Microsoft Starts Auto-Upgrading Eligible PCs to Windows 11 version 23H2

Windows 11 2022 Update

Key Takeaways:

  • Microsoft is automatically updating eligible devices running older versions of Windows 11 to version 23H2.
  • Windows 11 version 23H2 introduces over 150 new features, including Windows Copilot, a modernized File Explorer, and passkey support.
  • Microsoft is targeting devices currently on Windows 11 versions 21H2 and 22H2 to deliver automatic updates.

Microsoft has started pushing Windows 11 version 23H2 to users who are still running older versions of Windows 11. The company announced on the Windows release health dashboard that it will automatically update all eligible devices to Windows 11 version 23H2.

Microsoft announced the general availability of Windows 11 version 23H2 in October last year. This release brings over 150 new features, including the Copilot in Windows preview, a modernized File Explorer, passkey support, and a new Windows Backup app. There are also new Windows 365 features and AI-powered capabilities in apps such as Snipping Tool, Photos, and Paint.

The automatic updates will target devices currently running Windows 11 versions 21H2 and 22H2. The original version of the operating system (21H1) reached end of support for Home and Pro users on October 10, 2023. Moreover, Windows 11 version 21H2 will reach its end of servicing deadline on October 8, 2024. After this date, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates and other improvements for the unsupported version of Windows.

Microsoft uses Machine Learning to ensure smooth Windows 11 updates

Microsoft plans to use a machine learning-based approach to gradually start updating consumer and non-managed PCs running Home and Pro editions to Windows 11 version 23H2. The company will use telemetry data to detect if some PCs may experience problems after installing the latest Windows 11 update. Microsoft has been using this technique for a while to block upgrades on Windows PCs with hardware compatibility issues.

To update to Windows 11 version 23H2, users will need to head over to Settings > Windows Update. Turn on the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” button, select “Check for updates,” and then click the “Download and install” option.

Microsoft plans to release a new feature update for Windows 11 in the second half of 2024. The new version, which won’t be Windows 12, is expected to go all-in on AI. According to a new report, the upcoming update could bring an advanced Copilot that can run in the background to help Windows users throughout the day.