Microsoft is currently working on the next big update for Windows 11, tentatively called Sun Valley 2.
It’s already shaping up to be a collection of small and big improvements across the entire Windows 11 operating system, along with new features, such as Android apps appearing on the Microsoft Store.
Microsoft has yet to officially unveil the 22H1 update for Windows 11, but through leaks, rumors, and the Windows Insider program, we’ll start to paint a good picture in the months leading up to its release.
While Windows 11 is still rolling out to more devices, users are curious about what the 22H1 update will bring next.
As we begin to get a feel for what to expect, here’s everything we know so far about Windows 11’s first major update.
Cut to the chase
- What is that? Windows 11 22H1 ‘Sun Valley 2’ is the first major update to Windows 11
- When did he come out? Windows 11 22H1 ‘Sun Valley 2’ is expected in Q2 2022
- How much does it cost? Windows 11 22H1 ‘Sun Valley 2’ will be a free update for all users
Windows 11 22H1 ‘Sun Valley 2’ release date
At this time, there is no confirmed release date for Windows 11 22H1 “Sun Valley 2” update. Microsoft’s release schedule for Windows 11 updates is now once a year, compared to two a year with Windows 10 previously.
Many improvements have already been made to Windows Insider channels, which allow users to test features in development. But it looks like Microsoft is packing all of that into Windows 11’s first major update.
While the operating system was released in November 2021, it was announced in June, which would be a good time to release Sun Valley 2 with some tentpole features.
Speculation of Windows 11 22H1 ‘Sun Valley 2’
At this time, there is no confirmed name from Microsoft. However, based on the Windows 11 update naming convention, it can be assumed that its official designation will be Windows 11 22H1. The “22” refers to the year and “H1” refers to the second half of the year.
The name under discussion at the moment is “Sun Valley 2”, which probably won’t be the name of its version. This is an internal code name for parts of the next version of Windows 11 which is in development and has been disclosed to the public through leaks from people familiar with how Microsoft works.
As Windows 11 was a significant upgrade from Windows 10, such as a refreshed appearance, a redesigned Microsoft Store, and the return of widgets, Sun Valley 2 seeks to build on Windows 11 but also improve some areas that users sent comments.
In the Insider builds, users spotted more apps earning the new Fluent Design, which is the overall look of Windows 11. These apps feature rounded corners, less reliance on the Ribbon View that exists on the system. operating since Windows 8, and a more vibrant color scheme. There were also features announced last year that have yet to be released to all Windows 11 users.
Android apps are coming to Windows 11
Beta channel testers who have Windows 11 Build 22000.xxx and higher will be able to try out Android apps that will appear as available in the Microsoft Store.
These will come from the Amazon App Store instead of Google Play, as each app is tested and approved by Amazon, similar to Apple’s effort with the App Store.
These will work the same way iOS apps run on macOS, with apps like TikTok and Instagram running in a window.
However, there are already other ways to install Android apps directly, without going through the Microsoft Store.
New operating system features for Windows 11 22H1 ‘Sun Valley 2’
This first update to Windows 11 appears to be based on user feedback, as well as other improvements that Microsoft didn’t have time to include in the first release in November.
One feature that has been divided by users has been the taskbar. The Start menu has been redesigned in Windows 11, but while the new look has been positive, there are some features that were present in Windows 10 that cannot be found here.
In Sun Valley 2, the taskbar seems to bring back some functionality and listen to some feedback, dragging and dropping back to the taskbar.
Other improvements to the operating system are more applications from Microsoft which will be refreshed with the Fluent Design language of Windows 11. Notepad is one of the examples for Sun Valley 2, getting a dark mode and a bar. reorganized menus.
While Paint is another app to gain a refreshed look, Microsoft surprised more than one end of 2021 by bringing back Windows Media Player.
It will replace Groove Music, an app that debuted in Windows 8 in 2012. It will be available in the Microsoft Store, but should appear as the default app for playing media files once Sun Valley 2 becomes available to everyone. .
Windows 11 updates already seem like more than just visual flair, and Sun Valley 2 should be no exception. There will be several changes below that will not be intended for the user, as always, and a number that will.
But from what Microsoft is working on and presenting through the Insider Program, it’s clear the company wants to update Windows 11 apps, not just front-facing features.
How to test Windows 11 22H1 update before launch
Before Microsoft releases a major update for Windows 11, it goes through the various channels of the Windows Insider program. There are different channels in the Insider program that indicate how far in advance you will be able to test new features, the most advanced being the “Developer Channel”, intended for more technical users.
The ‘Dev Channel’ was the first place Sun Valley started appearing, with a build number 2200 appearing in November 2021. Other app updates for Paint and Windows Media Player soon appeared in the ‘ Beta Channel ‘.
These will be reliable versions linked to a future version with updates validated by Microsoft. Closer to launch, Windows 11 22H1 will hit the “Release Preview Channel” which is the most stable of all in the Insider program. Versions posted to this channel are supported by Microsoft.
If you’re not yet in the Windows Insider program and want to start testing for future updates sooner, you can sign up directly from the Settings app on your PC. Head to the “Update & Security” section, then select “Windows Insider Program” and choose the channel you want to join. You will then start to receive updates via ‘Windows Update’ on your PC corresponding to the channel you joined.
