Windows 11 monthly updates have killed Sun Valley 2 before it even released
Opinion: Sun Valley who?
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
SinceWindows 10,Microsofthas had a consistent plan of updating Windows every six months with bug fixes and updates. This carried on forWindows 11until Microsoft’srecent eventwhen it announced a bunch of features, such astabs in File Explorer.
Four months into 2022, we’ve already seen two major updates. Normally, these would have arrived six months apart, usually named ‘2H22’ to help reference the major update for that time.
There’s been constant speculation on a big update toWindows 11calledSun Valley 2. All these current updates, however, make us wonder if we should still expect a major update with a codename for Windows, or if “Sun Valley” is now irrelevant.
Sunset for the Valley
Back in the days of Windows XP andWindows Vista, major updates would be called ‘Service Pack’, with new features and a collection of bug fixes that would arrive a couple of years after the original Windows release, and that would be it.
However, the way we use PCs in recent years has prompted Microsoft, and other companies, to refine their software over time, often in response to customer feedback, and also to make some features more prevalent than they once were.
Microsoft had been following a six-month timeline for major updates inWindows 10, and then a yearly schedule for Windows 11. But it’s telling that we’re already seeing rumored features for Sun Valley 2 already arrive now.
While we’ve reached out to the company to see whether the timeline of major updates has changed, it already looks to be happening. If you were waiting for a significant update to arrive, it’s most likely coming in a smaller update in the coming weeks or months, instead.
Get the best Black Friday deals direct to your inbox, plus news, reviews, and more.
Sign up to be the first to know about unmissable Black Friday deals on top tech, plus get all your favorite TechRadar content.
It’s a method that would be great forAppleto follow, as well. The era of yearly updates onmacOSfromWWDChas little meaning for anyone. Having a constant stream of minor updates could help users gain new features while keeping developers in the loop of what’s coming up.
More incremental updates that are larger than the bug and relatively minor changes Apple delivers throughout the year could help Apple developers more effectively adapt their apps to these updates, as well. Otherwise, they’re left scrambling to ready major changes in time for the typical September releases of the new macOS oriOSversions.
Such a change would be a good thing for Apple fans. On the Windows side, it’s an adjustment in perspective. Sun Valley 2 has no meaning anymore - the new Windows 11 updates are either here already, or they’re already in the Windows Insider program, which allows you to test features under development that may arrive in an official capacity.
It looks to be a new standard for Microsoft and Windows 11 as a whole, and we’re all for it. Your move Apple.
Daryl had been freelancing for 3 years before joining TechRadar, now reporting on everything software-related. In his spare time, he’s written a book, ‘The Making of Tomb Raider’. His second book, ‘50 Years of Boss Fights’, came out in 2024, with a third book coming in 2025. He also has a newsletter called ‘Springboard’. He’s usually found playing games old and new on his Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch, and MacBook Pro. If you have a story about an updated app, one that’s about to launch, or just anything Software-related, drop him a line.
Windows 11 24H2 misery continues, as Microsoft’s buggy update is now breaking printers – especially on Copilot+ PCs
Microsoft reportedly sabotaged Windows 95 and 98’s Control Panel, or it looks that way – is this a worrying revelation?
Don’t wait until Black Friday, this year’s best Nintendo Switch bundles are on sale now
