This year’s first major Windows 11 update, version 22H2 aka Sun Valley 2, is expected to bring some much-needed improvements to the operating system. Some references in early code have suggested that Windows 11 version 22H2 RTM is scheduled for sometime in May or June.
Windows 10 version 22H2 will hit its RTM (release to manufacturing) status in a few days, according to reliable sources. Some people believe that RTM could be declared internally on May 24.
For those uninitiated, the RTM build is a final build of a particular Windows 11 release, but it’s not the final revision. In other words, Windows 11 22H2 will hit RTM status in May, but it will continue to receive cumulative with significant or minor improvements until its public rollout in the fall.
An RTM build is essentially sent out to OEMs like Intel and HP to pre-install the new version of the operating system on new devices, as well as test the update for people already running Windows 11.
RTM is an important step in the release of any Windows feature update and Microsoft is currently planning to sign off Windows 11 Build 22621 as the RTM build. However, as our sources have previously confirmed, even if the RTM build is finalized before the end of May, Microsoft could still hold Sun Valley 2 release back to September or October.
September-October-November is usually when the tech giant releases its major Windows update of the year, but it could happen a bit early this time.
Windows 11 22H2 could be a decent update with major improvements
Based on the builds already available to Insiders, we know that Microsoft won’t be overhauling the look of Windows 11, but the company will be redesigning some of its major apps and features, including the Task Manager and more.
Task Manager is apparently getting a new look in Windows 11 version 22H2 with WinUI and Fluent Design materials. As part of the visual revamp, Task Manager’s pages like Processes and Performance are now housed within a new sidebar (hamburger menu) to better support both tablet and desktop users.
This could lead to the biggest visual change Task Manager has had since Windows 7.
While the wait is disappointing, it’s actually a good thing. By testing the feature update with more folks for a few additional months, Microsoft will have enough time to fix the critical bugs and test its compatibility with drivers.
This process ensures a feature update gets released without breaking devices on the first day of rollout.
Also, if you really don’t care about the potential bugs and you’d like to try the new update out sooner, you can sign up for Windows Insider Program’s Beta Channel. Beta Channel gives you early access to upcoming features and updates without causing too many problems for you.
Bear in mind that Windows 11 Build 22621, which is being considered for RTM, may have undocumented bugs, so it’s better to wait for subsequent cumulative updates if you’re unsure about the consequences.