Microsoft Starts Force Upgrading Windows 11 Users to version 22H2

Windows 11 2022 Update

Microsoft has started the process of automatically upgrading users that are on Windows 11 version 21H2 to version 22H2. The company announced on the Windows Health Dashboard (via Neowin) yesterday that the latest version of Windows 11 will be applied to all consumer and non-managed business devices running the Home and Pro editions.

Microsoft first intends to automatically upgrade PCs that installed 21H2 at the earliest, but the rollout of the automatic updates will happen over time. However, the company might block the update on select devices with compatibility issues.

“Today we begin to automatically update consumer and non-managed business devices running Windows 11, version 21H2 Home and Pro editions to Windows 11, version 22H2. Since Windows 10, we have been helping Windows users stay up to date and secure with supported versions of Windows through automatic updates. We are utilizing this same approach for Windows 11 to help you stay protected and productive,” the company explained.

It is important to note that Windows 11 version 22H1 will reach end of servicing on October 10. This means that the operating system will no longer receive feature updates and security patches. Microsoft says the latest version of Windows 11 should help to protect customers against security threats and will be supported until October 8, 2024.

Windows 11 version 22H2 includes new productivity, accessibility, and security features

Microsoft started rolling out Windows 11 version 22H2 back in October 2022. The latest feature update brings several new features, including Start menu improvements, Tabs in File Explorer, a redesigned Task Manager, support for Focus Sessions, and system-wide Live captions. Moreover, a new voice access feature allows users to control Windows 11 PCs with their voice.

Windows 11 version 22H2 also comes with some new security features, such as Smart App Control. The feature helps to prevent users from opening potentially dangerous applications. Microsoft also added a memory integrity feature that blocks hackers from injecting malicious code into high-security processes.

If you’re interested in manually installing Windows 11 version 22H2, you will need to head over to Windows Update Settings. Then, click the Check for updates button and select Download and install. Microsoft recommends users to manually begin the update process to avoid forced reboots at an inconvenient time.