Microsoft Forces Windows 11 23H2 Update
Microsoft recently announced that it will implement the mandatory Windows 11 23H2 update for eligible Windows 11 devices. Specifically, this automatic update is targeted at Windows 11 devices that have reached or are about to reach end-of-service, namely Windows 11 22H2 and 21H2. Why is Microsoft forcing Windows 11 23H2 update? Keep reading to find details.
Why You Need to Get Windows 11 23H2 Update
Windows 11 22H2/21H2 End of Life
According to Microsoft, this Windows 11 23H2 automatic update is for Windows 11 devices that have reached or are about to reach end-of-service. This suggests that Microsoft’s move is mainly to ensure that your computer continues to receive feature updates and security patches. Windows versions listed as End of Service have reached the end of their support period and will no longer receive security updates.
Windows 11 21H2 has ended support on Oct 10, 2023. This applies to Home, Pro, Pro Education, Pro for Workstations, and SE. Only support for the 21H2 version of Education, Enterprise, and Enterprise multi-session will continue until Oct 8, 2024. Windows 11 version 22H2 is also about to end support.
Additionally, after February 27, 2024, Microsoft will no longer provide optional non-security preview builds of Windows 11 22H2. For supported Windows 11 version 22H2, only monthly cumulative security updates will continue.
For detailed information please see: Windows 11 End of Service.
New Features in Windows 11 23H2
In addition to the end of servicing support (or the near end), Windows 11 version 23H2 introduces many new features and bug fixes. Version 23H2 always includes improvements from the 22H2 version, but not vice versa. The Windows 11 23H2 release includes all the new features not included in 22H2, including the introduction of Microsoft Copilot, changes to the way you manage apps, SMS messages sent and received in Teams, a new People experience in Teams, and other changes.
See Also: What’s the Difference Between Windows 11 23H2 and 22H2?
How to Update to Windows 11 23H2
After understanding why Microsoft forces Windows 11 23H2 update, you can learn how to easily obtain this forced update.
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If you have an eligible Home or Pro device, you can update to version 23H2 from Windows Update easily.
Step 1. Press the Windows + I key combination to bring up the Settings window.
Step 2. Move on to the Windows Update section, then switch the button of “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” to On. After that, click the Check for updates option.
Step 3. Once the Windows 11 23H2 version is available, download and install it on your PC.
To check if your computer is running Windows 11 23H2, you can navigate to Settings > System > About. Under Windows specifications, the Version should be 23H2.
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Wrapping Things Up
Microsoft forces Windows 11 23H2 update, aiming to make sure your system receives security updates. For consideration of Windows 11 22H2 and 21H2 end of service and 23H2 new features, it is recommended that you update the system from the Windows Update page.
Before updating Windows, it is always suggested to make a system backup.
Should you have any issues while using MiniTool software, feel free to contact us via [email protected].
About The Author
Position: Columnist
Shirley graduated from English major and is currently an editor of MiniTool Team. She likes browsing and writing IT-related articles, and is committed to becoming a professional IT problem solver. The topic of her articles are generally about data recovery, data backup, and computer disk management, as well as other IT issues. In spare time, she likes watching movies, hiking and fishing.