For a while now, reports have trickled in about Windows 11 version 22H2, otherwise known as "Sun Valley 2." Now, details have leaked online about a release date, and if all goes well, you should enjoy a new Windows 11 on September 20, 2022.

A Leaked Release Date for Windows 11 Version 22H2

The leak comes to us from Windows Central, which cites "[its] own contacts" as its source of the information. Windows Central's contacts are usually spot-on with their leaks, so there's little reason to think that the contact got it wrong.

If you're wondering where the first "Sun Valley" was, it was originally thought to be a huge overhaul for Windows 10. However, Microsoft eventually revealed it to be Windows 11, which means that all Windows 11 PCs are running "Sun Valley 1."

Version 22H2 is going to be a big moment for Windows 11 users, as it will be the first large feature-packed update for the operating system. Right now, users on the Windows Insider program are giving the update a once-over to check for bugs before it rolls out.

There are lots of features coming in the update, but fortunately, Windows Central gave a handy TL;DR list of what's on the horizon:

  • App folders in Start menu
  • Resizable pinned area in Start menu
  • Drag and Drop on the Taskbar
  • Focus Assist integration with Notification Center
  • New "spotlight" wallpaper feature
  • New Voice Access accessibility feature
  • New Live Captions accessibility feature
  • New gestures and animations for touch users
  • New snap layouts bar when moving app windows
  • New Task Manager app
  • New "Suggested Actions" feature when copying dates/numbers
  • Tabs in File Explorer
  • Better OneDrive integration with File Explorer
  • Numerous UI improvements and consistency updates

Remember; even when September 20, 2022 rolls around, there's no guarantee that you'll get the update rightaway. Microsoft likes to slowly roll out its update in waves, so it might take a little while until your PC is nominated for the update.

The Turning Point for Windows 11?

It's really important for Microsoft to focus its attention on Windows 11 right now. At the time of writing, StatCounter claims that more users worldwide use Windows 7 than Windows 11, if not by a tiny margin.

If Microsoft wants more people to make the jump, it needs to keep releasing updates like 22H2. Because as long as there are good reasons to choose Windows 10 over 11, the company is going to have a rough time encouraging anyone to hit the upgrade button.

A Big Moment for Windows 11

Windows 11 version 22H2 has a huge amount of content in it, and it'll likely be a welcome sight for Windows 11 users. But will it be enough to help tip the public favor to the new operating system?