Microsoft Finalizes Windows 11 Version 22H2

The next major version of Windows is complete: as expected, build 22621 is the shipping version of Windows 11 version 22H2.

Well, you know what I mean. There’s no real “RTM” anymore, and Windows 11 version 22H2 will be updated before and after it appears on new PCs and is released to the public. That’s the world we live in now.

News of the release comes via our good friend Michael Reinders, who pointed out that Microsoft has confirmed this as the final build via its Tech Community blog.

Windows 11 build 22621 was first released to the Windows Insider Program’s Beta channel about two weeks ago. At that time, Microsoft noted that “the build watermark at the lower right-hand corner of the desktop is no longer present in this build [but that] this doesn’t mean [it’s] done, and the watermark will return to Insiders in a future build.” Well, clearly it did mean that it was done.

Also, not coincidentally, Microsoft issued ISOs for this build at that time. So you can grab the final version of Windows 11 22H2 via the Windows Insider Preview Downloads website if you’d like to get a jump on things.

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Conversation 11 comments

  • SherlockHolmes

    Premium Member
    25 May, 2022 - 12:59 am

    <p>I just installed it on my old unsupported gaming PC just to see if it works. It does. Even with an inplace Upgrade. You just need to create an USB Stick with Rufus 3.18 and select "no TPM/no secure boot" in the drop down menu and you are good to go 🙂 </p>

    • Bart

      Premium Member
      25 May, 2022 - 2:52 am

      <p>Always good to know. Thanks!</p>

    • awsquared

      25 May, 2022 - 10:16 am

      <p>Let us know if you receive updates.</p><p><br></p>

  • krister88

    25 May, 2022 - 4:19 am

    <p><br></p>

  • beckoningeagle

    Premium Member
    25 May, 2022 - 6:36 am

    <p>Thanks for the heads up. Downloaded and installed. Still using Start 11 :-)</p><p><br></p>

  • huddie

    Premium Member
    25 May, 2022 - 8:29 am

    <p>Does the rest of the world get Android Subsystem for Windows with this release, or will it still be US only ?</p>

    • Paul Thurrott

      Premium Member
      25 May, 2022 - 9:03 am

      The WSA is expanding to France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom "by the end of this year." I don’t think this is tied to 22H2 per se. But it’s not happening immediately.

  • asdfasedasdfasdf

    25 May, 2022 - 11:50 am

    <p>Any idea if they’re waiting until the Fall to release it or dropping it in the next couple of months? </p>

  • kshsystems

    Premium Member
    25 May, 2022 - 12:44 pm

    <p>So 22H2 is finalized in May, leaving an additional 3 months for Q&amp;A for being released to the public?</p>

  • dkrowe

    Premium Member
    25 May, 2022 - 4:23 pm

    <p>Looks like all the Windows Weekly live watchers have overwhelmed the download site…just now:</p><h2><br></h2><h2>"Our services aren’t available right now</h2><p>We’re working to restore all services as soon as possible. Please check back soon."</p>

    • dkrowe

      Premium Member
      26 May, 2022 - 9:28 am

      <p>Looks it wasn’t busy but being changed to detect your Windows Insider status. Today it says:</p><p>"To access this page, you need to be a member of the Windows Insider program."</p><p>That was not the case yesterday morning. Not a big deal, but be aware.</p>

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