Windows 10 22H2 has been available as a minor optional update since October 18, 2022, through the Windows Update settings page for devices with a hardware and software configuration known to have a smooth upgrade experience.
Although manually upgrading has its risks, especially in the early days, when bugs and compatibility issues can occur, this version has been out for a while, and Microsoft has been proactively fixing and improving the operating system. At this point, it’s safe to say that updating to version 22H2 is recommended.
This guide will help you decide whether to install or stay away from Windows 10 22H2.
Is it safe to install Windows 10 22H2?
The best answer is “yes,” it’s safe to upgrade to Windows 10 22H2 since this version has been out for several months, and at this point, this release of the operating system doesn’t have any known issues.
If you’re ready to upgrade, check the Microsoft health dashboard website to confirm any issues with version 22H2 before proceeding with the installation.
It’s important to note that Windows 10 is now in maintenance mode, and the update doesn’t require reinstallation. It’s safe to assume that if you already have one of the most recent versions of the operating system, you can install version 22H2 with only minimal risks.
On the other hand, if the device has an older release, such as 1507, 1607, 1703, 1709, 1803, 1809, 1903, 1909, 2004, 20H2, 21H1, or 21H2, you may also be able to upgrade, but you should proceed with more caution.
Upgrading from an older release usually requires complete reinstallation, and the process can sometimes cause unexpected problems. In addition to possible unknown and known issues due to the new system changes, you may also stumble upon software and compatibility problems if the computer has outdated drivers, poorly designed apps, programs created especially for an older version of Windows, or third-party security software.
Although Microsoft is still providing updates for some older versions of the operating system, Windows 11 22H2 is the only supported version for consumers running the Home or Pro edition.
Should I wait to install Windows 10 22H2?
When someone asks me whether to wait to install a new version of Windows, I usually respond that it’s never a good idea to rush the upgrade since, during the initial rollout, unknown bugs, errors, and compatibility problems are expected. However, since version 22H2 has been around for many months, Microsoft has been able to release different security and maintenance updates to resolve most of the issues.
My rule of thumb is to always wait for at least three to four quality updates before pushing the upgrade button. However, you should not skip new versions completely because that specific version will eventually be discontinued and no longer receive updates, leading to other problems and making the device vulnerable to malware and hacker attacks.
Although it’s safe to upgrade to version 22H2, it’s worth remembering that Windows 10 will retire on October 14, 2022, and after this date, the operating system will no longer receive security or maintenance updates.
If your computer is compatible, I recommend upgrading to Windows 10 22H2 and then upgrading to Windows 11. If your hardware configuration doesn’t meet the requirement for version 24H2, you can still upgrade, but you will have to use one of these workarounds to install the latest version of Windows 11 on unsupported hardware.
Update November 12, 2024: This page has been updated to ensure accuracy and include the latest information.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].