Microsoft leaks new Sun Valley 2 information ahead of the big update

Remember when we first talked about Sun Valley, last summer? Back then, everyone was under the impression that it would be a system makeover for Windows 10.

Much has happened since then and what was first believed to be the Sun Valley project, actually turned out to be Microsoft’s latest operating system, Windows 11.

Windows 11 Sun Valley 2, or SV2, is the codename of the updated OS that the tech giant is about to reveal as version 22H2.

Some preview builds that dropped recently revealed some potential new features that Windows 11’s first big update will bring to the table.

Sun Valley 2 is almost ready for release

The Redmond-based tech company accidentally uploaded a page on Feedback Hub which confirms the Sun Valley 2 codename and the new features coming to the Windows Settings app.

From what we can understand so far, this update will focus on core design principles, improvements to existing features, and also add a few new additions.

However, the page was taken down after the company actually realized that it had prematurely shared unintended information with the public.

Thus, Microsoft quickly removed all of the SV2 and March 15th (build 22579) references from the post, leaving only general details that don’t really give away anything.

Reports circulating in Redmond circles also suggest that the Sun Valley 2 update has reached the last stage of development with most features already present in the preview builds but they’re simply hidden.

How can I test the Windows 11 22H2 before its launch?

There only is one answer to that question. All the testing that is being done ahead of the official release will be conducted through the Insider program.

Actually, the Dev Channel was the first place that Sun Valley started to appear, with build 2200, which was first released in November 2021.

Before any of the above-mentioned changes make it to the Beta Channel Insiders, they first have to go through the Dev Channel, so that is an excellent place to start.

Closer to launch, Windows 11 22H2 will hit the Release Preview Channel which is the most stable of all in the Insider Program and builds released to this channel are supported by Microsoft.

When is Sun Valley 2 going to be released?

As far as an official release date for Windows 11 version 22H2 (Sun Valley 2) goes, Microsoft made no such mention so far.

And, judging by the response the company had when it accidentally made SV2 references, any release plans they have will also remain a secret.

That being said, the feature update is expected to launch in late summer, or it could also launch in October like previous Windows 10 feature updates.

Have you spotted any other 22H2 specific features while testing Dev Channel Insider builds? Share your experience with us in the comments section below.