In 2021, Microsoft made a big impression by unveiling Windows 11, the new version of its operating system. And today, as the rollout continues, rumors are already circulating about Windows 12.

And if you think Windows 12 won’t be released for a very (very) long time, you’re wrong. Indeed, according to an article recently published by our colleagues from Windows Central, the Redmond company is about to adopt a new cycle, on which new versions of Windows will be released more quickly.

A new cycle, with new versions every 3 years?

More specifically, Microsoft would like to release a new version of its OS every three years. Thus, while Windows 11 was released in 2021, the firm would plan to release its successor, Windows 12, in 2024. But that’s not all. Apparently, Microsoft would also like to release updates to the current version more regularly.

Currently, major Windows 11 updates are released every year. However, according to Windows Central, on the new roadmap concocted by the Redmond firm, it would provide new features more frequently, up to four times a year. Moreover, Microsoft would have already tested this system by deploying new functionalities for the taskbar.

As usual, the info is still to be considered with caution, since it does not come from an official source. Moreover, Microsoft could still backtrack at this stage.

Good news for users

But in any case, it would be good news for Windows users who will be able to enjoy a new version of the operating system more often, while enjoying new features more frequently on the current version. As for Windows 12, the Windows Central article does not provide any information about what’s new in this OS.

Nevertheless, in February, we relayed another source which had already published information about this future operating system. According to this, Microsoft would do a major cleanup, abandoning the old elements that are part of the foundations of all versions of Windows, including Windows 11. On the other hand, the Redmond firm would use certain elements developed for Windows 10X (the operating system that should have been released for the Surface Neo tablet) on Windows 12. And when it comes to security, the Microsoft Pluto chip would become a requirement.

In any case, the new cycle mentioned by the Windows Central article would be a significant change for Windows. As a reminder, when Windows 10 was launched in 2015, Microsoft indicated that it would be the last version of the operating system. Yet last year, the firm released Windows 11. And now we learn that another version could be released in three years.

On the other hand, concerning the updates of the current version, with the old system, the engineers of Microsoft had to wait for the great annual update of Windows to deploy their novelties. But with the new system mentioned by Windows Central, these would have several occasions per year, which will allow these new features to reach users more quickly.

Finally, it should be noted that, still according to the same source, Microsoft plans to cancel the major Windows 11 update for 2023, codenamed Sun Valley 3, in favor of the new system.