Microsoft is preparing to release Windows 11 version 22H2, the first major update to Windows 11 since it debuted on October 5th, 2021. This update comes with a slew of changes, including new features, design tweaks, and improvements to existing functions. If you’re wondering if you should install the 22H2 update for Windows 11, our general advice is yes, but there are a few things to consider before you rush into doing so.
What is Windows 11 version 22H2?
Windows 11 version 22H2 is what is often called a feature update for Windows 11. You may have noticed that Windows 11 gets updates about every month or so, but feature updates are much larger. It already includes many new features and changes, and takes longer to install and download. Feature updates for Windows 11 are released on an annual basis, and version 22H2 is the first to date.
As for the actual changes that are packed into this update, there are plenty. Probably the most notable is adding tabs in File Explorer, a feature Microsoft has been working on for years. That’s not all, though, as this update includes a redesigned task manager, brings back the ability to drag items to apps on the taskbar, and lets you customize the Start menu in more ways, including by creating and renaming folders. If you want to know everything, we have a great roundup of all the new features in Windows 11 version 22H2.
The point is that there are a lot of good changes in this update, which is why we generally recommend that you install it. Another big reason why upgrading is a good idea is to extend the support period for your computer. Every version of Windows 11 gets two years of support (three for Enterprise and Education SKUs), which means you get security updates every month. While the original version of Windows 11 will be supported for at least another year, upgrading to the latest feature update will extend that support cycle, and even if you don’t upgrade now, you’ll eventually have to.
Are there risks in installing it?
A major software update can sometimes carry some risks. Microsoft has been testing these updates for months, both internally and with members of the Windows Insider Program, but all of these folks are still just a subset of the Windows 11 PC family. Microsoft rolls out these updates gradually to avoid causing widespread problems, and it’s generally a good idea to be prepared At least in case something goes wrong.
Windows 11 has a built-in rollback feature that lets you go back to the previous version within 10 days of upgrading, so if you run into any problems, you should be able to fix them easily. It’s also a good idea to back up your data to an external drive or cloud storage service before installing a major update, just in case you have to reset your PC.
With that being said, the chances of a critical error occurring are extremely low. If anything happens, it could be due to some performance degradation or unexpected crash in very specific scenarios, these issues are usually remedied by cumulative updates over time. Windows 11 itself had a few problems with AMD processors in the first few months of its life, but they were mostly fixed in time.
Who can install version 22H2 of Windows 11?
Currently (as of June 2022), Windows 11 build 22H2 is only available to Windows Insiders, in both the Beta and Release Preview channels. This means that the update is still officially being tested, and while anyone can become an insider to try it out now, there are more risks involved. There’s a higher chance that something will go wrong if you choose to install it this way, and it might be a good idea to wait for the official launch if you’re worried about having to fix any issues.
Once it’s officially available, any Windows 11 PC will be able to update to version 22H2. You will still need to make sure that your PC meets the minimum requirements for Windows 11, as you may have a bad experience if you don’t. Regardless, anyone with the original Windows 11 version will be able to get this upgrade for free, and that is the case with most of the best laptops available today.
Should I install Windows 11 version 22H2?
As mentioned above, our general recommendation is that yes, you should install version 22H2 of Windows 11 as soon as it is officially available. It comes with a lot of new features and the support for security updates extends in the future as well. It’s a good idea to back up your data before doing so, but you shouldn’t have any major problems after the update.
Of course, if you’re trying to get it through the Windows Insider Program, there are some additional risks, and you may want to wait for general availability. The Release Preview channel should still be very secure, however, if you are careful about backing up your data, you will always be able to get back to working order. You can then opt out of newer versions so that you will remain in the stable version as soon as it appears.
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