This post has been republished via RSS; it originally appeared at: New blog articles in Microsoft Tech Community.
The Windows 11, version 22H2 preview is now available for commercial organizations to validate prior to its release later this year. Organizations enrolled in the Windows Insider Program for Business can access this build through all standard channels, including:
- Windows Update, Windows Update for Business
- Windows Server Update Services (WSUS)
- Windows Insider Preview Downloads page
- Azure Marketplace
Along with commercial pre-release availability, we are also offering free support for commercial organizations running these builds. This means you can test this release—and your preferred deployment methods—while remaining supported prior to general availability.
Below you will find additional details on how to deploy the Windows 11, version 22H2 preview from various channels. For future updates on preview release information, details on upcoming features, and more, please follow the Windows Insider Blog.
Access commercial previews using Windows Update or Windows Update for Business
Commercial devices configured for the Windows Insider Program Release Preview Channel via the Windows Update Settings page or via Windows Update for Business policy will automatically be offered Windows 11, version 22H2 as an optional upgrade provided that the device(s) meet the Windows 11 hardware requirements. If you do not wish to upgrade a device to Windows 11, version 22H2 and are running Windows 10, simply select “Stay on Windows 10 for now”. To stay on the initial version of Windows 11, simply do not select to download and install Windows 11, version 22H2.
The Windows 11, version 22H2 preview is completely optional. You can choose to remain on your current version of Windows and continue to receive preview quality updates for that version.
If you are using Microsoft Endpoint Manager (Microsoft Intune), simply enable pre-release builds and then select “Windows Insider – Release Preview” as the channel, as shown here:
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Note: We consider a device a commercial device if it is being managed by an IT administrator (whether via Microsoft Endpoint Manager or another management solution) or it has a volume license key, a commercial ID, and/or is joined to a domain. |
Access commercial previews using Windows Server Update Service (WSUS)
Windows 11, version 22H2 is now available in the “Windows Insider Pre-release” category in WSUS and Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager. Make sure to sync the “Windows Insider Pre-release” category in order to have Windows 11, version 22H2 show up as available in your console.
Note, as with the initial release of Windows 11, if a device is configured to send diagnostic data, but does not meet the hardware requirements, the Windows 11, version 22H2 upgrade will be marked as inapplicable in WSUS.
Access commercial previews from the Windows Insider Preview Downloads page
Simply visit the Windows Insider Preview Downloads page, navigate to the “Select edition” section, and select “Windows 11 Insider Preview (Release Preview Channel) - Build 22621” to download the ISO.
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Note: As with the initial release of Windows 11, a clean installation will utilize your existing Windows 10 license keys or activate using Azure AD. No net new Windows 11 keys are required. |
Access commercial previews through Azure Marketplace
On Azure Marketplace, leverage the Windows 11 Preview to access the Windows 11, version 22H2 offering.
Supporting your preview experience
Regardless of how you choose to deploy the release preview of Windows 11, version 22H2, we will keep you supported! If you encounter an issue, please report it to Feedback Hub (Windows key + F) or reach out to us directly through our free support offering for commercial organizations.
Microsoft is committed to ensuring your applications work on the latest versions of our software. Windows 11 is built with compatibility in mind and Windows 11, version 22H2 is no different. Our promise states that apps that work on Windows 7, 8.1, and 10 will work on Windows 11. If you experience a compatibility issue with Windows 11, version 22H2, utilize App Assure with Microsoft FastTrack. App Assure will help troubleshoot the issue, determine the root cause, and fix the application at no additional cost.
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Note: All future preview announcements will come solely through our awesome Windows Insider Blog. We highly recommend that you follow the blog to stay up to date on the latest features, releases, and more! |
With that, we encourage you to go explore the Windows 11, version 22H2 release. Don’t forget to reach out to me on Twitter @ariaupdated, or to our whole Windows Insider crew, @WindowsInsider. You can also message me on Tech Community with any feedback on how we can improve the Windows Insider Program for Business and our pre-release commercial offerings!
Continue the conversation. Find best practices. Visit the Windows Tech Community.
Stay informed. For the latest updates on new releases, tools, and resources for Windows IT admins, stay tuned to this blog and follow us @MSWindowsITPro on Twitter.