Windows 11 22H2 begins automatic upgrade for version 21H2

If you're still on Windows 11 21H2, then your device will soon receive version 22H2 automatically.

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@Pureinfotech
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Windows 11 22H2 early upgrade
Windows 11 22H2 early upgrade
  • Microsoft makes available Windows 11 22H2 to upgrade for devices on version 21H2.
  • The automatic upgrade started on January 26, 2023.
  • The rollout of the upgrade will happen gradually with devices that have had version 21H2 the longest.
  • The end of support for Windows 11 21H2 is October 10, 2023.

UPDATE 9/1/2023: Microsoft begins the automatic rollout of Windows 11 22H2 (2022 Update) on devices still running version 21H2, as the release will reach the end of support on October 10, 2023. Although the 2022 Update was initially released on September 20, 2022, it was only available for a limited number of devices and as an optional install, meaning that you had the choice to upgrade manually or ignore it. However, starting January 26, 2023, the company started the other rollout phase, making version 22H2 automatically available through Windows Update.

On the dashboard health website, the operating system status says that the company has begun to “automatically update consumer and non-managed business devices running Windows 11, version 21H2 Home and Pro editions to Windows 11, version 22H2.”

According to the announcement, the upgrade to Windows 11 22H2 will occur gradually with computers that have had version 21H2 for the longest time. You won’t be able to skip the upgrade, but you will be able to choose when to restart and complete the installation.

This release will include many changes and improvements, such as updates for the Start menu that introduces folders and recommendations. The Taskbar brings back the ability to drag and drop files and apps and includes a new overflow menu to hide apps when there’s no more available space. The Snap Assists feature now has a new layout interface.

In addition, Windows 11 22H2 introduces a redesigned Task Manager app, new features like Live Captions and Voice Access, and improvements for touch gestures, File Explorer, and much more.

If you are ready to upgrade to version 22H2, you can do this from Settings > Windows Update and click the “Download & install” button.

Alternatively, you can upgrade doing an in-place upgrade using the Installation Assistant that works on Windows 11 and 10 devices. You can use the Media Creation Tool. Or you can perform a clean installation of version 22H2 with a USB flash drive.

Update September 1, 2023: Microsoft has announced that the last cumulative update for version 21H2 will be released on October 10, 2023. After this rollout, Windows 11 21H2 will reach the end of support, and the company will no longer offer any more security or any type of maintenance updates. If you want to maintain your computer supported, it’s recommended to upgrade to version 22H2 or 23H2 (when available).

About the author
Avatar for Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak is a Windows expert and the Editor-in-Chief who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He is also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 12 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows, software, and related technologies, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.