Windows 11 23H2 is now available for download and installation for all eligible users, just in time as version 22H2 is nearing the end of its support period. Microsoft announced the wide availability of this new update on July 17, 2024, as reported by TechRadar. And the Windows maker is in a bit of a rush to get users to upgrade to 23H2 because 22H2 will stop receiving support in October 2024.
This means there isn’t much time left for users to switch to the new version before the old one stops getting updates. The delay in the full rollout of 23H2 might be due to more issues that needed fixing, but that’s just speculation.
Updating to 23H2 should be straightforward. According to the information we have, 23H2 has the same system requirements as the older versions of Windows 11. To check what version your device is running, go to Windows Update in the Settings app and click on Update History.
If you aren’t already running Windows 11 23H2, you can download and install it by going to Windows Update and pressing the Check for updates button. It’s important to update because 22H2’s support ends on October 8, 2024, which means Microsoft will stop releasing monthly security updates for it after this date.
Monthly security updates are crucial because they help protect your PC against new threats and fix newly found vulnerabilities. Once Microsoft stops these updates, devices running 22H2 will be more vulnerable to attacks.
For this reason, devices running Windows 11 Home and Pro will be required to update to 23H2, unless they are managed by IT departments in organizations which might be exempt. After upgrading, these devices will continue to receive the latest security patches.
Version 23H2 will be supported until November 11, 2025. This new version brings several changes compared to 22H2, including taskbar regrouping, which lets users see each app window as a separate icon, a new volume mixer for better control over app volumes and playback devices, and native support for 7Z and RAR file formats.
In summary, upgrading to Windows 11 23H2 is essential to keep your device secure and to benefit from new features and improvements.
