Is Installing Windows 10 22H2 on My PC Worth It? Here’s What You Need to Know.

Since October 18, 2022, Windows 10 22H2 has been offered as a minor optional update, accessible via the Windows Update settings menu for devices confirmed to provide a seamless upgrade experience based on their hardware and software configuration.

Though there are inherent risks associated with manual upgrades, especially early on due to potential bugs and compatibility issues, this version has been available for a significant period. Microsoft has actively worked on enhancing this operating system. Currently, it is now advisable to proceed with the update to version 22H2.

This article aims to assist you in deciding whether to proceed with the installation of Windows 10 22H2 or to hold off.

Is Installing Windows 10 22H2 Safe?

The answer is a resounding “yes,” upgrading to Windows 10 22H2 is indeed safe. Given that this version has been around for an extended period, it does not currently exhibit any recognized issues.

If you’re considering making the upgrade, it’s prudent to visit the Microsoft health dashboard to verify the status of version 22H2 before proceeding with the installation.

It’s also vital to understand that Windows 10 is now in maintenance mode, so there’s no need for a complete reinstallation. If you’re running a relatively recent version of the operating system, you can confidently install version 22H2 with very minimal risks.

Conversely, if your device is still operating on an older version, such as 1507, 1607, 1703, 1709, 1803, 1809, 1903, 1909, 2004, 20H2, 21H1, or 21H2, you can still consider upgrading, but it’s advisable to exercise greater caution.

Upgrading from a significantly older version might necessitate a complete reinstallation, which can sometimes lead to unforeseen challenges. You may also encounter known and unknown issues arising from the system changes, as well as compatibility struggles if your computer has outdated drivers or utilizes software designed for earlier versions of Windows.

While Microsoft continues to provide updates for certain older Windows releases, Windows 11 22H2 remains the only version actively supported for users of the Home or Pro editions.

Should I Delay the Installation of Windows 10 22H2?

When posed with the question of whether to delay installing a new version of Windows, my recommendation is to avoid rushing into the upgrade. Initial rollouts often come with various bugs and compatibility challenges. However, since version 22H2 has been available for several months, Microsoft has issued multiple security and maintenance updates to tackle most concerns.

As a general guideline, I suggest waiting for a duration of three to four quality updates before triggering the upgrade. However, don’t overlook new versions entirely, as each version will eventually reach its end of life and stop receiving updates, resulting in potential vulnerabilities to malware and cyber threats.

Even though upgrading to version 22H2 is safe, keep in mind that support for Windows 10 is set to retire on October 14, 2022. Post this date, the operating system will no longer receive security or maintenance updates.

If your device meets the compatibility criteria, I advise upgrading to Windows 10 22H2 and then progressing to Windows 11. If your hardware falls short of the requirements for version 24H2, you still have the option to upgrade, albeit through specific workarounds for installing the latest version of Windows 11 on unsupported hardware.