Windows 11 22H2 almost here as it moves exclusively to Release channel

[MMT]

Microsoft has signed off on Windows 11 22H2, which is now moving exclusively to the Windows Insider 'Release' channel, while the new Preview Build 22581 released today is being offered on both the 'Beta' and 'Dev' channels.

Since Windows 11 was released, Microsoft has been fixing bugs and developing the upcoming Windows 11 22H2 feature update on the 'Beta' channel, with build numbers in the format 22000.xxx.

Those wanting to test cutting-edge Windows features can grab Preview builds from the 'Dev' channel, which uses build numbers like 22579.

Today, Microsoft announced that they are releasing Windows Insider build 22581 to both the Beta and Dev channels, with the 22000.xxx builds now only available on the Release channel.

This likely means that Microsoft considers Windows 11 22H2 (build 22000) to be "feature-complete," meaning that no new features will be added to the version, though they will continue to fix bugs and other performance issues.

Windows 11 22H2, also known as Windows 11 Sun Valley 2 (SV2), is expected to be released later this summer.

The upcoming Windows 11 22H2 update focuses on fixing existing issues in Windows 11, such as taskbar issues (drag and drop) and the Start Menu, while introducing updated apps, like Notepad, Paint, and Media Player.

Another highly anticipated feature is the ability to run Android apps natively in Windows 11 through the Amazon app store.

With Windows 11 22H2 moving to release, the Windows 11 'Beta' channel will soon offer the Windows 11 23H2 development builds.

Microsoft says that users have at least ten days before releasing a new build to roll back to the release channel and stay on the 22000.xxx builds.

"If your device is in the Beta Channel and you want to stay on the released version of Windows 11, you have 10 days or until we release a newer build to roll back. If you do decide to roll back, be sure to promptly change your channel to Release Preview," Microsoft explains in a blog post.

 

 

This pause in builds allows Windows Insiders to switch channels depending on whether they wish to stay on the Dev channel (22000.xxx builds) and continue testing experimental features or switching to the Beta channel to test the next Windows 11 23H2 update.

 

 

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