Windows 12 in 2024? Intel CFO claims refresh is coming

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Is Microsoft going to release a new version of Windows, maybe called Windows 12, in 2024? The company is as usual tight lipped when it comes to new product releases, which means that information about the next Windows is coming from third-party sources and internal leaks at the moment.

Intel Chief Financial Officer David Zinser mentioned a "Windows refresh" that is coming in 2024 in a conversation with Citi. Discovered by PCGamer, Zinser said in the conversation: "We actually think '24 is going to be a pretty good year for client, in particular, because of the Windows refresh. And we still think that the installed base is pretty old and does require a refresh and we think next year may be the start of that, given the Windows catalyst. So we're optimistic about how things will play out beginning in '24."

Microsoft released Windows 11 in 2021 as the successor of Windows 10. Windows 10 is running out of support in 2025. Microsoft raised system requirements when it released Windows 11, which blocks millions of devices from being upgraded to it.

Windows refresh suggests that Microsoft could release a new operating system or a refresh of Windows 11, similarly to how Windows 8.1 is seen as a refresh of Windows 8. While Windows 12 is not mentioned specifically, anything but a major new Windows release would probably not affect Intel's revenue predictions this much.

Windows Central notes that the term refresh was also used to describe Windows 11 before its reveal in 2021. The site claims that development of this next version of Windows is "in full swing" and that its source suggest that "most of the work" could be complete by mid 2024.

 The next version of Windows will focus on integrating AI and cloud services deeper into the operating system. There will also be some design and interface changes, but nothing is fixed at this stage.

Whether Windows 11 development is going to end at that point or not is unclear. Microsoft could push Windows 12 as an update for Windows 11, similarly to a feature update. In any event, Microsoft guarantees 2 years of updates for any Windows 11 release. This would give organizations and users enough time to make the upgrade decision, if Microsoft decides to put Windows 11 in the backseat.

2024 will be an interesting year for Windows, if the next version of Windows is really released in the year. Microsoft has about a year left, if true. It will be interesting to see if Microsoft plans to release early copies as Insider builds for testing.

Windows users who are disheartened by recent developments, especially the integration of more and more promotions and ads in Windows 11, may not like the general direction of development, as it promises more of the same.

Still, it is too early to judge an operating system that has not been officially confirmed by Microsoft.

Now You: are you excited about a Windows refresh?
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