On September 20, 2022, Microsoft formally released Windows 11 2022 Update (also designated as 22H2), which is the first significant upgrade to Windows 11. This release includes a series of refinements to the Windows 11 interface, along with accessibility improvements, a refreshed Task Manager, and upgraded apps.
At the time of release, Information Systems & Computing (ISC) suggested that all University users considering upgrading their devices to Windows 11 2022 Update adopt a “wait and see” approach and continue to use previous supported versions of Windows 10 and Windows 11. This short wait allowed for any initial bugs and compatibility issues in Windows 11 2022 Update to be identified and either fixed or avoided.
At this time, Windows 11 2022 Update is cleared for general use by Penn constituents. ISC recommends that those with niche needs of untested apps or features continue to exercise caution in updating their Windows systems. In particular, Penn constituents have noted issues with Intel audio drivers.
This release triggers an ISC re-evaluation of ARM64-based Windows systems and their appropriateness for University constituents. That evaluation is expected to be complete in November of this year.
For the first time in several years, Microsoft has planned multiple current operating system version releases. Somewhat confusingly, the fall 2022 updates to both Windows 10 and Windows 11 are both sometimes designated as 22H2. There is currently no schedule for the release of what will likely be named Windows 10 October 2022 Update, though the expectation is that it will occur in October 2022.