- Intel CFO revealed that a new “Windows refresh” is coming in 2024.
- The information coincides with the new schedule release cycle for Windows.
- Although it’s not official, it’s likely that Microsoft may call it “Windows 12.”
It appears that “Windows 12” may actually launch in 2024. According to a new report from PCGamer, Intel’s CFO, David Zinser, has referenced a coming “Windows refresh” next year that aligns with previous rumors of the next version of the operating system.
During a conversation with Citi, Intel’s CFO said that 2024 “is going to be a pretty good year for client, in particular, because of the Windows refresh.” He continued by saying that the “installed base is pretty old and does require a refresh,” and next year “may be the start of that, given the Windows catalyst.”
Although the transcript doesn’t specifically note the wording “Windows 12,” Microsoft usually doesn’t refer to a normal update as a refresh. The only time the company used the “refresh” reference was during the development of Windows 11 when Windows 10 was still the latest version.
Furthermore, back in 2022, the company made changes to its release schedule to roll back to the three-year development cycle for the client version of Windows, similar to older versions (such as Windows XP, Vista, and 7). This means that knowing that Windows 11 was originally launched in October 2021, it’s only logical to assume that the next version could arrive in October 2024 (three years later).
Another report from Windows Central also points out that sources familiar with the project say that Microsoft is increasing focus on the next version of the operating system, and the development is expected to be completed by the second half of 2024.
It’s too early to discuss the features that will become part of “Windows 12.” However, the company will likely continue updating the interface with visual changes and focusing even further on integrating AI and functionalities powered by cloud services.
Also, recently, a rumor started to circulate on the internet about the company planning to introduce a subscription plan to use Windows 12, but the rumor has been quickly dismissed as the software giant doesn’t have any plans to make users pay to use the client version of the operating system.
In the meantime, Microsoft is still in the middle of rolling out new features to Windows 11 with the October 2023 (Moment 4) update that arrives on October 10 as a mandatory install for version 22H2. Windows 11 23H2 is still on track and will arrive sometime before the end of the year with the same features as the update for version 22H2 but with some additional changes.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows expert and the Editor-in-Chief who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He is also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 12 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows, software, and related technologies, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.