Microsoft has recently released Windows 11 23H2 (Build 22631.2428) to OEMs, a crucial step before the public rollout. This allows OEMs to ensure compatibility with their devices. The update is delivered as an “enablement package” that activates features already present in the operating system but not yet enabled. It includes everything from Windows 11 Moment 4 plus additional improvements. Windows 11 23H2 is significant as it is considered the last major update before the introduction of Windows 12.

The exact release date for Windows 11 23H2 is not yet known, but it is expected to start rolling out soon. Microsoft began seeding the update to OEMs on October 23, and ISOs are available on the servers internally. These ISOs include new Windows SDK and ClientEnterprise ISOs.

According to documents seen by Windows Latest, Microsoft made the Windows 11 23H2 download available to OEMs on October 23. The OEMs received Windows 11 Build 22631.2428 as the “final” version of ’23H2′. This is a significant milestone for the new Windows update.

When a Windows update is released to OEMs ahead of the public rollout, it means that the update is being prepared for final rollout to consumers. Additionally, this allows OEMs to test and ensure compatibility of their apps and drivers.

A support document previously confirmed that the update doesn’t come with any hardware or software changes, so all Windows 11 version 22H2-ready apps and drivers will run without issues. The OEM release also allows companies to prepare new devices that will ship with the latest update pre-installed.

On the OEMs portal, the update is listed as an “enablement package.” The enablement package is a “switch” that turns on the features and increases the version and build numbers by a single digit. With the enablement package, Microsoft can activate the new features already part of the operating system but haven’t been enabled yet.

For example, if you haven’t installed the Windows 11 Moment 4 update but proceed to install 23H2, you will get all the features like Windows Copilot and ungrouping for the taskbar. You will also experience some new changes, including a System Components Page, improvements to the notification center, and minor bug fixes.

While the Windows 11 23H2 update may not be a major release, it is still important as it is believed to be the last major update to the operating system before the Windows 12 rollout.