Since Windows 10, Microsoft has been regularly rolling out automatic feature updates to help Windows users stay up to date, protected, and productive with supported versions of Windows as well as continue servicing devices that are approaching their end-of-support (EOS) date.
The Redmond giant is going to apply the same approach for Windows 11 21H2, which was released on October 4, 2021, and is nearing its EOS date on October 10, 2023.
With Windows 11, version 22H2 (also known as the Windows 11 2022 update) being broadly made available to all users with eligible devices via Windows Update from January 26, 2023, Microsoft has started forced roll out of this version even to systems running Windows 11 21H2.
“Today we begin to automatically update consumer and non-managed business devices running Windows 11, version 21H2 Home and Pro editions to Windows 11, version 22H2,” Microsoft wrote in an update to the health dashboard.
“Since Windows 10, we have been helping Windows users stay up to date and secure with supported versions of Windows through automatic updates. We are utilizing this same approach for Windows 11 to help you stay protected and productive.”
The automatic update to Windows 11, version 22H2 will take place gradually starting with those devices that have been running version 21H2 for the longest time.
“If you are interested in moving to Windows 11, version 22H2 right away, open Windows Update settings and select Check for updates. If your device is ready, you will see the option to Download and install,” the company added.
“As always, you will have the ability to choose a convenient time for your device to restart and complete the update.”
The Redmond giant also pointed out that if they come across a device that may have an issue, such as compatibility, it might put a safeguard hold in place to block the Windows 11 2022 Update. In such a case, the update will not be installed automatically until the issue is resolved.