Since the release of Windows 11, there has been much talk about what new versions of the widely popular operating system could have in store. In 2023, Statista reported that Microsoft's Windows was the leading computer operating system in the United States with a market share of over 54.7 percent. Apple's macOS comparatively only had a 30.6 percent share. Because of this, it’s no surprise that there’s continuous anticipation on what new updates could be included, especially with increased inclusion of Microsoft Copilot throughout its software ecosystem. We’ve summarized a few of the talking points circulating on the World Wide Web. 

The Name

There’s been a mixed bag of rumors on what Microsoft would name their next iteration of Windows. Early conversations referred to the next version of Windows as Next Valley, though in follow-up conversations, Hudson Valley became the most widely accepted code name for the next iteration of Windows. Though the final decision will have to wait on an official announcement from Microsoft, there is still much weight in people’s expectation that the next version of Windows being titled, Windows 12.

The Features

Most people’s hopes are typically intertwined within expectations - or demands - on what should be released with the newest iterations of Windows. While most are left to speculation, it wouldn’t be a surprise that Microsoft continues to integrate Ai into their software more and more, especially with Microsoft Copilot’s growing popularity. Copilot was already available as a preview in Windows 10 and 11, so it would make sense to continue to expand its capabilities within the operating system.
 

It’s also worth noting that a large base of users stayed on Windows 10 because of the new hardware requirements, especially TPM , or Trusted Platform Module, that it seems unlikely that the next version of Windows would include any drastic hardware requirements. We can deduce that any major upgrades would be associated more in hand with handling any heavy Ai capabilities.

We know that UI updates is something that Microsoft hasn’t strayed away from in the past. In fact, these updates have defined eras throughout some of its major releases. Much hasn’t been officially published from Microsoft in terms of what to expect, however, keen-eyed followers have observed a few “hints” at what could be in the works.

Such observations came after Microsoft's Ignite 2022 where observers claimed that the keynote may have leaked early versions of a floating search bar and task bar. Whether this was truly a leaked early concept or something mature in the development stream, concepts will continue to fill the imaginations of Microsoft Windows fans as they patiently wait for the launch of the next release.

The Release

Based on a potential 3-year update proposed release schedule, it was anticipated that a new version of Windows would be coming out this year. However, it was announced this year that the company would stick to its “annual feature update” with the upcoming release of 24H2 for Windows 11. It seems Microsoft may still have several bugs to work out, since as of February 16, they noted that they would put a hold on their Copilot in Windows features and “will begin rolling it out again after fixing a few bugs.”

Considering that Microsoft is heavily marketing and pumping resources into incorporating Copilot into its suite of products, it’s fair to say that they want to make sure all the bugs are worked out before launching any major release of their flagship operating system. This may break a pattern of releasing a new Windows version in tandem with a new release of Office, which has already announced an LTSC preview of Office 2024, with general availability expected later this year.

Stay tuned as the Windows saga continues and we’ll continue sharing any updates as they come to light.