After Resolving Known Issues, Windows 11 Version 23H2 Changes to Broadly Available Status and Will Be Fully Pushed and Automatically Upgraded

In October 2023, Microsoft introduced Windows 11 version 23H2 on the basis of the Windows 11 22H2 version. This version is considered a minor update, meaning it doesn't introduce many new features but rather changes the version number.

Refreshing the version number is very important for Microsoft because each version has a different lifecycle support period. The company must refresh the version number to update the cycle, even if there's virtually no difference between versions 22H2 and 23H2.

It was only today that Microsoft announced Windows 11 version 23H2 has changed to broadly available status. In this status, Microsoft will begin to fully push the update, and all unmanaged devices that have not yet upgraded will receive this version and attempt to automatically complete the upgrade.

Of course, when it's said that all known issues are resolved, it refers to major issues that could affect the use of some devices after updating. In such cases, Microsoft would disable the upgrade to prevent users from encountering severe usability issues after upgrading.

Microsoft wrote in the latest support document:

Windows 11 version 23H2 (also known as the Windows 11 2023 Update) is now broadly available to all eligible devices, which will check for updates. In addition to annual updates, devices running version 23H2 will receive new features and enhancements more frequently through service technology.

Eligible, unmanaged (i.e., not managed by IT departments) Windows 11 Home and Pro devices will automatically update to Windows 11 version 23H2 when they reach or are near the end of service.

If you have an eligible Windows 10 Home or Pro device, you can also easily update to Windows 11 version 23H2 by checking for updates in Windows Update.

In summary, unless IT administrators or users themselves have already disabled version updates, systems running Windows 11 versions 21H2/22H2 will attempt to automatically upgrade, as these versions have either stopped being updated or are about to stop receiving updates.

Users will usually be prompted once the system completes the image download. Since major version updates may take longer to install, it is recommended that users only perform the upgrade when they are free to avoid impacting their normal work.