Windows 11 Future

When Windows 11 was first released, Microsoft promised to switch to a one big feature update a year cadence (it was 2 for Windows 10 for a few years, one in Spring, one in Fall). Then a few months later they changed their mind.

So, they started to release some new features with regular monthly cumulative updates (which usually came with security and quality updates (ie: Patch Tuesday). Windows 11 feature updates came about every 4 months and some folks called these updates “Moments”.

Moment 1: released October 2022

Moment 2: released February 2023

Moment 3: released June 2023

Moment 4: released October 2023

Moment 5: Planned release February 2024

Moment 5, as it’s called, is going to be compliant with the Digital Markets Act (DMA) in the European Economic Area (EEA)

The biggest changes will allow PC users in EEA markets to uninstall Microsoft Edge, disable Bing in Windows Search, and turn off the Microsoft News feed and ads in the Widgets Board.

The company is also ensuring Windows 11 acknowledges user defaults and will allow users to uninstall almost all in-box apps from the Windows OS.

Some of my favorite changes Microsoft is making to Windows 11 is ensuring the OS remembers the users’ default application settings. Whether it’s a web browser, PDF reader or email client, Windows will now respect your default choice. They’re also working on a way to fix problems with Windows 11 using a new feature called “Fix Problems using Windows Update”. The much-desired feature will enable users to reinstall, update, and repair Windows 11 without needing an external flash drive and, more importantly, without losing files stored on the computer, including documents, software applications, multimedia (pictures, videos), or anything else.

The Moment 5 update for Windows 11 23H2 will be the only “Moment” update for the OS until the next annual update, codenamed “Hudson Valley”, is released in the fall of 2024. This update, which may or may not be called “Windows 12”, will reportedly double down on AI features, with a new Copilot assistant that could run in the background.

Microsoft has reportedly cancelled Windows 11 version 23H2. This is because the company is exploring a new strategy where it plans to release new Windows versions every three years, with smaller feature updates for existing versions.

Windows 11 will continue to get new features in the coming years. At some point. Windows 12 will debut with significant changes. If the company follows the same strategy, you can also expect Windows 13 to arrive in the next ten years.

Thanks to the Microsoft community and Windows Central