The first major Windows 11 update of the year, version 22H2 aka Sun Valley 2, is expected to bring some much-needed improvements to the operating system. Some references in early code suggest that Windows 11’s 22H2 RTM is planned for sometime in May or June. According to reliable sources, Windows 10 version 22H2 will reach RTM (Release to Manufacturing) status in a few days. Some believe that RTM could be announced to the Insider community on May 24.
For those unfamiliar, an RTM build is the final release of a certain Windows 11 release, but it’s not a final revision. In other words, Windows 11 22H2 will hit RTM status in May, but it will continue to receive cumulative updates with major or minor improvements until its public rollout in the fall.
RTM builds are used to ship to OEMs like Intel, HP, and others to pre-install new versions of the operating system on new devices, as well as to give users already running Windows 11 the opportunity to test out major versions updates.
RTM is an important step in releasing any Windows feature update, and Microsoft is currently planning to sign Windows 11 Build 22621 as an RTM build. However, as our sources previously confirmed, even if the RTM build is completed by the end of May, Microsoft could still delay the release of Sun Valley 2 until September or October.
September-October-November is usually when tech giants release their major annual Windows updates, but this time it may happen a little earlier. Based on the builds already provided to Insiders, we know Microsoft won’t be overhauling the look of Windows 11, but the company will be redesigning some major apps and features, including important components like the Task Manager.
The Task Manager is sure to get a new look in version 22H2 of Windows 11, featuring WinUI and Fluent Design. As part of the visual overhaul, Task Manager pages such as Processes and Performance are now housed within a new sidebar (hamburger menu) to better support tablet and desktop users. This may be the biggest visual change to Task Manager since Windows 7.
While the news of waiting a few more months after RTM is rather disappointing, it’s actually a good thing. By testing the feature update with more people, in a few more months, Microsoft will have enough time to fix critical bugs and test its compatibility with drivers. This process ensures that feature update releases don’t break PCs around the world on day one as they always do.
Moreover, RTM itself can be regarded as a relatively stable version. If you really don’t care about potential bugs and want to try new updates earlier, you can sign up for the Beta channel of the Windows Insider Program. Beta channels give you early access to upcoming features and updates without causing you too many problems (of course a one-time download of a ready-made ISO installation from a sufficiently trusted source is also a good idea). If you’re considering installing Windows 11 Build 22621, the RTM version, you may encounter undocumented errors, so if you’re unsure of the consequences, it’s best to wait for a subsequent cumulative update.
