Windows 10, version 22H2 is now available through Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) and Windows Update for Business, and can be downloaded today from Visual Studio Subscriptions, the Software Download Center (via Update Assistant or the Media Creation Tool), and the Volume Licensing Service Center[i]. Today also marks the start of the 30-month servicing timeline for this General Availability Channel release.
Windows 10, version 22H2 (also referred to as the Windows 10 2022 Update) is a scoped release focused on quality improvements to the overall Windows experience in existing feature areas such as quality, productivity, and security. For devices running Windows 10, versions 20H2, 21H1, or 21H2, you can take advantage of an enablement package for a fast, easy installation experience.
Editor’s note: Oct. 18, 2022 – The paragraph above about the scope of the update was changed following initial publication.
Which tools are being updated for Windows 10, version 22H2?
To support the release of Windows 10, version 22H2, we have released updated versions of the following tools:
- Security baseline for Windows 10, version 22H2 – Download the Microsoft Security Compliance Toolkit to access, analyze, test, store, and apply Microsoft-recommended security configuration baselines.
- Windows 10 Enterprise Evaluation – Get a free 90-day evaluation of Windows 10, version 22H2 and try this latest release of Windows 10 Enterprise on behalf of your organization.
- Administrative Templates (.admx) for Windows 10, version 22H2 are natively accessible via the C:\Windows\PolicyDefinitions\ folder in Windows. These files, and the Group Policy settings reference spreadsheet can also be downloaded from the Microsoft Download Center:
- ADMX for Windows 10, version 22H2
- Group Policy settings reference spreadsheet for Windows 10, version 22H2
Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT) for Windows 10 are included in the OS as a set of "Features on Demand."
What about other tools?
As Windows 10, version 22H2 shares a common core and an identical set of system files with versions 20H2, 21H1, and 21H2, the following tools do not need to be updated to work with version 22H2:
- Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (Windows ADK) – The Windows ADK for Windows 10, version 2004 supports all currently supported versions of Windows 10, including version 22H2. This also applies to the Windows PE add-on for the ADK, version 2004.
Updated information experiences
With general availability of Windows 10, version 22H2, we are updating the key resources you rely on to effectively manage and deploy updates in your organization. These include:
- Windows release health hub – The quickest way to stay up to date on update-related announcements and best practices, important lifecycle reminders, and the status of known issues and safeguard holds. The Windows release health experience in the Microsoft 365 admin center has also updated to include Windows 10, version 22H2.
- Windows 10 release information – A list of current Windows 10 versions by servicing option along with release dates, build numbers, end of service dates, and release history.
A new update history page for Windows 10, version 22H2 listing all updates (monthly and out-of-band) released for version 22H2 will be published with the first servicing release.
When should I deploy Windows 10, version 22H2
With today's release, we recommend that you begin targeted deployments of Windows 10, version 22H2 in your organization to validate that your apps, devices, and infrastructure work as expected with the new release. For insight into our broader rollout strategy for this release, see John Cable's post, How to get the Windows 10 2022 Update.
Join us for Office Hours
Have questions? Join our monthly Windows Office Hours, where you can ask your deployment, servicing, and updating questions and get answers, support, and help from our broad team of experts. Submit questions live during the monthly one-hour event or post them in advance if that schedule does not work for your time zone. Our next event is Thursday, October 20, 2022 so add it to your calendar and join us!
There's more to explore
If you're looking for prescriptive deep dives and demos on how to streamline the way you deploy, update, and manage Windows, make sure to join us for the Microsoft Technical Takeoff! Engineering leaders John Cable, Ramya Chitrakar, and Steve Dispensa will kick off the event with insights and an honest discussion about moving to Windows 11 and managing Windows 10 and Windows 11 together successfully in the meantime. RSVP to secure your spot for their session, Let's talk Windows and Intuneand view the full Technical Takeoff schedule to join other sessions live or demand.
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[1] It may take a day for downloads to be fully available in the VLSC across all products, markets, and languages.
