Windows 12 might not be called Windows 12 after all. What does that mean? We will clarify as much as possible.
So not now?
The fact that we can expect a new Windows in 2024 has been almost certain in the past few months and was even expected in some cases in the summer – even if it was clear from the start that this was more likely to be a major update for Windows 11 than just one Operating system rebuilt from scratch.
What has not changed is that this update is scheduled to appear in 2024. What is new, however, is the assumption that Microsoft could not call the update Windows 12 after all.
Windows 12 remains Windows 11? That is known
What happened? The usually well-informed website Windows Central has published an article summarizing what’s expected for the big AI update for Windows this year.
In it, however, she titles the update as Windows 11 24H2 and not as Windows 12. The reason for this is stated straight away in the text: We have learned from unspecified sources that a name change to Windows 12 is currently considered unlikely.
Since Panos Panay’s departure in September 2023 (Golem reported) a classic function update at Microsoft seems to be preferred. Panay was head of Windows and devices at Microsoft for 19 years.
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Why is that important? Assuming that Windows Central’s insider information is correct, at first glance it doesn’t seem like much will change other than a name that hasn’t even been officially announced yet.
At second glance, this seems to reinforce the fact that although you can expect a fair amount of change in an update with 24H2, it probably won’t quite reach the status of a completely new Windows version.
An update like a YouTuber dreams of in his fan design seems a long way off:
What does that mean for you? Apparently little has changed in the expected scope of the update. For a functional update, 24H2 should still be comparatively large. There are of course the mandatory security updates and some quality-of-life improvements, for example when setting up Wi-Fi or printing.
There are rumors that, among other things, Microsoft wants to integrate an improved copilot into the operating system and link generative AI more closely to the Windows user interface – for example with the search function or various apps and files. The generative AI should also help to automatically sort windows appropriately.
In addition, one expects a customization of the file explorer as well as the ability to compress files with 7zip and TAR. Microsoft is also said to be revising Phone Link as well as the quick settings and power saving options.
When can you try the update yourself? As the name of the update suggests, a release is expected in the second half of 2024. Windows Central, citing unspecified sources, is more specific and speaks of September.
At this point, compatible computers should gradually receive the update automatically. However, eager early adopters can probably install it manually as usual.
