In 2022, internal shifts at Microsoft signaled a change in how Windows is updated:
: Microsoft may stick with the "Windows 11" branding longer to avoid further fragmenting the user base, given that many PCs still cannot officially run Windows 11 due to hardware requirements. Summary of Key Dates Early 2022 First reports of a three-year release cycle. Late 2022
: Reports indicated Microsoft would return to a traditional three-year major release cycle (similar to the gap between Windows Vista, 7, and 8).
Concept UI with a floating taskbar accidentally teased at Ignite.
: Instead of a "Windows 12" launch in 2024, Microsoft focused on the Windows 11 2024 Update (24H2) . This version includes many of the "AI PC" features originally rumored for Windows 12.
: Instead of waiting years for new features, Microsoft introduced "Moments"—smaller, more frequent feature drops for Windows 11.
In 2022, internal shifts at Microsoft signaled a change in how Windows is updated:
: Microsoft may stick with the "Windows 11" branding longer to avoid further fragmenting the user base, given that many PCs still cannot officially run Windows 11 due to hardware requirements. Summary of Key Dates Early 2022 First reports of a three-year release cycle. Late 2022 In 2022, internal shifts at Microsoft signaled a
: Reports indicated Microsoft would return to a traditional three-year major release cycle (similar to the gap between Windows Vista, 7, and 8). Concept UI with a floating taskbar accidentally teased
Concept UI with a floating taskbar accidentally teased at Ignite. : Instead of waiting years for new features,
: Instead of a "Windows 12" launch in 2024, Microsoft focused on the Windows 11 2024 Update (24H2) . This version includes many of the "AI PC" features originally rumored for Windows 12.
: Instead of waiting years for new features, Microsoft introduced "Moments"—smaller, more frequent feature drops for Windows 11.
