What to Expect in Windows 12: Leaks, Rumors, and More

pcmag.com:

Let’s be clear from the start: Microsoft hasn’t officially commented on whether it's developing Windows 12. But credible leaks, rumors, and other indicators strongly suggest we'll get a Windows 12 in 2024—much quicker than the move from Windows 10 to Windows 11.

Six years passed between the launch of those two OSes, and Windows 11 only appeared two years ago. But prior to Windows 10, major releases did arrive every three years, at least from Windows Vista on, so a new version of Windows relatively soon is not out of the question.

The first inkling of a Windows 12 coming sooner than expected happened when Microsoft reportedly started implementing a new update cadence for the OS, with major versions to come every three years. That puts a Windows 12 release in 2024.

The company previously announced that it would be doing annual rather than twice-yearly feature updates to Windows—22H2 is an example. If the annual updates are true, and Microsoft is planning to release Windows 12 in 2024, then we wouldn’t see a 24H2 for Windows 11 at all, but we could probably look forward to a 23H2, at any rate.

Most of what’s presumed to be known about Windows 12 comes from a single source: Windows Central’s Zac Bowden(Opens in a new window), who has a decent track record when it comes to Windows predictions. Highlights among his leaks about Windows 12 include that the OS will have AI features built-in, that it will switch to a lightweight modular code, and that its codename is Hudson Valley.

Another recent peek at a potential Windows 12 came at Microsoft Ignite,(Opens in a new window) a conference that focuses on the IT community. The company let slip a Windows desktop interface with an altered appearance, which many have concluded