An in-depth look at Windows 11 22H2, the first major annual OS update.

Windows 11 has already changed a lot since the version we reviewed back in October was released, and Microsoft is releasing a constant stream of redesigned app updates, bug fixes, and UI improvements.

But the company’s big annual Windows updates are still important. This is where Microsoft is making the most significant changes to the look and feel of Windows 11. Microsoft was rumored this week to be finalizing what will eventually be released as Windows 11 version 22H2, the OS’s first annual update. This build, which is currently available on the Windows Insider Beta Channel as build number 22621.1, will serve as the basis for next year’s Windows Updates.

We cover new builds of Windows Insider fairly frequently, depending on how significant the changes are. But to save you the trouble of scrolling through months of articles, we’ve rounded up all the most significant differences between the current Windows 11 21H2 public build (for protocol: 22000.675) and the latest 22H2 beta release.

Annual updates are not what they used to be

First, a word of caution: Over the last year, Microsoft has changed the way it updates Windows. The company now releases a slew of app updates and UI tweaks when they’re ready, instead of waiting for a major annual OS update like it would in the Windows 10 days. This more flexible schedule has already allowed Microsoft to fix some of Windows 11’s early shortcomings, in including missing taskbar features and apps that haven’t been updated to the new look so far.

It also means that this review won’t include all of the Windows features that will be part of the 22H2 update when it launches. It’s likely that apps like the new Sound Recorder, which is currently in preview on the Dev channel, will be released to the public before the 22H2 update is officially released. Still-tested features, such as the tabbed File Explorer, could also be implemented in time. These and other changes may be included in 22H2, released before it is released, or never released.

So, this review is just a snapshot of Windows 11 22H2 as it currently exists. When it’s released to the public, we’ll take another look, note any other new features we see, and spend more time on minor changes that we won’t mention in this review.

Mandatory Microsoft account sign-in

The home version of Windows 11 (and some of the later editions of Windows 10) required an internet connection and sign-in to a Microsoft account during installation, pushing users to dig deeper into the Microsoft ecosystem. This process has some benefits, including automatic local drive encryption and recovery key backup, passwordless sign-in, quick access to Microsoft Store apps and services like Microsoft 365 and PC Game Pass, and data sync for those apps, like OneDrive and Edge. But if you don’t use those things, want to log in later, or prefer to use the good old local account, there’s no easy workaround other than logging out or creating a new local account after you’ve gotten to the desktop.

This was not the case for Pro Windows editions, which still allowed you to create a local account if you weren’t connected to the Internet during installation. But that ends with version 22H2 of Windows 11, which requires a Microsoft account no matter which OS version you’re running. (The setting also pushes you to subscribe to PC Game Pass in addition to Microsoft 365, which I think is new to this version of Windows but may have been added very recently.)

The only officially sanctioned exception to this policy is if you choose the Work or School option during installation instead of the Personal Use option. This allows you to sign in with your Microsoft work or school account, if you have one, instead of your personal account. But if you just want to create a local account, or if you need to set up a computer without an internet connection, there is no easy way to do it.

This policy only applies to new installations of Windows and will not affect you if you are upgrading an already configured PC.