14 DAY TRIAL // Windows 11 version 22H2 is now shipping to users as an automatic update after originally being offered exclusively as an optional update that could be triggered via a manual check for updates in Windows Update.
In other words, whoever wanted to update their eligible device to Windows 11 2022 Update just had to check for updates in Windows Update. The process was therefore aimed exclusively at seekers, as Microsoft wanted to collect more data on the reliability of the new operating system.
The rollout of Windows 11 22H2 is now entering a new phase.
Microsoft has announced that the 2022 Update will be pushed as an automatic update to devices out there, as the company is trying to improve the availability of the operating system.
Here’s everything you need to know about this new phase.
Who’s getting Windows 11 2022 Update as an automatic update?
Sooner or later, everybody will do. However, this phase also takes place in stages, so Microsoft beings the automatic update to version 22H2 with devices that are running version 21H1. The company says it’ll initially update those devices that installed version 21H1 in the early days of availability.
“The automatic update to Windows 11, version 22H2 will happen gradually starting with those devices that have been using version 21H2 for the longest period of time,” Microsoft says.
The automatic updates will take place on Home and Pro devices.
No forced reboots
More often than not, users out there tend to believe that once an automatic update is shipped, their devices would be rebooted all by themselves in the middle of work or while playing games.
After all, this is an expectation that makes a lot of sense, as such an approach isn’t necessarily new in the Windows ecosystem. The forced updates to Windows 10 became famous for this behavior, as Microsoft ended up restarting devices to complete the installation of the new operating system in the most awkward moments.
This time, however, the automatic update comes down to downloading the necessary files and then preparing the deployment in the background. This means users will still be able to choose when they want to reboot the computer and complete the installation of version 22H2.
“You will have the ability to choose a convenient time for your device to restart and complete the update,” Microsoft explains.
The upgrade blocks
Microsoft sticks with the phased rollout, and this means that some devices might be blocked from getting the new operating system version if the company discovers any potential bug that could hit them.
This approach allows Microsoft to ensure greater stability and reliability on every device, but for some users, it could end up becoming quite a frustrating experience. This is because depending on the found bugs, users might have to wait much longer to get the new operating system, especially if Microsoft puts a new upgrade block in place. However, worth knowing is that the software giant typically resolves the found issues pretty fast, but in some cases, the company waits until the next Patch Tuesday rollout to ship fixes.
“If we detect that your device might have an issue, such as compatibility, we might put a safeguard hold in place. In this case, the update will not be installed automatically until the issue is resolved,” Microsoft explains.
In the meantime, if you don’t want to wait for the automatic update to version 22H2, just head over to Windows Update and check for updates. If the device is eligible for the update, you should see the new version waiting to be downloaded and installed.