Cut to the chase
- What is it? Windows 11 22H1 ‘Sun Valley 2' is the first major update to Windows 11
- When is it out? Windows 11 22H1 ‘Sun Valley 2' is expected sometime in the second quarter of 2023
- How much does it cost? Windows 11 22H1 ‘Sun Valley 2' will be a free update for all users
Windows 11 22H1 ‘Sun Valley 2' release date
Right now there is no confirmed release date for the Windows 11 22H1 ‘Sun Valley 2' update. Microsoft’s release schedule for Windows 11 updates is now every year, in comparison with two a 12 months with Windows 10 beforehand.There have already been loads of enhancements within the Windows Insider channels, which permits customers to check features in growth. But it seems like Microsoft is rolling all of those into the primary main replace of Windows 11.While the working system was launched in November 2021, it was introduced in June, which might be a superb time to release Sun Valley 2 with some tentpole features.Windows 11 22H1 ‘Sun Valley 2' speculation
At this time there is no confirmed name from Microsoft. Based on the naming convention for Windows 11 updates, however, it’s protected to imagine that its official designation will probably be Windows 11 22H1. The ‘22’ refers back to the 12 months and ‘H1’ refers back to the second half of the 12 months.The identify being mentioned in the intervening time for this second is ‘Sun Valley 2’, which is unlikely to be its release identify. This is an inside codename for components of the following model of Windows 11 which is being labored on and has been outed to the general public by the use of leaks from these with insider information of Microsoft’s workings. As Windows 11 was a major improve from Windows 10, resembling a refreshed look, a redesigned Microsoft Store, and the return of widgets, Sun Valley 2 seems to construct upon Windows 11 but additionally enhance sure features that customers have been sending suggestions over.
In the Insider builds, customers have noticed more apps gaining the brand new Fluent Design, which is the general search for Windows 11. These apps function rounded corners, lesser reliance on the Ribbon view that is been throughout the working system since Windows 8, and a more vibrant colour scheme. There have additionally been features introduced final 12 months which have but to return to each Windows 11 consumer.
Android apps coming to Windows 11
Testers within the Beta Channel who've Windows 11 Build 22000.xxx and above will be capable of check out Android apps that may present as accessible within the Microsoft Store.These will originate from Amazon's App Store as an alternative of Google Play, as each app is examined and authorised by Amazon, just like Apple's effort with the App Store.These will run just like how iOS apps run on macOS, with apps resembling TikTok and Instagram working in a window.However, there's already different methods to put in Android apps straight, with out going via the Microsoft Store.
New OS features for Windows 11 22H1 ‘Sun Valley 2'
This first replace to Windows 11 seems to be constructed on suggestions from customers, alongside more refinements that Microsoft did not have time to incorporate within the first release in November.One function that is been divided by customers has been the taskbar. The begin menu has seen a redesign in Windows 11, however whereas the brand new look has been a constructive, some features that have been current in Windows 10, can't be discovered right here.In Sun Valley 2, the taskbar seems to be bringing again some features and listening to some suggestions, with drag and drop coming again to the taskbar.Other OS enhancements are more apps from Microsoft that will probably be refreshed with the Fluent Design language that is throughout Windows 11. Notepad is among the examples for Sun Valley 2, gaining darkish mode and a re-arranged menu bar.While Paint is one other app to realize from a refreshed look, Microsoft shocked many on the finish of 2021 by bringing again Windows Media Player.It will probably be changing Groove Music, an app that debuted again in Windows 8 in 2012. This will probably be accessible within the Microsoft Store, however will probably be scheduled to look because the default app to play media information as soon as Sun Valley 2 is accessible to everybody.Windows 11 updates look to already be about greater than visible aptitude, and Sun Valley 2 is about to be no exception. There will probably be a number of adjustments beneath that aren’t user-facing, as at all times, and a quantity that will probably be.But from what Microsoft is engaged on and showcasing via the Insider program, it is clear that the corporate needs to replace the apps of Windows 11, not simply the front-facing features.
How to check the Windows 11 22H1 Update earlier than launch
Before Microsoft pushes out any huge replace to Windows 11, it passes via the varied channels within the Windows Insider Program. There are numerous channels within the Insider Program which relate to how far forward of time you’ll be capable of check new features, with probably the most leading edge being the ‘Dev Channel’, focused on the most technical customers.The ‘Dev Channel’ was the primary place that Sun Valley began to look, with a 2200 construct quantity showing in November 2021. Other app updates to Paint and Windows Media Player quickly appeared within the 'Beta Channel'.These will probably be dependable builds tied to a future release with updates validated by Microsoft. Closer to launch, Windows 11 22H1 will hit the ‘Release Preview Channel’ which is probably the most secure of all within the Insider Program. Builds launched to this channel are supported by Microsoft.
If you’re not but within the Windows Insider Program and you’d like to start out testing future updates early you possibly can enroll proper from the Settings app in your PC. Head to the ‘Update & Security section, then select ‘Windows Insider Program’ and select the channel you wish to be part of. You will then start receiving updates via ‘Windows Update’ in your PC similar to the channel you joined.