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Windows 12

No Windows 12 at Build, but Microsoft has something else up its sleeve
Winsage
June 2, 2026

No Windows 12 at Build, but Microsoft has something else up its sleeve

Pavan Davuluri, President of Microsoft’s Windows + Devices division, announced that Windows 12 will not be released at Build 2026, dispelling speculation about the new OS. Microsoft is shifting focus towards enhancing high-performance gaming and integrating local AI capabilities into the Arm architecture, in collaboration with Nvidia and MediaTek. The Nvidia N1X Arm processor will debut in the Surface Laptop Ultra, which features a powerful NVIDIA Blackwell RTX GPU and up to 128GB of unified memory, designed for demanding tasks like AI creation and 3D rendering, with 1 petaflop of AI compute power.
Windows 12 at Build 2026: What to expect
Winsage
May 26, 2026

Windows 12 at Build 2026: What to expect

Microsoft Build 2026 will occur on June 2 and 3 at the Fort Mason Center in San Francisco, featuring a keynote by CEO Satya Nadella. The event targets AI developers and enterprise teams, emphasizing a hands-on experience. In-person tickets are priced at ,099, while the keynote and select sessions will be streamed live for free. Although there is speculation about Windows 12, Microsoft has not officially confirmed its release, with reports indicating that 2027 may be the earliest for any announcement. Current initiatives include Windows K2, aimed at improving Windows 11's performance and reliability. Build 2026 is expected to cover topics such as native Windows development with WinUI 3, on-device AI capabilities, security for AI applications, and enhancements to the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). In-person attendance will be limited, and visa support is available for international attendees.
6 months after Windows 10 was put to pasture, over a quarter of Steam users are still on the dying OS
Winsage
May 4, 2026

6 months after Windows 10 was put to pasture, over a quarter of Steam users are still on the dying OS

Windows holds a 93.47% share of users on Steam, but only 67.74% have upgraded to Windows 11 nearly five years after its launch, with 25.53% still using Windows 10. The adoption of Windows 11 has been hindered by the TPM 2.0 requirement and high hardware costs. Linux's share of Steam users decreased from 5% to 4.52%. Governments, including France, are considering alternatives to Windows.
How Microsoft hopes to win back enthusiasts: A deep dive into the Windows Insider reboot
Winsage
April 25, 2026

How Microsoft hopes to win back enthusiasts: A deep dive into the Windows Insider reboot

Microsoft is making significant changes to the Windows Insider Program to address user feedback and improve community engagement. Key changes include: - A simplified channel strategy with clearer purpose-driven channels: an Experimental track for early feature flags and a Beta track for more predictable releases. - Introduction of a feature-flags page in Experimental builds, allowing testers to opt into visible features. - Easier movement between channels without needing complete reinstalls. - Assignment of Directly Responsible Individuals (DRIs) to oversee specific areas based on community feedback. Upcoming features for Windows 11 include new taskbar positioning options, improved integration of Copilot, enhanced File Explorer functionality, and a redesigned Feedback Hub. Microsoft aims to rebuild trust by focusing on quality in Beta builds and publicly acknowledging community contributions. The company is prioritizing refining Windows 11 over launching a new version, Windows 12.
silver Android smartphone
Winsage
April 25, 2026

How Microsoft hopes to win back enthusiasts: A deep dive into the Windows Insider reboot

Microsoft is revamping the Windows Insider Program in response to community feedback, acknowledging past shortcomings such as confusing channels and lack of transparency in feature rollouts. Key changes include a simplified channel strategy with an Experimental track for early features and a Beta track for more stable releases, a feature-flags page for testers, easier transitions between channels, and the introduction of Directly Responsible Individuals (DRIs) for accountability in specific areas. The company aims to improve Windows 11's quality and user experience, focusing on community engagement and measurable goals to rebuild trust. Concerns about the shift to web view apps are acknowledged, with a commitment to optimizing performance. Microsoft is prioritizing enhancements to Windows 11 over launching a new version, emphasizing a collaborative approach with the community.
I got an inside look at the plan to bring the soul back to Windows 11 — Microsoft’s bet on quality, community, and making the OS feel human again
Winsage
April 24, 2026

I got an inside look at the plan to bring the soul back to Windows 11 — Microsoft’s bet on quality, community, and making the OS feel human again

Microsoft is implementing significant changes to the Windows Insider Program and Windows 11 to enhance user engagement and address feedback from the community. Key changes include: - A simplified channel strategy with clearer purpose-driven channels: an Experimental track for early feature flags and a Beta track for a more predictable experience. - Introduction of a feature-flags page in Experimental builds, allowing testers to opt into visible features. - Easier transitions between channels without the need for complete reinstalls. - The appointment of Directly Responsible Individuals (DRIs) for each priority area to synthesize feedback and telemetry for improvements. Upcoming enhancements for Windows 11 include new taskbar positioning options, improved integration of Copilot, updates to File Explorer, and better user control over updates and widgets. A redesigned Feedback Hub will streamline the feedback submission process. Microsoft acknowledges the need for accountability and aims to rebuild trust within the community by ensuring quality in Beta builds and publicly recognizing community contributions. The focus will remain on refining Windows 11 rather than launching a new version like Windows 12. The company is committed to reengineering the Windows experience to provide users with more control and flexibility.
Windows Wrap: Surface is raising prices while lowering ambition
Winsage
April 21, 2026

Windows Wrap: Surface is raising prices while lowering ambition

Microsoft has raised prices for its current generation of Surface devices, causing concerns about the market viability of the upcoming Surface Pro 12 and Surface Laptop 8. The company is facing an identity crisis while refining Windows 11, with some suggesting a transition to Windows 12. The price increases come at a time when Surface is struggling to compete with Apple's MacBook Neo in the budget segment. The upcoming Surface models may lack powerful chips from Intel and Qualcomm, which could hinder their appeal. In the meantime, alternatives like the ASUS Zenbook A16 and HP OmniBook X Flip 2-in-1 are being highlighted for consumers seeking options.
silver Android smartphone
Winsage
April 19, 2026

Zorin OS 18.1 adds guided migrations, stronger app compatibility and wider hardware support, making switching from Windows far more practical for millions [clone]

Zorin OS has released version 18.1, enhancing hardware compatibility and introducing fingerprint reader support for older devices. The update recommends native Linux alternatives when detecting Windows applications, making it easier for users transitioning from Windows. Since the end of support for Windows 10, Zorin OS has gained popularity, reaching 3.3 million downloads. The update supports over 240 Windows applications, suggesting compatible Linux versions, and includes improvements to desktop features and pre-installed applications. Zorin Lite has also been updated to version 17.3 with fingerprint reader support and a redesigned File Manager. Meanwhile, Windows 11 is facing challenges in adoption due to hardware requirements and design issues, prompting discussions about the potential need for Windows 12. Alternative operating systems like Zorin OS are becoming more appealing to users dissatisfied with Windows.
"Over 3.3 million downloads": This Linux alternative to Windows 11 is winning over Microsoft's customers with a huge update
Winsage
April 17, 2026

“Over 3.3 million downloads”: This Linux alternative to Windows 11 is winning over Microsoft’s customers with a huge update

Zorin OS, a Linux-based operating system, launched late last year alongside Microsoft's decision to end support for Windows 10 on October 14, leading to approximately 780,000 users migrating to Linux and a surge in Zorin OS downloads to 1 million. Three months later, Zorin OS 18 was released, increasing downloads to 2 million, and six months post-launch, total downloads reached 3.3 million. The latest version, Zorin OS 18.1, includes new features and improved hardware support, expanding its database to support over 240 Windows applications. Zorin Lite has also been updated to version 17.3, designed for older computers, featuring support for fingerprint readers and a redesigned File Manager. Meanwhile, Windows 11 has struggled with adoption due to strict hardware requirements but is gaining traction after the end-of-life status of Windows 10. Microsoft is working to improve user sentiment around Windows 11 by allowing users to bypass updates during setup and reintroducing features like a movable Taskbar. Some experts suggest that Microsoft should focus on developing Windows 12 instead of enhancing Windows 11, as significant improvements may require more drastic changes. Alternative operating systems like Zorin OS are becoming increasingly appealing to users dissatisfied with Windows.
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