Although it seemed that Microsoft would release Windows 12 in 2024, that is not the case. Read here why not and what you can expect with the 24H2 update.
Megan van der Wagt and Rob Coenraads
It has been suggested for some time that Microsoft would release the new Windows 12 operating system this year, as in this Windows 12 article. However, it has now become clear that only a (major) update of Windows 11 will be released in 2024. Microsoft indicates that Windows 11 version 24H2 will be this year’s annual feature update. Insiders can test this new version in the Canary and Dev channels as Build 26052.
24H2 features and updates
Many new features of the new Windows update have now been announced. For example, users receive updates for the AI ​​assistant Copilot, accessibility features, the microphone test and Bluetooth devices.
Also, the sudo command, which allows Linux users to activate administrator privileges, will also be coming to Windows. This update allows certain commands to run with administrator privileges, without having to run the entire terminal window.
In addition, Microsoft makes it easier to send many files. The company does this by adding support for 7-zip archives and tarballs to the file explorer. This makes creating an archive of compressed files a lot easier than it is now. In addition, some changes are being made to the SMB protocol, which should make it easier and safer to share files between computers.
There will also be a more extensive energy saving mode. Nevertheless, Windows 11 24H2 will not simply be an extension of the current version, but the offering will also be cut. With the new Windows version, the Tips app and Wordpad will disappear from the operating system.
Additionally, administrators now have the option in Registry Editor to search only the selected key and sub-keys.
The Windows 11 24H2 update will probably be released in September or October 2024.
Why no Windows 12 in 2024?
Although Microsoft would actually launch Windows 12 this year, this will be in 2025. This is partly because it appears that Microsoft does not yet have everything in order to release a new version of the operating system.
I think it is just as important that support for Windows 10 will end at the end of 2025. On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will release the last security updates for Windows 10 and all further updates will only be available for Windows 11. Commercially speaking, the period around October 14, 2025 is of course the time to launch computers with Windows 12. And not only Microsoft thinks so, but also computer manufacturers such as Lenovo, HP, Asus, Dell, etc.
