Previous speculation about Microsoft moving away from a three-year update cycle for Windows turned out to be true. In an official blog post, Microsoft announced that “Windows 11 24H2” will be the major feature update for 2024, pushing the anticipated release of Windows 12 into 2025 or later.
Windows 11 24H2 Announced as Major Feature Update for 2024
Microsoft subtly revealed this strategy shift in the changelog for a recent Windows 11 Insider Preview Build. The changelog states:
“Starting with Build 26-xx today, Windows Insiders in the Canary and Dev Channels will see the versioning updated under Settings > System > About (and winver) to version 24H2. This denotes that Windows 11, version 24H2 will be this year’s annual feature update. As mentioned here, Windows 11 will have an annual feature update cadence that releases in the second half of the calendar year.”
The company is now clearly committed to one annual feature update for Windows 11, scheduled for release in the second half of each year. This marks a change from smaller, more frequent “Moments” updates seen in the past.
Concerns about Userbase Fragmentation
This decision may stem from Microsoft’s concern about exacerbating userbase fragmentation. Windows 10 continues to hold a dominant 66% market share, while Windows 11 trails behind at 28%. Introducing Windows 12 in 2024 could further divide the Windows ecosystem, a situation Microsoft likely wants to avoid.
AI-Powered Features and Advancements
Instead, users can expect substantial AI-powered features and other advancements with the Windows 11 24H2 update. The exact details of what these AI features will be are still up in the air, but we can expect more details to come out in the coming months.
However, previously rumored concepts, like a redesigned desktop interface with a “floating taskbar” as a characteristic of Windows 12 won’t materialize in the immediate future. So a significant visual overhaul for Windows is unlikely before 2025.
Release Timing and Availability
Regarding release timing, Windows 11 24H2 builds will reach manufacturers (RTM) in April 2024. General public availability is tentatively expected sometime between September and October 2024.
Let us know your thoughts. Are you disappointed about the Windows 12 delay?
