Windows 10 22H2 will be available as a minor optional update sometime in October 2022 through the Windows Update settings page for devices with a hardware and software configuration known to have a smooth upgrade experience.
However, since you must upgrade manually and during the early days of new feature updates, bugs and compatibility issues are expected, the question remains whether you should install version 22H2.
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,” once Microsoft makes it available in October, you may install Windows 10 22H2 on your computer. However, the company will continue to monitor the rollout to throttle the update to ensure that only compatible devices receive the update initially until it becomes fully available.
Microsoft also has the health dashboard website, where you will find details about any known issues for all releases of Windows.
Considering that Windows 10 is now in maintenance mode and the update size 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 the November 2019 Update (version 1909), you may also be able to upgrade, but you should proceed with more caution.
Usually, upgrading from an older release 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issues due to the new system changes, you may also stumble upon software and compatibility problems if the computer has outdated drivers. Or if it has poorly designed apps, programs created especially for an older version of Windows, or third-party security software.
Should I wait to install Windows 10 22H2?
If you think about whether or not to upgrade to version 22H2, consider that it’s never a good idea to rush the upgrade to a new version since, during the initial rollout, unknown bugs, errors, and compatibility problems are expected.
After a new version becomes available in October, you will receive a notification on the Windows Update settings page letting you know that the feature update is ready. If you do not receive the notification, you should not try to force it using the Media Creation Tool or Update Assistant because you may encounter unwanted issues.
Usually, you want to wait for at least three to four quality updates before pushing the upgrade button. You should always wait if your computer doesn’t have any problems. 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.
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 14 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 20 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].