What were we talking about? Well, Windows 10 version 22H2, which was unofficially confirmed by Microsoft right under our noses.
This could very well be the next feature update for the Windows 10 operating system and everyone thought that it will begin rolling out to users in a just couple of months.
However, along with KB5015684, also came Windows 10 22H2, which just got officially rolled out to the Release Preview Channel.
UPDATE: Through its most recent blog post, Microsoft mentioned that the next feature update for Windows 10, Windows 10 version 22H2, will drop next month.
The tech giant has yet to announce the actual release date. However, veteran users suspect the second or third Tuesday of the month, which would mean October 11th or October 18th.
Windows 10 version 22H2 will install like the previous smaller feature updates for Windows 10, so there really isn’t anything new in the process itself.
The whole installation process should be quick and most users will probably notice few if any, changes after running the updated version for the first time.
Furthermore, users should not get their hopes up that the new feature update will introduce a massive set of new features to the operating system.
The Redmond company previously revealed that Windows 10, version 22H2 has a scoped set of features earlier this year, but did not provide any details on those features.
Keep in mind that Windows 10 is supported until October 14, 2025, according to Microsoft, but no one knows for sure if support will be extended or not for this product.
Many users are still uncertain as to what this version of the popular operating system will bring, so more details were in order.
The tech giant said that the Windows 10, version 22H2 release will not bring updates to the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP).
Instead, it will follow the same guidelines as Windows 10, version 2004. Let’s have a bit of a closer look at this matter and decide for ourselves:
- WHCP requirements – No change. Windows 10, version 2004 requirements remain applicable for Windows 10, version 22H2.
- Windows Hardware Lab Kit – No change. Since WHCP requirements will persist in Windows 10, version 22H2, the Windows Hardware Lab Kit (Windows HLK) will also remain the same. There will not be a new Windows HLK release for Windows 10, version 22H2 and partners can continue using Windows 10, version 2004 HLK for certification.
- Errata – No change. All Windows 10, version 2004 errata will continue to be valid for Windows 10, version 22H2.
- Windows HLK playlist – No change. The Windows HLK version 2004 playlist can be used for Windows 10, version 22H2.
- Driver signature – No change. Drivers that meet all the applicable Windows 10, version 2004 requirements will be digitally signed with the same signature attributes.
- Submission – No change. Windows 10, versions 2004, 20H2, and 21H1 can be used for WHCP submission.
- WHCP qualification – Windows 10, version 2004
- Required OS version – Windows 10, version 22H2
- HLK version – HLK version 2004
KB5015684 officially brings Windows 10 22H2
In recent Windows 10-related talks we’ve brought to your attention releases such as KB5015878, and Build 19044.1862.
Now, it’s time to focus on KB5015684 a little bit and discover why it is so special, compared to other cumulative updates of its kind.
All the fuss that has been around Windows 11 and rumors of Windows 12 are hogging all the headlines, which is why this might have slipped past many of you.
The Redmond company hasn’t completely forgotten about Windows 10, as the veteran operating system remains supported until 2025 and it will be getting its own feature update this fall.
On that note, Windows 10 KB5015684, which was released through the Windows Insider Program recently, switches the OS version to 22H2, from the already known 21H2.
There really aren’t any important or even minor differences between Windows 10 21H2 and Windows 10 22H2 from what we can tell so far.
All in all, it looks as if the new update will simply be another minor one and it will be rolled out via an enablement package that doesn’t make any major introductions on the consumer front.
In a recent blog post, the tech giant announced that it has officially flipped the switch on Windows 10 22H2, and it is now available to download in the form of a Cumulative Update through the Release Preview Channel for Windows Insiders.
You should know that the company did not provide a changelog, mainly because all this update provides is the enablement package to change the version from 21H2 to 22H2.
It is a slight bump in build number from KB5015684 (19045.1862), which is publicly available to download from Microsoft and does the same thing, to today’s 19045.1865 (KB5015878) Release Preview build.
That being said, remember that Redmond developers have previously stated that enablement package updates will only ship with a scoped set of features.
Upgrade to Windows 10 22H2 right away
The beauty of it is that even non Insiders can upgrade to Windows 10 22H2 right now if they want because all you have to do is download the KB5015684 enablement package.
Microsoft says that this build is being offered in the seeker experience, however being enrolled into the Release Preview Channel means you will get it offered via Windows Update automatically.
Thus, if you are using Windows 10 version 2004 or newer on your device, you will have the ability to upgrade to version 22H2 directly with a significantly fast installation process.
Why? Because all features for version 22H2 are already embedded in the latest updates and feature updates released after version 2004, so they basically share the same core build of the OS.
However, it will surely be focused on productivity and security, with many of the changes being related to enterprise or business users.
And, as always, we can of course expect minor bug fixes, better security features and general improvements.
