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GitHub announced general availability of its Windows Server 2022 image with Visual Studio 2022 on GitHub-hosted runners on November 16, 2021. The workflow label is windows-2022. If your workflow must use that OS generation, specify the label rather than windows-latest, which is a floating label and no longer means Server 2022.
What the Windows Server 2022 runner announcement said
GitHub’s November 16, 2021 announcement made Windows Server 2022 with Visual Studio 2022 generally available on GitHub-hosted runners. To select it, set runs-on: windows-2022 in a job.
The announcement also warned that the Server 2022 image had different tools and tool versions from Server 2019. The Visual Studio name in the announcement identifies the release’s headline environment; it is not a guarantee that every workload or component your build needs is installed. Check the maintained image software list and the actual job log for those details.
How to use Windows Server 2022 on GitHub Actions
Set the runner label on the job that needs the image. Here is the announcement-era example; its checkout action version is historical, not a current recommendation:
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jobs:
build:
runs-on: windows-2022
steps:
- uses: actions/checkout@v2
- name: Build
run: dotnet build
- name: Run tests
run: dotnet testFor current runner availability and resource specifications, consult GitHub’s hosted-runner reference. It lists the standard x64 Server 2022 runner with 4 CPUs, 16 GB RAM, and 14 GB SSD for public repositories, and 2 CPUs, 8 GB RAM, and 14 GB SSD for private repositories. These are runner specifications, not performance guarantees.
Does `windows-latest` still use Windows Server 2022?
No. windows-latest is a moving label, not a permanent alias for one Windows release. In January 2022, GitHub said it would migrate that label from Server 2019 to Server 2022 over eight weeks; the announcement explained that the job log shows the virtual environment used. In July 2025, GitHub announced a further migration from Server 2022 to Server 2025, scheduled to finish by September 30, 2025. See the 2022 migration notice and the 2025 migration notice.
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- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
GitHub’s runner documentation notes that “latest” means the latest stable image GitHub provides; it may not be the newest OS version offered by the OS vendor. Use the explicit windows-2022 label when the named OS generation matters, and review the current reference before relying on its availability.
How to verify Visual Studio and other installed tools
Runner images are maintained and updated, so a release announcement alone cannot establish which precise Visual Studio workloads, SDKs, or tool versions are present for a job today. GitHub’s hosted-runner concepts documentation explains that standard images and included-software lists are maintained in actions/runner-images, with tools updated weekly. Workflow logs link to the included-software information for the runner that ran the job.
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- Note: Not suitable for MacBooks released after 2023 or devices with a protruding front camera; Not applicable to full-screen or notch-style tempered glass screen protectors; Do not use on the rear camera of the phone.
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- Open the Windows Server 2022 image README and check the relevant Visual Studio workload, SDK, or dependency.
- Open the workflow run in GitHub Actions and expand Set up job to confirm which environment actually ran and follow its included-software link.
- Compare the installed versions with your build requirements. If an exact version is essential, make the workflow verify it or install the required version explicitly rather than assuming the image will remain unchanged.
Choosing between `windows-2022` and `windows-latest`
| Choice | What it selects | When it fits | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
windows-2022 |
The explicitly named Windows Server 2022 image, where currently available in GitHub’s hosted-runner reference. | Your build or tests depend on that OS generation. | Current label availability, runner specifications, image software list, and the job’s actual environment. |
windows-latest |
GitHub’s latest stable Windows image; the OS can change as GitHub migrates the label. | You want to follow GitHub’s latest stable image and can accommodate planned environment changes. | Migration notices, compatibility with image contents, and the OS shown in each relevant job log. |
GitHub says beta and deprecated images are offered as-is and may not be covered by customer support or service-level agreements. Check the status of a label in the current runner reference before depending on it.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Rank #4
- Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The anti-slip surface provides a strong grip for laptops up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), while the double rubber strip on the bottom ensures a stable display or typing experience on your lap, couch, or bed.
- Retractable Mouse Pad - Retractable laptop mouse pad extends on both directions for the left/right handed with elevation along the edges for stopping mouse from falling off. The size of laptop tray is 14" X 9.7" and the size of mouse pad is 7.4" X 6.1".
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