According to Wccftech, Microsoft is preparing for next year's Windows 11 upgrade, prioritizing performance and reliability over releasing Windows 12. Rumors suggest this will be a major upgrade, with Windows 11 27H2 potentially becoming the largest update since 2024.
Microsoft may choose to replace or significantly update core components, marking a fundamental change rather than just enabling features like in this year's Windows 11 26H2. Similar to the situation with Windows 11 24H2, Microsoft will likely need to conduct more comprehensive compatibility testing for Windows 11 27H2, and the Windows Insider Program is expected to start earlier than usual.
Performance improvements are still expected to be the main priority for Windows 11 27H2. The latest optimizations have increased response speed by up to 20% and multitasking speed by 40% on systems with 8GB of RAM in Windows 11 26H2, reflecting Microsoft's renewed focus on operating system efficiency.
Another potential significant development concerns Intel's APX (Advanced Performance Extensions) instruction set, which aims to improve performance and efficiency in 64-bit scenarios. Currently, test versions of Windows 11 have begun publicly supporting APX, which is expected to enhance the performance of compatible processors running 64-bit applications in the future. It is not yet certain whether these optimizations will be released alongside Windows 11 27H2, as it depends on the final support from both hardware and software.
Additionally, Microsoft is preparing some new designs for Windows 11 27H2, including new default wallpapers. It is understood that the new wallpaper features folded colorful shapes surrounded by clouds, with different designs for consumer and commercial versions. Microsoft may choose to release the new wallpapers in January 2027, ahead of the major operating system update.