Microsoft says their “focus on quality” means the release will come in the second half of the year, not the first.
The version of Windows 11 currently available to qualifying Windows 10 users and new buyers is not impressive. Importantly, most Windows watchers expected Microsoft to be rolling out an update early in 2022 to address those deficiencies.
Microsoft has codenamed the release “Sun Valley 2”. This big release should come with Android app support, third-party widgets, and additional polishing that would further refine the experience with the OS.
That expectation may prove to be too optimistic, however. New information that’s making the rounds via WindowsCentral indicates that Microsoft plans to finalize the development of Sun Valley 2 in May next year. If everything goes according to the schedule, the public rollout should start in the summer, shortly after the original version of Windows 11 becomes available for everybody.
Gradual rollout of Windows 11
Microsoft explained the rollout of the new operating system happens with a full focus on quality. This focus on user experience is, apparently, why they have delayed the release.
“Following the tremendous learnings from Windows 10, we want to make sure we’re providing you with the best possible experience. That means new eligible devices will get the upgrade first. The upgrade will then roll out over time to in-market devices based on intelligence models that consider hardware eligibility, reliability metrics, age of device and other factors that impact the upgrade experience,” the company said.
“We expect all eligible devices to be offered the free upgrade to Windows 11 by mid-2022. If you have a Windows 10 PC that’s eligible for the upgrade, Windows Update will let you know when it’s available.”
Needless to say, given Microsoft hasn’t yet announced these dates for Sun Valley 2. The release schedule for this update (22H2) could still change change if something doesn’t go as planned. Stay tuned.
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