Windows 11 22H2 closer to release, lands in the Release channel

Microsoft has moved Windows 11, version 22H2, to the Windows Insider Release channel, indicating that it is in its final round of testing before it's likely released this fall.

Windows 11 22H2, aka Sun Valley 2, is the operating system's next feature update and is expected only to have a few minor improvements and new features.

Last month, we reported that Windows 11 22H2 build 22621 was the Released to Manufacturing (RTM) build, which is the product's final build before its release to OEMs and other partners for installation in new devices.

Furthermore, hardware developers are to use that branch for developing new drivers to be submitted to Microsoft's Windows Hardware Compatibility Program.

Windows 11 22H2 moved to the Release channel

Today, Microsoft announced that they had moved the Windows 11 22H2 feature update to the 'Release' channel, available for both Windows 10 and Windows 11 insiders, indicating that they are getting close to releasing it. 

"Today we are making Windows 11, version 22H2 Build 22621 available in the Release Preview Channel for Windows Insider Program for Business participants to validate on devices in their organizations," Microsoft announced today in a blog post.

"Commercial devices* configured for the Release Preview Channel via the Windows Insider Program Settings page or via Windows Update for Business policy, whether through Microsoft Intune or through Group Policy, will automatically be offered Windows 11, version 22H2 as an optional update provided that the device(s) meet the hardware requirements. Windows 11, version 22H2 is also now available via Windows Server Update Service and Azure Marketplace."

Microsoft also states that Windows 11 22H2 is now available to 'seekers' in the release channel with compatible hardware. Seekers are Windows Insiders who manually check for new Windows updates.

Unfortunately, Windows 11 22H2 is a minor release with only a few new features and improvements revolving around user interface changes, the Start Menu, the task manager, and the taskbar.

With that said, it is still recommended that users install Windows 10 22H2 when released, as it will come with bug fixes and performance improvements.

We should also expect Microsoft to continue to release security updates and bug fixes in the release channel until it is ultimately released to the public in the fall.

Windows 11 22H2 closer to release, lands in the Release channel