It is now a known fact that Windows releases will become available once every 3 years. However, between the major releases, Microsoft will continue to update current versions of the OS with new features and improvements using the new the "Moments" program. Windows 11 Build 22940, references to which have been spotted in the PowerShell repository on GitHub, represents the "Moment 2" update.
Microsoft still hasn't officially announced Windows 11 version 22H2, despite the fact that the release is rumored to happen this month. Sadly, some of the great features like File Explorer tabs will be available to users. It will be postponed and then will be delivered with one of the cumulative updates.
You may remember that Microsoft will now use a three-year Windows development cycle. The Redmond firm has also canceled the 23H2 feature update, the release of which was scheduled for the next year. Most 23H2 features will come to Windows 11 version 22H2 via "Moments", as the above mentioned Explorer tabs.
In the PowerShell repository on GitHub there are references to the new branch with 229xx builds of Windows. Microsoft is now testing them internally. Builds from this branch represent the "Moment 2" update, which will be released next. Meanwhile, the build branch 228xx represents the Moment 1 update. So,
- Moment 1 = builds 228xx
- Moment 2 = builds 229xx
It will bring with it several new features, including tabs in File Explorer.
Changes from the internal branch that hosts 229xx will gradually become available in build 22621 (22H2 RTM) with cumulative updates. This means that Insiders on the Beta channel who use builds 22622.xxx with "new features enabled" are actually testing new "Moments" features from builds 228xx-229xx.
Technically, the 22621 and 22622 build branches have the same set of features. They are simply disabled in builds 22621.xxx. Even if you are in the Release Preview channel where 22621.xxx builds are the only builds available, the new "Moment 1" code is still present there. But they are still disabled. To enable them, a small enablement package update is required. Microsoft will issue such a package at the time of the release of Moment 1.
Microsoft is already working on the forthcoming "Moment 2" update, which will be released next year. This development cycle fits the new release schedule of Windows with new "Moments" feature delivery technology.
Sources: @XenoPartner, @thebookisclosed
Support us
Winaero greatly relies on your support. You can help the site keep bringing you interesting and useful content and software by using these options: