Windows 11’s huge “22H2” replace, now generally known as the Windows 11 2022 Update, formally begins delivery as we speak, omitting one characteristic we anticipated (tabbed File Explorer) and together with a characteristic we didn’t (Smart App Control).

Microsoft’s use of “Windows 11 2022 Update” ideas off one key change. Instead of characteristic releases in each the spring and fall, Microsoft plans only one main Windows 11 characteristic launch per 12 months going ahead. Any characteristic that misses this window will probably be added in what Microsoft calls “controlled feature rollouts,” with minor Windows 11 updates pretty much whenever Microsoft feels like it.

The first characteristic rollout is due in October by way of an “optional non-security preview,” and is anticipated so as to add a tabbed File Explorer that has gone lacking within the Windows 11 2022 Update. Otherwise, the brand new characteristic will probably be extra broadly rolled out in November, Microsoft says.

Microsoft, nevertheless, has made previews out there of 22H2 for months now, together with the Release Preview we’ve used that as the premise of our review of the Windows 11 2022 Update (22H2). The Windows 11 2022 Update (22H2) is a middling launch that provides new options — simply not ones that users really hoped to see. While our evaluation provides extra element, the important thing modifications the replace provides embrace new folders within the Start menu, a transforming of the File Explorer UI, a Snap Bar, and key enhancements in accessibility options, together with AI-generated Live Captions for video saved in your PC. But a performance-stealing security feature can also be now on by default, within the identify of safety.

Microsoft can also be making a giant replace to the Windows 11 2022 Update by way of apps. No, not Microsoft apps — Android apps. Windows 11 solely supported a relative handful of apps at launch, and now there are far, way more: 20,000 apps, all courtesy of Amazon.

Our evaluation, nevertheless, notes a few gaps. For one, File Explorer ought to supply a tabbed interface, based mostly on earlier preview releases. Likewise, Voice Access, which lets you management your PC by simply your voice, seems to be current however not purposeful. Microsoft confirmed, nevertheless, that Microsoft will add the tabbed File Explorer interface in its first “controlled feature rollout” (previously referred to as a “Moment”) in October.

Microsoft can also be planning to debut a key safety characteristic, Smart App Control, that Microsoft tipped earlier however by no means actually dedicated to. It’s now within the Windows 11 2022 Update.

What’s Smart App Control?

Microsoft started publicly talking about Smart App Control in April, as a complement to the User Access Controls already inside Windows. Essentially, SAC is like Windows Defender’s SmartDisplay screen app, however for Windows: should you obtain a identified app, nothing will occur. But should you obtain a shady app, or script, and Microsoft doesn’t actually belief it, Windows will both ask for permission to run it or block it completely.

The catch (or profit, relying in your perspective) is that Smart App Control will solely be baked in on new PCs with a brand new construct of the Windows 11 2022 Update put in. If you already personal a PC and will probably be upgrading to 22H2, you’ll have to first improve, then reset your PC. That will create a baseline for Smart App Control to go ahead.

Likewise, should you want to flip off SAC after it’s put in, you are able to do so by way of the Windows 11 Settings menu. But doing so may even require you to reset your PC as soon as once more, Microsoft executives mentioned.

Smart App Control appears to be like like it is going to be useful for offering a security web for many who want it — however could also be an annoyance for many who want to set up customized scripts, utilities, and the like.

How to get the Windows 11 2022 Update (Windows 11 22H2)

Microsoft is making the free Windows 11 2022 Update out there to each Windows 10 and Windows 11, with no finish date to improve.

Windows 11 2022 Update will probably be a “traditional” replace that you just’ll have to comply with and obtain, by way of Windows Update. If you’re desperate to get it, merely go to the Windows Settings menu, then to Windows Update, and choose “Check for Updates.” Alternatively, you’ll be able to merely depart your PC on and related to the Internet. Microsoft’s telemetry ought to already perceive the capabilities of your PC, and push the replace to it if it meets the specs.

“The measured and phased rollout will offer the update via Windows Update when data shows that your device is ready, as our objective is to provide a quality update experience,” Microsoft mentioned in a weblog put up. “We will initially ramp up the offering availability in the first weeks as we monitor quality signals.”

Mark Hachman / IDG

The Windows 11 hardware requirements haven’t modified, executives mentioned. But for many who wish to bypass the necessities and install Windows 11 on an unsupported PC, Microsoft will flip a blind eye.

“It’s flattering for us to see that we have a lot of real fans out there that are willing to take these extra steps,” mentioned John Cable, vp of program administration for Microsoft’s Windows Servicing and Delivery, in a briefing with reporters. “You know, we’re not officially supporting that. And we’ve been pretty clear on that position. So it’s definitely not something that we would encourage. But at this point, we’re not taking active steps to prevent it.”

Can you delay the Windows 11 2022 Update (22H2)? Almost definitely. Currently, you may have the choice of delaying any and all updates for as much as 5 weeks, a normal characteristic that may be accessed by way of the Windows 11 Settings menu (Settings>Windows Update, then click on the dropdown menu subsequent to “Pause updates.”) Business customers and people with Windows 11 Pro can delay new characteristic updates for as much as a 12 months by way of a gaggle coverage setting. Presumably you’ll have comparable choices as soon as the extra “controlled feature rollouts” start delivery, too.

To verify that you just’ve obtained the brand new Windows 11 2022 Update, open the Windows Search field and sort winver. While Microsoft isn’t figuring out the ultimate construct quantity, you will notice some textual content figuring out the brand new construct as “22H2.”