Microsoft has announced the next version of Windows, and it's not Windows 12 – Windows 11

While it is good to know that Microsoft is planning a major update to its current operating system, the news may disappoint those who were hoping for the release of Windows 12. Windows 11 version 24H2 is expected to be available to users next September or October. Microsoft will reportedly continue to improve the user experience with the help of AI as well as push upgrades aimed at improving productivity, multitasking, and more.

Although many analysts and industry observers expected the Windows 11 successor to arrive earlier than expected, largely due to the company's heavy focus on next-gen features and AI experiences, it looks like we won't see Windows 12 in 2024. The release is codenamed “Hudson Valley” and was expected to be announced in mid-2024 while the official release was expected in the second half of 2024.

according to Windows Central websiteConfirmation of the release of the largest annual update to the operating system comes from A Change log file (change log) to the Preview Build for Windows 11 published on February 8, 2024. Microsoft says: “Starting today with build 26-xx, Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev channels will be able to see the build number updated in Settings > System > About “This indicates that Windows 11, version 24H2 will be this year's annual feature update.”

It is very beneficial to upgrade to Windows 11 24H2 edition as it is expected to provide significant improvements and user support capabilities using artificial intelligence. Let's not forget the exciting debut of Windows Copilot, the AI-based digital assistant that even got its own key on the latest generation of Windows PC keyboards. New AI features in Windows will be accelerated by the embedded Neural Processing Units (NPUs) found inside the latest processor models from AMD, Intel, and Qualcomm.

There seem to be several important reasons why Microsoft is “sticking” with Windows 11 rather than moving to the next generation. One reason may be the departure of Panos Panai, the former head of the Windows and Surface divisions who led the company's operating system development since 2020. The company may be hesitant to release Windows 12 during this transition period. Another important reason may be the “fragmentation” of its user base. The third version of Windows is likely to “confuse” things even more as there are only a few users – and businesses – who are still using the Windows 10 version (although according to information, the number of Windows 11 users is more than double). Microsoft plans to end support for Windows 10 in October 2025. It's reasonable to expect the company to introduce Windows 12 around that time.