It's not “Windows 12”: Microsoft keeps Windows 11 branding despite major changes
Windows 11 Revamp: Why No Windows 12?
Microsoft has decided to maintain the Windows 11 branding, despite significant updates planned for the operating system. These changes, announced at the Build developer conference, include enhancements to better support Arm systems and integrate AI technologies, yet there won't be a shift to "Windows 12" as speculated. The updates aim to modernize Windows 11, with improvements such as a new compiler and kernel designed to optimize for the Arm64 instruction set, although it's unclear if there will be noticeable benefits for users on current x86 systems.
How is the new update for Windows 11 designed to enhance support for Arm systems and integrate Microsoft's AI focus?
The new update for Windows 11, referred to as the 24H2 update, is specifically designed to enhance support for Arm systems and integrate Microsoft's AI focus through several key technological advancements15. Microsoft has reengineered Windows 11 to better utilize the Arm64 instruction set, which is crucial for optimizing performance on Arm-based devices1. This includes the development of a new compiler and a new kernel that are built on top of this compiler, ensuring that the operating system is more effectively tailored to the unique architecture of Arm systems1.
Additionally, the update introduces new schedulers within the operating system that are designed to leverage the capabilities of new System on Chip (SoC) architectures3. These schedulers are likely to enhance the efficiency and performance of AI applications and processes, aligning with Microsoft's emphasis on AI integration. This focus on AI is evident in the company's efforts to embed AI inference capabilities at every layer of the operating system, which promises to enhance the functionality and responsiveness of AI features within Windows 11.
Overall, the 24H2 update represents a significant step in modernizing Windows 11 to better support emerging technologies like Arm processors and advanced AI applications, ensuring that the operating system remains compatible and performs optimally on modern hardware configurations13.
Why has Microsoft decided not to proceed with a "Windows 12" update at this time?
Microsoft has chosen not to proceed with a "Windows 12" update at this time for several reasons. Primarily, the company is focusing on enhancing Windows 11, particularly in terms of integrating advanced AI capabilities and optimizing for ARM64 architectures. This strategy involves substantial under-the-hood improvements such as a new compiler and kernel, along with updated schedulers that leverage the new system-on-chip (SoC) architectures1.
Additionally, Microsoft aims to maintain continuity with the existing Windows 11 user interface and branding, rather than starting anew and potentially disrupting the momentum Windows 11 has gained13. Despite mixed growth metrics, Windows 11 has amassed a user base of between 400 to 500 million active users13. The decision to stick with Windows 11 also allows Microsoft to continue building on its foundation, which remains closely related to Windows 10, sharing many underlying technologies and system requirements6.
In essence, Microsoft's decision to avoid launching "Windows 12" reflects a strategic choice to focus on incremental but significant enhancements within the existing framework of Windows 11, rather than introducing a completely new version that might complicate the user experience and adoption13.