The 23H2 version was released in 2023, and while many are skeptical about updating to a new version as it has bugs and issues that get fixed along the way, some choose to stick to their comfort zone and remain with the stable and older version. However, it seems like Windows, this time around, isn’t giving them an option.
Windows 11 in general has been getting increasingly more popular as Microsoft’s end of Windows 10 support slowly approaches. In fact, Windows 11 recently became the number-one operating system on Steam, and gamers – especially those with Ryzen CPUs – have been enjoying some recent performance boosts.
Why is Microsoft forcing the Windows 11 23H2 update?
Users on the 22H2 version will be upgraded to 23H2 as the previous feature update is nearing its end-of-support date. So, if you’re using the Windows 11 Home, Pro, Pro Education, Pro for Workstations, and SE versions, you’ll have no choice but to upgrade.
Those operating on the Windows 11 21H2 Education, Enterprise, and IoT Enterprise editions will follow suit. They have 36 months of support and will soon reach the end of service. If you’re wondering why you didn’t hear about this from the usual channels, that is because this wasn’t a public announcement. The company relayed the following message in a Microsoft 365 message center entry, as spotted by Bleeping Computer.
“To help keep you protected and productive, Windows Update will automatically initiate a feature update for Windows 11 Home and Pro devices that are not managed by IT departments when these are nearing end of servicing.”
However, as stated in the message, there are some exceptions. If your device runs on Windows 11 Home and Pro and is managed by your company’s IT department, it won’t upgrade to the 23H2 version. That said, not every update is bad. For example, an optional Windows 11 update boosts the gaming performance of Ryzen processors, and you’ll want 23H2 to benefit from it. On top of that, since this version has been out for a year, many of the bugs and issues have most likely been resolved.
