Windows 10 Version 22H2 (2023 Update) Is Officially Ready For Deployment

It was only yesterday that we were saying that Microsoft just sneaked important software changes past you again and you didn’t even notice.

What were we talking about? Well, Windows 10 version 22H2, which was unofficially confirmed by Microsoft right under our noses some time ago.

Now, this feature update for the Windows 10 operating system has started rolling out and is now available as an enablement package for those sticking to good-old Windows 10 (version 2004 and newer).

Microsoft’s Windows 10 version 22H2 is ready

The Redmond-based tech company says this highly-anticipated release is now finally ready for broad deployment.

Even though Microsoft has yet to tell more about those mysterious productivity features, we managed to dig out some details about what is new in Windows 10 2022 Update.

As you know, broad deployment is the final rollout phase in the lifecycle of a Windows release, so we should all be excited.

It actually means more users with compatible computers receive offers to update, not only those daring to press the Check for updates button.

Just so you know, Windows 11 2022 Update (also 22H2) is currently available to all who check for updates manually.

Now, you can update to Windows 10 22H2 from version 20H2, 21H1, and 21H2, and the process will not take much time or bandwidth since all those releases are enablement packages only and work as regular cumulative updates.

Also, keep in mind that Microsoft is about to stop supporting Windows 10 version 21H1, so users must prepare for a forced upgrade to a newer release.

From what we can see in the official documentation, Windows 10 21H1 will reach its end of life on December 13, 2022. 

Regular users running Windows 10 2022 Update Home and Professional editions will receive 18 months of support, while commercial customers with Enterprise and Education editions will get 30 months.

Microsoft also wanted to remind everyone that at least one version of Windows 10 will remain supported until October 14, 2025, which means users can expect more similar updates in the future.

You can download official ISO files for a clean installation or an in-place upgrade using the updated MediaCreationTool.

Windows 10 version 22H2 will install like the previous smaller feature updates for Windows 10, so there really isn’t anything new in the process itself.

The tech giant said that the Windows 10, version 22H2 release will not bring updates to the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP).

Instead, it will follow the same guidelines as Windows 10, version 2004. Let’s have a bit of a closer look at this matter and decide for ourselves:

• WHCP requirements – No change. Windows 10, version 2004 requirements remain applicable for Windows 10, version 22H2.
• Windows Hardware Lab Kit – No change. Since WHCP requirements will persist in Windows 10, version 22H2, the Windows Hardware Lab Kit (Windows HLK) will also remain the same. There will not be a new Windows HLK release for Windows 10, version 22H2 and partners can continue using Windows 10, version 2004 HLK for certification.
• Errata – No change. All Windows 10, version 2004 errata will continue to be valid for Windows 10, version 22H2.
• Windows HLK playlist – No change. The Windows HLK version 2004 playlist can be used for Windows 10, version 22H2.
• Driver signature – No change. Drivers that meet all the applicable Windows 10, version 2004 requirements will be digitally signed with the same signature attributes.
• Submission – No change. Windows 10, versions 2004, 20H2, and 21H1 can be used for WHCP submission.
• WHCP qualification – Windows 10, version 2004
• Required OS version – Windows 10, version 22H2
• HLK version – HLK version 2004

We will keep you posted as soon as new information on the 2022 update, or Windows 10 version 22H2, becomes available.

Until then, check for updates or use the MediaCreationTool and see for yourself what this update has actually brought to the Windows 10 OS.