andres cunningham
Windows 11 has changed a lot since the version we reviewed in october was released and Microsoft released a steady stream of redesigned app updates, bug fixes, and UI improvements.
But the company’s big annual Windows updates are still important. This is where Microsoft makes the most significant changes to the look and hidden features of Windows 11. That week, suggested rumors that Microsoft is finishing work on what will be released as Windows 11 version 22H2, the first annual update to the operating system. This build, currently available to the Windows Insider Beta channel as build number 22621.1it will serve as the basis for the next year of Windows updates.
We cover new Windows Insider builds fairly often, depending on how important the changes are. But to spare you the hassle of reading through months of articles, we’ve rounded up all the most significant differences between the current public Windows 11 build 21H2 (for the record, 22000.675) and the latest beta version 22H2.
Annual updates are not what they used to be
First, a word of warning: Microsoft changed the way it updates Windows last year. The company now releases many app updates and user interface tweaks. when they are ready instead of waiting for a major annual OS update like you would in the days of Windows 10. This more flexible schedule has already allowed Microsoft to fix some of Windows 11’s early shortcomings, including missing taskbar features and apps that have not yet been updated with the new style.
This also means that this overview will not include all of the Windows features that will be part of the 22H2 update when it is released. Apps like new sound recorder, currently in preview on the Dev channel, will be released to the public before the 22H2 update is formally released. Functions still in testing phase, such as tabbed file explorer could be done on time, too. These and other changes may be included in the 22H2 update, may be released prior to release, or may Never be released
Therefore, this overview is just a snapshot of Windows 11 22H2 as it currently exists. When it’s released to the public, we’ll take another look at it, look at any other new features we find, and spend more time on small changes that we won’t mention in this roundup.
Microsoft account sign-in required
The Home edition of Windows 11 (and some of the later versions of Windows 10) required an Internet connection and a Microsoft account upon installation, forcing users to delve deeper into the Microsoft ecosystem. There are a few benefits to this process, including automated local disk encryption and recovery key backup, login without password, quick access to Microsoft Store apps and services like Microsoft 365 and PC Game Pass, and data sync for apps like OneDrive and Edge. but if you no If you use these things, want to log in later, or prefer to stick with a good old local account, there’s no easy solution other than logging out or creating a new local account after logging into the desktop.
This was not true for the Pro editions of Windows, which would still allow you to create a local account if you were not connected to the Internet during installation. But that ends in Windows 11 version 22H2, which requires a Microsoft account, regardless of the edition of the operating system you use. (Installation also leads you to subscribe to PC Game Pass in addition to Microsoft 365, which I think is new to this version of Windows, but may have been added more recently).
The only officially sanctioned exception to this policy is if you choose the “work or school” option during setup instead of the “personal use” option. This allows you to sign in with your Microsoft work or school account, if you have one, instead of a personal account. But if you just want to create a local account or need to set up a PC without an Internet connection, there is no easy way to do it.
This policy only applies to new installations of Windows and won’t affect you if you’re upgrading a PC that’s already configured.
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