- Windows 11 22H2 could reach RTM by May 20, 2022.
- Previews will continue but only to fix bugs and other problems.
- The final release of version 22H2 isn’t expected until the second half of the year.
Microsoft may plan to sign off the final release of Windows 11 22H2 (Sun Valley 2) as soon as May 20, 2022. According to rumors, build 22621 is expected to become the final version for the next feature update of Windows 11. Of course, this is as long as no new issues appear that may force the development team to create additional previews.
If true, build 22621 will become the so-called release to manufacturer (RTM) version. However, it doesn’t mean that the new version is complete. This would only mean that Microsoft will stop adding features and significant changes, and it will shift to quality testing to fix bugs and issues to polish the new version for the final public release during the second half of the year.
When the company designates a testing build as final, the Windows Insider Program participants will continue to receive pre-releases of Windows 11. However, only the cumulative update number will change instead of receiving builds with higher numbers.
Although the feature update is nearly complete, we still have many unanswered questions. For example, the company hasn’t yet officially announced the new version and what would the official name will be, and we still don’t know the exact release date. However, Windows 11 22H2 could arrive sometime in September, October, or November.
Furthermore, it has also been pointed out that the final version could reach RTM by May 24, which coincides with the beginning of Microsoft’s Build 2022 conference.
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].