In 2026, Microsoft is working to salvage Windows 11's reputation. The OS, released five years ago, previously faced a severe brand crisis. Microsoft has promised to deliver numerous feature and performance upgrades this year.
The August Windows 11 preview update will bring more upgrades, including long-awaited changes to the taskbar and Start menu. Microsoft will open up more customization options, and combined with other existing improvements, these updates are expected to address some of the most intense complaints about Windows 11.
This led the Windows Central website to propose an idea:With so many improvements in Windows 11, should it be renamed Windows 12? Some believe the current upgrade content is substantial enough, as the previous K2 project brought more features and performance optimizations.
Regarding the skepticism from many about the minimal changes to the system's underlying code, the article argues that OS upgrades don't necessarily require fundamental code changes. Maintaining basic consistency between generations is actually the norm.
The cleverness and absurdity of this idea are quite striking. As many know, there were rumors a few years ago that Microsoft was developing Windows 12, which would involve comprehensive improvements to the underlying code to make it the most suitable OS for the AI era.
According to previous leaks, Windows 12 was supposed to debut last year and launch this year, perfectly timing its release to replace Windows 11, which will have been out for five years.
However, Microsoft has never confirmed the existence of Windows 12,Late last year, they announced the company's goal was to transform Windows 11 into the OS for the AI era, implying that Windows 12 would not be released anytime soon.
Of course, the article also mentions a concern: theyThere is concern that if Microsoft truly renames the K2 project's Windows 11 to Windows 12, it might revive the AI PC concept, using Copilot+ PC marketing to justify this new Windows 12.
As everyone knows, the marketing of Copilot+ PCs over the past year has been less than successful, even arguably a failure. The concept of AI PCs has not been widely accepted, especially given the higher cost associated with purchasing such devices.