The next major release of Windows, Windows 11 24H2, has made its first appearance in the Windows Insider builds released to the Canary and Dev channels. Some of the new features include the addition of Sudo for Windows, better support for hearing aids, support for creating 7-zip and TAR archives in File Explorer, an energy-saving mode, and new changes to the SMB protocol. These features might be released to all Windows 11 users before the end of the year, as Microsoft has a practice of dropping new features in small batches throughout the year during the Windows 11 era.
The early change to the 24H2 numbering is a departure from last year, indicating that this update might be fairly significant in scope. Additionally, some news outlets and users have taken the update’s announcement as proof that the rumored “Windows 12” won’t happen this year. However, the existence of Windows 12 has never been confirmed or denied by Microsoft, so it doesn’t necessarily preclude a Windows 12 launch this year. To date, Microsoft hasn’t imposed any specific system requirements for certain AI features in Windows, but this could change in the future.
In conclusion, while the early release of Windows 11 24H2 suggests a significant update, it doesn’t decisively confirm or deny the existence of Windows 12. Additionally, AI was said to be a major focus for the hypothetical Windows 12, but Microsoft has not commented on these rumors and speculations. Therefore, it’s unclear whether Windows 12 will be launched this year or if it will happen at all.