022 Update if you used an officially supported way to install Windows 11 on a compatible device. Although it can take some time, you have the choice to use the Windows Insider Program.
If you downloaded Windows 11 on a device that Microsoft doesn’t officially support, the situation is far less clear. You will need to manually install the 2022 Update through the Microsoft Update Catalog since it is doubtful that it will ever be sent to your device.
What new features are included in the Windows 11 2022 Update?
Throughout 2022, Microsoft has been teasing new Windows 11 features, many of which have already been made available for testing through the Windows Insider Program. The complete range, however, was made public in a blog post introducing the 2022 Update.
Microsoft has traditionally prioritized accessibility, and this upgrade seeks to make Windows 11 even simpler to use. The Start menu’s “Pinned” area may now be resized and supports folders.
Since both of these applications are by default in the taskbar, drag-and-drop is a crucial feature that will help them both. This was a mainstay of Windows 10 before being eliminated with the release of Windows 11, so it’s wonderful to have it back.
Live Captions, however, are the most important accessibility element. As the name implies, you may use this in Windows 11 to automatically create subtitles from any audio clip you play.
The Voice Access preview, which enables voice-only control of your complete device and text composition, is added to the 2022 Update. The screen reader function in Windows 11 called Narrator has also been upgraded with more realistic voices.
Snap Layouts, a multitasking feature in Windows 11, has proven to be very popular and makes it simple for users to organize windows on any size screen. Within Microsoft’s Edge browser, the 2022 Update adds capability for separate tabs and makes touch input easier to use.
The 2022 Update adds a number of new touchscreen gestures that enhance navigating without a cursor or keyboard. The Start menu may be accessed by swiping up from the bottom of the screen, and Quick Settings can be accessed by sliding in from the right. With three fingers, you can also swipe left or right to switch between open apps and down to minimize apps. This demonstrates that Microsoft is competitive because it is identical to what you’ll find on iPads and Android tablets.
Windows 11’s Focus Assist function is now immediately integrated into the Quick Settings menu to help you stay focused. Do Not Disturb, which disables all notifications, will be enabled when you start a timer here (except those you specifically allow).
Microsoft has acknowledged that many individuals still find video conversations to be essential. The Settings menu now offers new options to help you obtain the perfect shot, whether you utilize the built-in webcam or a connected external accessory. A selection of various “Camera Effects” are available. Separately, a function called “Voice Focus” use AI to eliminate background noise.
It’s not surprising to see a separate Xbox blog post about the new features of the 2022 Update because gaming and Windows 11 work hand in hand. They include enhancements to the Xbox Cloud Gaming experience using Microsoft Edge, as well as a new Controller Bar for quick access to recently played games and launchers using a controller.
Along with considerable improvements to display latency, Auto HDR and variable refresh rate (VRR) are being broadened to support games that aren’t running in full screen mode. A new HDR Calibration software is also available to help with color accuracy and consistency.
Untrusted apps won’t be allowed to run thanks to a new Smart App Control feature in security upgrades, which may have been inevitable. Of course, there are still applications for them, but this
Similar to this, Microsoft Defender’s new SmartScreen can warn users when they enter their Microsoft credentials into a dubious website or service.
There is also the opportunity to manage your subscription in Settings for those who pay for Microsoft 365. Instead of going to the website, you can use this to add payment information and know when you’ll next be charged.
A new Family Safety page and the choice to set the Bing daily image as your desktop wallpaper can both be found in Settings.
The 2022 Update’s new features are not entirely included in this list, by any means. However, it provides a general notion of what to anticipate; for the majority of individuals, this is definitely worth getting.
Similar to this, Microsoft Defender’s new SmartScreen can warn users when they enter their Microsoft credentials into a dubious website or service.
There is also the opportunity to manage your subscription in Settings for those who pay for Microsoft 365. Instead of going to the website, you can use this to add payment information and know when you’ll next be charged.
A new Family Safety page and the choice to set the Bing daily image as your desktop wallpaper can both be found in Settings.
The 2022 Update’s new features are not entirely included in this list, by any means. However, it provides a general notion of what to anticipate; for the majority of individuals, this is definitely worth getting.
Then, in a subsequent October update, File Explorer received tabs in addition to new “Suggested Actions” and taskbar enhancements. Some of the early adopters, meanwhile, haven’t had an easy time of it. According to Windows Latest, the Windows Feedback Hub has already received reports of a number of difficulties.
