After launching the original Windows 11 version 21H2 “Sun
Valley” in June 2021, Microsoft is now preparing to release
this year’s big update for the operating system called ‘version
22H2’ which will include new Start menu options, better
taskbar, improved context menu,
File Explorer with tabs, performance enhancements, bug
fixes and more.
As you’re probably aware, Microsoft tests multiple feature
update releases simultaneously and the company is already
working on version 23H2. Essentially, what’s happening here is
that Windows 11 version 22H2 is almost due and is expected to
finalize over the coming months. In the meantime, the company
has begun work on version 23H2.
Microsoft is now planning to release an initial build of the
next feature update to Windows Insiders who’ve previously
chosen the ‘Dev Channel’. You can opt to join the ‘Dev Channel’
program at any time, incidentally, as Microsoft says users
should switch back to the Beta Channel if they don’t want to
receive experimental builds.
Now, references to the
preview build from the next development branch have already
appeared on Github. Windows 11 Build 22603 (a big leap in
numbers from the current Nickel development branch) has been
spotted in Windows Terminal, suggesting that preparations are
underway for next-gen preview builds.
Remember that the build number will be different when it
releases to the Dev Channel, but it’s one of the indications
that seem to imply users will soon begin testing the very first
new features for next year’s update.
Folks who wish to remain on Windows 11 version 22H2 should
switch to the Beta Channel and do the final testing as
Microsoft fully stabilizes the update for consumers. New builds
coming to the Dev Channel will be fast, mostly consisting of
bug fixes initially, but new features will begin to surface in
the coming weeks.
