Microsoft has been working on version 23H2 of Windows 11 for a very long time. We got the first information about it in 2022 when evidence of WDDM (Windows Display Driver Module) 3.2 appeared in leaks. More recently, in 2023, Microsoft made the decision to phase out VBScript after MSDT discontinued it.
A few months ago, it was reported that 23H2 will not be a major update compared to 22H2 and that it will be delivered via a support package (EKB) or Cumulative Update (CU). Microsoft today confirmed such reports in a Tech Community blog post titled “Windows Client Roadmap Update: July 2023.”
Additionally, it also confirmed that the system requirements (like TPM, among others) for Windows 11 23H2 will not change and therefore users “don’t need to worry about application compatibility.” application or device between versions”.
Windows 11, version 23H2 will be available as a support package
The upcoming Windows 11, version 23H2 has the same servicing branch and code base as Windows 11, version 22H2. What does that mean for you? If you are running Windows 11, version 22H2, this will be a simple update to version 23H2 via a small support package (eKB). Do you remember updating from Windows 10, version 1903 to 1909? Or how have you managed recent updates starting with Windows 10, versions 20H2 to 22H2? It will be as simple as that. Furthermore, since both versions share the same source code, you don’t need to worry about app or device compatibility between versions.
Microsoft also confirmed the release date, or rather release quarter, for 23H2, as the company says the update will be available in the fourth quarter (Q4) of this year:
Don’t wait for Windows 11, version 23H2. Continue (or start) deploying Windows 11 with version 22H2 now. Once released in Q4 2023, you can simply deploy the 23H2 support package through one of the following ways:
- Windows Server Update Service
- Update Windows for business
- Automatically patch Windows
Alongside the Windows 11 news, Microsoft also shared that it will begin offering Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 via Volume Licensing starting August 1.
