Instead of Windows 12, Microsoft is working on a major OS overhaul

Previously, it was believed that Microsoft might debut the new Windows 12 in 2024, along with the next system update. However, it seems like a major update for Windows 11 is currently in the pipeline. Windows Central reports that the company is working on the next system update for Windows. The new update has been codenamed Hudson Valley.

It is expected that the new update will arrive later, at some point this year. It will arrive as ‘version 24H2.’ As compared to the 2023 version 23H2, the new 24H2 is believed to be a significantly major update. The upcoming update will be available to manufacturers by April. However, current Windows 11 users can’t access it until September this year. This timeline is in line with the arrival of next-gen AI PCs and experiences in the market.

AI heavily influenced the new upgrade, and because of the timing, there were rumors that it was Windows 12. Sources close to the publication claim it is unlikely now that Panos Panay, the former head of Windows, has left the firm. Notably, the new update won’t be a number update. Instead, it is going to be a major revamp of Windows 11. The new update is expected to feature an array of new features including AI and non-AI.

Reportedly, the new update will comprise snap layout updates, quick settings updates, an updated energy saver mode, copilot updates, file explorer updates, phone link updates, and more. Besides the new features, version 24H2 will include several improvements like security, UX, performance, and others. For quite some time now, some of these improvements have been tested by the company in the Canary Channel.

In addition to this, it seems like some of the built-in legacy apps like People, Movies and TV, Maps, Amil, Calendar, and Cortana won’t be a part of the new update. According to the publication, Wordpad will also be eliminated, though not until a later version.