Windows 10 version 22H2 has been unofficially confirmed by
Microsoft. This could be the next feature update for the
operating system and it will begin rolling out to consumers in
a couple of months, according to references spotted in the
latest optional update (KB5015684) released for the OS.
As we reported earlier this year, the fuss has been around
Windows 11 and rumours of Windows 12 have already started
making headlines, but the company hasn’t completely forgotten
about Windows 10. The old operating system remains supported
and it will be getting its own feature update in the fall.
Windows 10 KB5015684, which has popped up in the Windows
Insider Program today, quietly switches the OS version to
“22H2” from “21H2”. As you can see in the below screenshot,
Windows 10 Build 19045 has also been spotted in the ‘About’
screen of the Windows Settings page.
In our tests, we couldn’t spot any noticeable difference
between Windows 10 21H2 and Windows 10 22H2. It seems that the
new update will be another minor one and it will be rolled out
via an enablement package which doesn’t make any major
introductions on the consumer front.
Microsoft officials have previously said that enablement
package updates will only ship with a “scoped set of features”
and such updates are similar to monthly cumulative updates,
which essentially means Windows 10 22H2 will be enabled with
the flick of a switch later this year.
In other words, if you’re on Windows 10 version 2004 or newer,
you’ll be able to upgrade to version 22H2 directly in a snap
with a significantly fast installation process. That’s because
all features of 22H2 are already hidden in the latest
cumulative updates and feature updates released after the
version (v2004) essentially share the same core build of the
OS.
A changelog for version 22H2 is not available at the moment,
but it will be focused on productivity and security, meaning
much of the changes will be related to enterprise or business
users. Consumers can expect minor bug fixes, better security
features and general improvements.
What’s next for Windows
Windows 11 will be getting its first big feature update called
‘Sun Valley 2’ aka version 22H2 later this year. The update is
set to bring back support for drag and drop, improve
Start menu customization settings, and more.
Microsoft has reportedly cancelled
Windows 11 version 23H2 and the next major release could be
Windows 12 in 2024. This is because the company is exploring a
new strategy where it plans to release new Windows versions
every three years, with smaller feature updates for existing
versions.
Windows 11 will continue to get new features in the coming
years. At some point. Windows 12 will debut with significant
changes. If the company follows the same strategy, you can also
expect Windows 13 in the next ten years.
