Enlarge (credit: Microsoft)

As predicted , Microsoft is formally releasing Windows 11 version 22H2 to the general public today. Also called the "Windows 11 2022 Update," version 22H2 is a major update that brings a plethora of fixes and refinements to the operating system, improving the taskbar and Start menu, jettisoning some more Windows 8-era user interface designs, adding new touchscreen and window management features, and more. We covered many of the new features earlier this year , when the update was still undergoing beta testing.

Users of Windows 11 21H2 may be able to see the 2022 Update in Windows Update starting today, but Microsoft is planning its typical phased rollout to monitor for major problems. The update will eventually be offered to all Windows 11 users, but if you don't see it, you can use the Windows 11 Installation Assistant or download a fresh copy of the Windows 11 install media to trigger the installation manually.

In keeping with Microsoft's promise of "continuous innovation," there are even more updates on the way for people who install the 22H2 update. Microsoft says the tabbed version of the File Explorer (among other as-yet-unannounced things) will be available as an optional update in October and rolled out more widely to all Windows 11 22H2 users in November.