Windows 10 Feature Update (22H2 Enablement Package)

[luckscent]

How does this update work?
What I read is that it activates the features of version 22H2. Do I need it for cumulative update? Does it depend on Windows Update? Or does it activate only through integration with NTLite?

 

[garlin]

W10 versions 2004 through 22H2 are considered one product family, with identical system files. They have differences in which default Windows feautures are available, and which Windows Apps are pre-installed.

- W10 2004 (19041)​

- W10 20H2 (19042)​

- W10 21H1 (19043)​

- W10 21H2 (19044)​

- W10 22H2 (19045)​

These five W10 versions share the same Monthly Updates, except for older versions which have reached End of Life (no more support). If you have a fully updated 2004 through 21H2 image, you can instantly upgrade to 22H2 by installing a Feature Enablement.

Windows is sneaky and hides 22H2 product features inside each of the latest CU's, but they're disabled by default. The Feature Enablement switches on all those hidden features, and updates the W10 version to 19045. Feature Enablement package is pre-installed on 22H2 images.

If you don't install the Enablement package, none of the 22H2 changes will be available. So it's optional. MS provides this path so older W10 users can upgrade without requiring any downtime.