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Windows 11 version history

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Windows 11 is a major release of the Windows NT operating system developed by Microsoft that was released in October 2021. Starting with Windows 10, Microsoft described Windows as an "operating system as a service" that would receive ongoing updates to its features and functionality, augmented with the ability for enterprise environments to receive non-critical updates at a slower pace or use long-term support milestones that will only receive critical updates, such as security patches, over their five-year lifespan of mainstream support.

Overview

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As with Windows 10 (since version 20H2), mainstream builds of Windows 11 are labeled "YYHX", with YY representing the two-digit year and X representing the half-year of planned release (for example, version 21H2 refers to builds which initially released in the second half of 2021).[1]

Windows 11 versions
Version Codename Marketing name Build Release date Supported until (and support status by color)
GAC[a] LTSC[b]
  • Home, Pro, SE,
  • Pro Education,
  • Pro for Workstations
  • Education,
  • Enterprise,
  • IoT Enterprise
 Enterprise IoT Enterprise
21H2 Sun Valley — 22000 October 5, 2021 October 10, 2023 October 8, 2024 —
22H2 Sun Valley 2 2022 Update[c] 22621 September 20, 2022 October 8, 2024 October 14, 2025
23H2 Sun Valley 3 2023 Update[d] 22631 October 31, 2023 November 11, 2025 November 10, 2026
24H2 Hudson Valley 2024 Update 26100 October 1, 2024[e] October 13, 2026 October 12, 2027 October 9, 2029 October 10, 2034[f]
Legend:   Old version[g]   Older version, still maintained[h]   Latest version[i]
Notes:
  1. ^ General Availability Channel.
  2. ^ Long-Term Servicing Channel.
  3. ^ Five updates were released:
    "Moment 1" with build 22621.675 on October 18, 2022
    "Moment 2" with build 22621.1344 on February 28, 2023
    "Moment 3" with build 22621.1778 on May 24, 2023
    "Moment 4" with build 22621.2361 on September 26, 2023
    "Moment 5" with build 22621.3235 on February 29, 2024
  4. ^ An update codenamed "Moment 5" was released on February 29, 2024 with build 22631.3235
  5. ^ Windows 11, version 24H2 was generally available for Copilot Plus PCs from June 15, 2024
  6. ^ Mainstream support until October 9, 2029.
  7. ^ Windows 11 builds that have this color have reached their expiration dates and are no longer supported by Microsoft.
  8. ^ Windows 11 builds that have this color are no longer the latest version of Windows 11, but are still supported by Microsoft.
  9. ^ Windows 11 builds that have this color are the latest (by SKU) public version of Windows 11.

Version history

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Version 21H2 (original release)

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Main article: Windows 11, version 21H2
Further information: Features new to Windows 11 and List of features removed in Windows 11

The original version of Windows 11 (also retroactively named version 21H2 and codenamed "Sun Valley") was released in October 2021.[2][3] It carries the build number 10.0.22000.[4] The first public preview build was made available to Windows Insiders who opted in to the Dev Channel on June 28, 2021. Notable changes in this version include:

  • Redesigned Fluent Design System:[5]
    • Most interfaces in Windows 11 feature rounded geometry, refreshed iconography, new typography, and a refreshed colour palette.[6]
    • Windows 11 also introduces "Mica", a new opaque Material that is tinted with the color of the desktop wallpaper.[7]
  • Significantly redesigned Start menu, adhering to the principles of the updated Fluent Design System.[8]
  • Center-aligned Taskbar, with new animations for pinning, rearranging, minimizing, and switching apps.[8]
  • The File Explorer has been refreshed with the Fluent Design System and the Ribbon interface has been replaced with a new command bar with a revamped user interface and a Mica background. It also introduces revamped context menus with rounded corners, larger text, and Acrylic.
  • New Windows Subsystem for Android.[9]

The update has reached end of service on October 10, 2023 for Home, Pro, Pro Education and Pro for Workstations editions.[10] The Enterprise, Enterprise multi-session, IoT Enterprise and Education editions have reached end of service on October 8, 2024.[11]

Version 22H2 (2022 Update)

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Main article: Windows 11, version 22H2

The Windows 11 2022 Update[12] (also known as version 22H2[13][14] and codenamed "Sun Valley 2") is the first major update to Windows 11. It carries the build number 10.0.22621. The first preview was released to Insiders who opted in to the Dev Channel on September 2, 2021.[15] As of build 22449, the version string has been changed from "Dev" to "22H2".

The update began rolling out on September 20, 2022. Notable changes in the 2022 Update include:[16]

  • Redesigned and new Efficiency mode feature in Task Manager
  • Re-added the drag and drop feature on the taskbar
  • Improvement to the snap layout experience
  • New live captions feature
  • New Smart App Control (SAC) feature for blocking untrusted applications
  • Split "Focus assist" feature into "Do not disturb" and "Focus"
  • Included Clipchamp as inbox app

The first component update to Windows 11, version 22H2, codenamed "Moment 1",[17] was released on October 18, 2022, with build 22621.675 and several further changes:[18]

  • New tabbed browsing feature and refreshed layout of the left navigation pane in the File Explorer
  • New inline suggested actions feature
  • Re-introduced taskbar overflow feature
  • Improvements to the built-in Windows share window
  • Added support of Auto Color Management (ACM) which further optimized for OLED monitors by reading EDID data[19]

The second component update to Windows 11, version 22H2, codenamed "Moment 2",[20] was released on February 28, 2023, with build 22621.1344 and several further changes:[21]

  • Added iOS support in the Phone Link app
  • New Studio Effects section in the Quick Settings for NPU-compatible devices
  • Redesigned Quick Assist app
  • Added third-party apps support in the Widgets panel
  • Re-introduced tablet-optimized taskbar
  • Added support for tabs in the Notepad app
  • New Braille displays and input/output languages support in Narrator
  • New Energy Recommendations page in the Settings app
  • Updated touch keyboard option in the Settings app
  • New Tamil Anjal keyboard
  • Re-introduced the search box on the taskbar

The third component update to Windows 11, version 22H2, codenamed "Moment 3",[22] was released on May 24, 2023, with build 22621.1778 and several further changes:[23][24]

  • New presence sensor privacy settings in the Settings app
  • New VPN icon on the taskbar
  • Added the ability to show a notification badge on the Start menu's user profile icon
  • Introduced live captions in more languages
  • Added the ability to create live kernel memory dumps in Task Manager
  • Introduced Content Adaptive Brightness Control (CABC) to desktop computers and battery powered devices
  • New copy button for copying two-factor authentication codes in notification toasts
  • New USB4 hubs and devices page in the Settings app
  • Re-introduced the new touch keyboard option in the Settings app
  • New multi-app kiosk mode
  • Re-introduced the ability to display seconds in the system clock on the taskbar
  • Adds support for Bluetooth LE Audio and the LC3 codec

The fourth component update to Windows 11, version 22H2, codenamed "Moment 4",[25] was released on September 26, 2023, with build 22621.2361 and several further changes:[26][27]

  • The availability of Copilot in Windows (in preview)
  • New preview flyout when hovering over files under the Recommended section on the Start menu
  • New volume mixer experience in Quick Settings
  • Re-introduced the ability to never combine taskbar buttons
  • Added the ability to hide the time and date in the system tray
  • Updated notification bell icon in the system tray on the taskbar
  • Modernized Details pane, Home page, address bar and search box in the File Explorer
  • New Gallery feature in File Explorer
  • Added the native support of additional archive file formats (7z, rar, tar)
  • New Windows Backup app
  • New screen for restoring from backup during the OOBE
  • Improvements to backup and restore experience for desktop apps
  • Added support of Unicode Emoji 15.0
  • Added support of COLRv1 color format
  • New Narrator natural voices in Simplified Chinese, Spanish (Spain and Mexico), Japanese, English (United Kingdom and India), French, Portuguese, German and Korean
  • New text authoring experiences in voice access
  • New Home page in the Settings app
  • Redesigned Windows Security notification dialogs

The fifth component update to Windows 11, version 22H2, codenamed "Moment 5", was released on February 29, 2024, with build 22621.3235.[28][29]

The update has reached end of service on October 8, 2024 for Home, Pro, Pro Education, Pro for Workstations and SE editions.[30] The Enterprise, Enterprise multi-session, IoT Enterprise and Education editions will reach end of service on October 14, 2025.[31]

Version 23H2 (2023 Update)

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Main article: Windows 11, version 23H2

The Windows 11 2023 Update[32] (also known as version 23H2[33][34] and codenamed "Sun Valley 3") is the second major update to Windows 11. It was shipped as an enablement package for Windows 11 2022 Update and carries the build number 10.0.22631. The first preview was released to Insiders who opted in to the Beta Channel on May 25, 2023. The update began rolling out on October 31, 2023.[35] New features and changes from "Moment 4" has been enabled by default in this update.[36] As of build 25375, the version string has been changed from "22H2" to "23H2".

The first component update to Windows 11, version 23H2, codenamed "Moment 5", was released on February 29, 2024, with build 22631.3235 and several further changes:[37][38]

  • Improvements to Copilot in Windows
  • Improvements to voice access
    • New voice access in French, German, and Spanish
    • Added multi-display support
    • New voice shortcuts feature
  • Enhanced image consumption experience in Narrator
  • New share targets for sharing links through the Windows share window
  • Updates to the Cast flyout in Quick Settings
  • New suggestions feature in snap layouts 
  • Improvements to Windows 365 Boot and Windows 365 Switch
  • New notification for prompting to open recent photos and screenshots from Android mobile device in Snipping Tool

The update will reach end of service on November 11, 2025 for Home, Pro, Pro Education, Pro for Workstations and SE editions.[39] The Enterprise, Enterprise multi-session, IoT Enterprise and Education editions will reach end of service on November 10, 2026.[39]

Version 24H2 (2024 Update)

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Main article: Windows 11, version 24H2

The Windows 11 2024 Update[40] (also known as version 24H2[41][42][43]) is the third and current major update to Windows 11. It carries the build number 10.0.26100. The first preview was released to Insiders who opted in to the Canary and Dev Channels on February 8, 2024. The update began rolling out for Copilot Plus PCs on June 15, 2024.[44] As of build 26052, the version string has been changed from "23H2" to "24H2". The update began rolling out to all users on October 1, 2024.[45][43]

Version 24H2 notably introduces the first Windows 11 based Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) editions, along with new subscription variants of IoT Enterprise editions (both LTSC and non-LTSC).[46]

The update will reach end of service on October 13, 2026, for Home, Pro, Pro Education, Pro for Workstations and SE editions.[47] The Enterprise, Enterprise multi-session, IoT Enterprise and Education editions will reach end of service on October 12, 2027.[47] The Enterprise LTSC and IoT Enterprise LTSC editions will reach end of service on October 9, 2029, and October 10, 2034, respectively.[47]

Insider releases

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Further information: Windows Insider

Windows Insider Preview builds are delivered to Insiders in four different channels. Insiders in the Dev and Canary Channel receive updates prior to those in the Beta Channel but might experience more bugs and other issues. Insiders in the Release Preview Channel do not receive updates until the version is almost available to the public but are comparatively more stable.

On February 3, 2022, Microsoft changed its plans on how they delivered builds for Windows Insiders, with Dev and Beta Channels being "parallel" active development branches, giving an option to switch from Dev to Beta Channel for a limited time. The Dev Channel builds are meant for upcoming and experimental features that may never release to general availability, whereas the Beta Channel builds are the "feature complete" builds that will make its way to the general availability for the specific Windows 11 release.[48]

On March 6, 2023, Microsoft announced that the Dev Channel will be rebooted, and existing insiders will be moved to the new Canary Channel.[49][50] Two days later, insiders transitioned from Dev to Canary received the first build in the existing 25000 series builds starting from build 25314[51] while new insiders in the rebooted Dev Channel received the first build in the new 23000 series builds starting from build 23403.[52]

Dev Channel

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On September 2, 2021, Microsoft announced that Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel will receive builds directly from the rs_prerelease branch, which are not matched to a specific Windows 11 release. The first build released under this strategy, build 22449, was made available to Insiders on the same day.[53]

Aside from the rs_prerelease branch, Insiders in the Dev Channel would receive builds compiled from other branches within certain periods of time: ni_release (builds 22449 to 22616 and builds 25115 to 25309 – 22H2 string in former Dev), ni_prerelease (builds 23403 to 23620 – 22H2 string in rebooted Dev) and ge_release (builds 26052 to 26100, 26120 and later – 24H2 string).

Canary Channel

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Aside from the rs_prerelease branch, Insiders in the Canary Channel would receive builds compiled from other branches within certain periods of time: zn_release (builds 25375 to 26040 – 23H2 string), ge_release (builds 26052 to 26100 – 24H2 string) and ge_prerelease (build 26200 to 26257).

See also

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References

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  1. ^ mestew (December 31, 2017). "What's new in Windows 10, version 20H2 - What's new in Windows". learn.microsoft.com. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  2. ^ "Windows 11: A new era for the PC begins today". Windows Experience Blog. October 4, 2021. Archived from the original on October 4, 2021. Retrieved October 4, 2021.
  3. ^ "How to get Windows 11". Windows Experience Blog. October 4, 2021. Archived from the original on October 4, 2021. Retrieved October 5, 2021.
  4. ^ "Announcing the first Insider Preview for Windows 11". Windows Insider Blog. June 28, 2021. Archived from the original on June 29, 2021. Retrieved July 16, 2021.
  5. ^ Warren, Tom (May 11, 2017). "Fluent Design is Microsoft's new Metro UI for Windows and more". The Verge. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  6. ^ "Windows 11 Leaks Indicate a Dramatic New Look Is Coming Soon". Gizmodo. June 15, 2021. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  7. ^ jwmsft (June 24, 2021). "Materials used in Windows 11 apps - Windows apps". learn.microsoft.com. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  8. ^ a b Warren, Tom (June 15, 2021). "Windows 11 leak reveals new UI, Start menu, and more". The Verge. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  9. ^ Novet, Jordan; Leswing, Kif; Haselton, Todd (June 24, 2021). "Microsoft just unveiled Windows 11: Here's everything it announced". CNBC. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  10. ^ "Windows 11, version 21H2 end of servicing (Home & Pro)". Microsoft Learn. November 7, 2023. Retrieved June 15, 2024.
  11. ^ "Windows 11, version 21H2 (Enterprise & Education) reaching end of updates". Microsoft Learn. July 9, 2024. Retrieved July 10, 2024.
  12. ^ "Available today: The Windows 11 2022 Update". Windows Experience Blog. September 20, 2022. Retrieved September 20, 2022.
  13. ^ "Windows Hardware Compatibility Program for Windows 11, version 22H2". TECHCOMMUNITY.MICROSOFT.COM. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  14. ^ LeBlanc, Brandon; Carley, Aria (June 7, 2022). "Releasing Windows 11, version 22H2 to the Release Preview Channel". Windows Insider Blog. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  15. ^ Langowski, Amanda; LeBlanc, Brandon (September 2, 2021). "Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22449". Windows Insider Blog. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  16. ^ Blog, Windows Experience; Cable, John (September 20, 2022). "How to get the Windows 11 2022 Update". Windows Experience Blog. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  17. ^ "Windows 11's Moment 1 update is now available for download". Neowin. May 31, 2024. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  18. ^ Ranganathan, Shilpa (October 18, 2022). "Making the everyday easier with new experiences available in Windows 11". Windows Experience Blog. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  19. ^ "Auto color management in Windows 11 - Microsoft Support". support.microsoft.com. Retrieved September 4, 2024.
  20. ^ "Here are the new features in Windows 11 February 2023 Update or 'Moment 2'". Neowin. May 31, 2024. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  21. ^ Blog, Windows Experience; Panay, Panos (February 28, 2023). "Introducing a big update to Windows 11 making the everyday easier including bringing the new AI-powered Bing to the taskbar". Windows Experience Blog. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  22. ^ "Windows 11 "Moment 3" update is now available for download". Neowin. May 31, 2024. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  23. ^ Blog, Windows Experience; Woodman, Aaron (May 23, 2023). "Announcing new Windows 11 innovation, with features for secure, efficient IT management and intuitive user experience". Windows Experience Blog. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  24. ^ "May 24, 2023—Windows configuration update - Microsoft Support". support.microsoft.com. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  25. ^ "Windows 11 Moment 4 Update is now available for download". Neowin. May 31, 2024. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  26. ^ Mehdi, Yusuf (September 26, 2023). "The most personal Windows 11 experience begins rolling out today". Windows Experience Blog. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  27. ^ "September 26, 2023—Windows configuration update - Microsoft Support". support.microsoft.com. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  28. ^ Mehdi, Yusuf (February 29, 2024). "Microsoft Copilot improvements for Windows 11". Windows Experience Blog. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  29. ^ "February 29, 2024—Windows configuration update - Microsoft Support". support.microsoft.com. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  30. ^ "Windows 11, version 22H2 (Home & Pro) reaching end of updates". Microsoft Learn. July 9, 2024. Retrieved July 10, 2024.
  31. ^ "Windows 11 release information". Microsoft Learn. Microsoft. June 26, 2024. Retrieved July 10, 2024.
  32. ^ Blog, Windows Experience; Cable, John (September 26, 2023). "How to get the latest Windows 11 innovations". Windows Experience Blog. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  33. ^ "Windows client roadmap update: July 2023". TECHCOMMUNITY.MICROSOFT.COM. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  34. ^ Blog, Windows Insider; Team, Windows Insider Program (September 26, 2023). "Releasing Windows 11, version 23H2 to the Release Preview Channel". Windows Insider Blog. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  35. ^ Blog, Windows Experience; Cable, John (October 31, 2023). "How to get the Windows 11 2023 Update". Windows Experience Blog. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  36. ^ Blog, Windows Insider; Team, Windows Insider Program (September 26, 2023). "Releasing Windows 11, version 23H2 to the Release Preview Channel". Windows Insider Blog. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  37. ^ Mehdi, Yusuf (February 29, 2024). "Microsoft Copilot improvements for Windows 11". Windows Experience Blog. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  38. ^ "February 29, 2024—Windows configuration update - Microsoft Support". support.microsoft.com. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  39. ^ a b "Windows 11 release information". Microsoft Learn. Microsoft. October 1, 2024. Retrieved October 1, 2024.
  40. ^ "Flight Hub - Windows Insider Program". learn.microsoft.com. February 16, 2024. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  41. ^ "Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26052 (Canary and Dev Channels)". Windows Insider Blog. February 8, 2024. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  42. ^ "Releasing Windows 11, version 24H2 to the Release Preview Channel". Windows Insider Blog. May 22, 2024. Retrieved May 31, 2024.
  43. ^ a b Cable, John (October 1, 2024). "How to get new experiences for Windows 11". Windows Insider Blog. Retrieved October 1, 2024.
  44. ^ "June 15, 2024—KB5039239 (OS Build 26100.863)". Microsoft Support. Microsoft. Retrieved June 15, 2024.
  45. ^ Davuluri, Pavan (October 1, 2024). "New experiences coming to Copilot+ PCs and Windows 11". Windows Insider Blog. Retrieved October 1, 2024.
  46. ^ Parmar, Mayank (May 27, 2024). "Microsoft details Windows 11 24H2 LTSC requirements, TPM optional for IoT". Windows Latest.
  47. ^ a b c "Windows 11 release information". Microsoft Learn. Microsoft. October 1, 2024. Retrieved October 1, 2024.
  48. ^ "What's coming for the Windows Insider Program in 2022". Windows Insider Blog. February 3, 2022. Retrieved May 11, 2022.
  49. ^ "What's coming for the Windows Insider Program in 2023". Windows Insider Blog. March 6, 2023. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
  50. ^ Warren, Tom (March 6, 2023). "Microsoft will now preview the future of Windows with new Canary channel". The Verge. Retrieved March 10, 2023.
  51. ^ "Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 25314". Windows Insider Blog. March 8, 2023. Retrieved March 8, 2023.
  52. ^ "Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 23403". Windows Insider Blog. March 8, 2023. Retrieved March 8, 2023.
  53. ^ "Announcing Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22449". Windows Insider Blog. September 2, 2021. Archived from the original on September 2, 2021. Retrieved September 2, 2021.
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