Microsoft has confirmed that its next iteration of Windows will not be Windows 12, as many had speculated. Instead, the company will be releasing Windows 11 24H2 as the next version of its operating system. This decision comes after much online debate and anticipation regarding what Microsoft would name its next Windows release.
Windows 11, which was released after Windows 10, has been trailing behind its predecessor in terms of user adoption. Many expected Microsoft to announce Windows 12 as a way to reinvigorate interest in its operating system, offering users a “new” OS instead of just a feature update. However, it seems that Microsoft has decided to stick with Windows 11 and focus on improving it through regular feature updates.
The news of Microsoft’s decision was shared in a recent update on the Windows 11 blog, which detailed changes in test builds for the dev and canary channels. The blog mentioned that users installing the latest 26052 build would see the OS version number change, indicating that Windows 11, version 24H2, will be this year’s annual feature update. Microsoft also reaffirmed its commitment to releasing one feature update per year, with the update expected to arrive in the fall, most likely around September.
Despite the understated nature of the announcement, Microsoft is expected to bring enhanced AI capabilities to Windows 11 with this update. This aligns with the company’s focus on AI, as seen in its recent efforts to integrate AI features into its products and services. Windows Central suggests that Microsoft’s decision not to release Windows 12 is to avoid further dividing its user base between different versions of its OS. By sticking with Windows 11, Microsoft can ensure that users stay on a more unified platform, which could help drive adoption rates and provide a more consistent experience for users.