If you’re using a Windows 10 computer, it’s crucial to determine which version you have. Specifically, if you’re on Windows 10, version 21H2, it’s essential to note that its support will end on June 13, 2023. After this date, Windows 10 Home, Windows 10 Pro, Windows 10 Pro Education, and Windows 10 Pro for Workstations will no longer receive updates, including security updates. Therefore, upgrading to a new feature release becomes necessary. This article will guide you through the process of transitioning to Windows 12, emphasizing the importance of staying up to date for continued security and improved functionality.
Checking your Windows version:
To ascertain which version of Windows your PC is running, follow these steps: Click on the Start menu, then navigate to Settings, System, and finally, About. On this page, review the listed Windows 10 version. If it doesn’t indicate Windows 10 22H2, it’s time to take action.
Reasons behind not having Windows 22H2:
The upgrade from 21H2 to 22H2 is typically a seamless process as most update components are already installed on the system. However, certain situations may prevent your computer from receiving the feature release it is supposed to.
- Forgetting to remove a block:Microsoft enables system administrators to set group policies or use registry keys to restrict specific feature releases. If you have unintentionally left such settings in place, you may have inadvertently blocked your machine from receiving the 22H2 feature release. To rectify this, follow these steps:
- On Windows 10 Professional, open the group policy editor and navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Windows Update for Business. Find the setting for “Select the target Feature Update version” and ensure it is set to 22H2 instead of 21H2.
For consumer machines, a registry setting may have been used to set the feature release. If this is the case, update the registry value as follows:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate]
“TargetReleaseVersion”=dword:00000001
“ProductVersion”=”Windows 10”
“TargetReleaseVersionInfo”=”22H2”
By making this change, you will remove the block and allow your operating system to receive the 22H2 update.
- Potential hardware compatibility issues:In the past, certain machines were unable to upgrade to specific Windows 10 versions due to compatibility issues with audio drivers. In such cases, Microsoft proactively blocked the update to prevent any negative side effects. However, for the upgrade from 21H2 to 22H2, no significant hardware blocks have been reported, indicating that compatibility issues are unlikely to be the cause of any update challenges.
- Insufficient active hours for updates:If your Windows 10 machine is frequently turned off shortly after use, it may not have enough time to download and install feature updates. Microsoft’s “active hours” setting inhibits updates during periods of activity. To ensure your PC receives updates smoothly, consider leaving it turned on for an extended period, allowing approximately 24 hours for the 22H2 feature release to begin downloading and installing.
Upgrading to Windows 10 22H2:
If you find yourself still on 21H2 or a previous version, there are multiple methods to upgrade to Windows 10 22H2:
- Update via local group policy, registry key, or InControl:Ensure your block settings are up to date using local group policy, a registry key, or the tool InControl developed by Steve Gibson. These mechanisms explicitly instruct your computer to upgrade to Windows 10 22H2. After updating the settings, leave your machine turned on, and within approximately 24 hours, it will start downloading and installing the feature release.
- Utilize the Windows 10 22H2 ISO page:Visit the Microsoft Windows 10 22H2 ISO page and select “Update now.” Run the resulting executable file, which will assess your machine’s hardware compatibility, including hard drive space and RAM, before initiating the installation of the feature release. As Windows 10 22H2 is a minor update with fewer new features, the installation process should be relatively quick.
Upgrading in a business setting:
For businesses, group policy or Intune can be utilized to set the desired feature release. Although software support issues may arise when transitioning to Windows 11, upgrading from Windows 21H2 to 22H2 typically presents no significant problems. The differences between these two versions are minor, and no compatibility issues are apparent in most cases.
Additional considerations:
Microsoft has stated that Windows 10 22H2 will only receive monthly quality and security updates on the second Tuesday of each month. Preview releases, usually offered during the third or fourth week of the month, will no longer be available. This adjustment ensures a smoother update process, with only necessary security updates being provided. Windows 10 22H2 is expected to undergo minimal feature changes as Microsoft focuses on essential maintenance and security measures until the official end of support in 2025.
Conclusion:
Keep your Windows 10 devices up to date by upgrading to Windows 12 (22H2). By following the steps outlined above, you can navigate the transition process smoothly, ensuring enhanced security and improved functionality while taking advantage of all the features that the latest Windows Operating System has to offer. Don’t miss out on the benefits of Windows 10 22H2; upgrade today and stay on the cutting edge of technology.
