Time to get the party started! Microsoft is customarily mum on the release date of Windows 11 22H2, the first major feature update for the new operating system.
Nothing new here, this is the norm.
In fact, all the noise we are getting in this regard comes from leakers and folks close to the matter who are hinting that this version will hit general availability later this year — some eager ones believe that the launch window is in summer, while most others are holding out for an autumn launch.
Anyway, it so happened that Microsoft let slip in a blog post announcing its WHCP submission when we can expect this new version to be finalized and made available.
This is the same post that confirmed what had been hinted earlier. That is, build 22621 is indeed the RTM version of what is poised to be the first major update for the operating system.
Getting back to the post, Redmond says that the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program will commence in a few days. That is to say, May 31. Submissions will continue until September 5, 2022, which means that Windows 11 version 22H2 will hit general availability sometimes after this date.
As pointed out:
“Windows 11, version 22H2 based systems may ship with drivers that have achieved compatibility with Windows 11, version 21H2 until Sept 5th, 2022.
Partners looking to achieve compatibility for systems shipping with Windows 11, version 22H2 Release may use drivers for components that achieved compatibility with Windows 11, Version 21H2 until Sept 5th, 2021.”
The 2021 above, obviously being a typo.
For those of you who are unaware, Microsoft tests each new version of the OS before launch with major hardware and software partners, as well as developers, to ensure compatibility and readiness of the product. This is basically done to help verify compatible hardware.
So, unless the company encounters any major issues that need addressing from some hardware vendor, we should be good to go with this date.
If all goes according to plan, Windows 11 version 22H2 should be here in late September or October.
