Microsoft moves to new Windows development cycle with major release every three years, feature drops in between


  • Staff
Microsoft is shifting to a new engineering schedule for Windows which will see the company return to a more traditional three-year release cycle for major versions of the Windows client, while simultaneously increasing the output of new features shipping to the current version of Windows on the market.

The news comes just a year after the company announced it was moving to a yearly release cadence for new versions of Windows. According to my sources, Microsoft now intends to ship “major” versions of the Windows client every three years, with the next release currently scheduled for 2024, three years after Windows 11 shipped in 2021.

This means that the originally planned 2023 client release of Windows (codenamed Sun Valley 3) has been scrapped, but that's not the end of the story. I’m told that with the move to this new development schedule, Microsoft is also planning to increase the output of new features rolling out to users on the latest version of Windows.

Read more:
 

Attachments

  • Windows_11.png
    Windows_11.png
    152 bytes · Views: 1
Last edited:
Better late than never!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    AMD 3990X
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Zenith II Extreme
    Memory
    CORSAIR Vengeance RGB PRO (4x16GB) DDR4 3600 (PC4-28800) C18
    Graphics Card(s)
    Asus ROG Strix RTX 3090
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung Odyssey G9 @ 240 Hz
    Screen Resolution
    5120 x 1440
    Hard Drives
    SEKC SM2502T 2TB NVMe M.2 (2TB X 3)
    PSU
    Corsair AXi Series, AX1600i, 1600 Watt, 80+ Titanium Certified, Fully Modular
    Case
    BGW10 Dark Base PRO 900 ATX
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro Series iCUE H115i PRO XT RGB (280mm)
    Keyboard
    SteelSeries Apex Pro
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
Better late than never!
So Windows 12 next year.

Actually what was wrong with issuing SP's (Service packs) every so often -- usually worked and was often a lot easier for updating systems that hadn't been regularly maintained than going through the myriad of KB updates - some of which can (and do fail) leaving systems often in unstable states and unable to update properly later due to regression problems etc in missing previous updates.

Cheers
jimbo
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows XP,7,10,11 Linux Arch Linux
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    2 X Intel i7
So Windows 12 next year.

Actually what was wrong with issuing SP's (Service packs) every so often -- usually worked and was often a lot easier for updating systems that hadn't been regularly maintained than going through the myriad of KB updates - some of which can (and do fail) leaving systems often in unstable states and unable to update properly later due to regression problems etc in missing previous updates.

Cheers
jimbo
Honestly they should have just kept windows 10 and updated windows 10 to 11 look/feel/improvements.

Now with 12 rumors I don't know what to think anymore.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 (NTLITE optimized)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Amd 8350 Overclocked to 4.7
    Motherboard
    Asus Sabertooth r2
    Memory
    2400 MHz DDR 3 GSkill
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia 1070
    Sound Card
    Denon receiver 7.1/Atmos
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LG C7
    Screen Resolution
    4k
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 840 512 gig
    Backup drive 18 terabyte hhd
    Cooling
    Hyper 212 Cpu cooler with case fans
    Keyboard
    Simple keyboard
    Mouse
    Simple mouse
    Internet Speed
    1.5 gig Fiber
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Never
Well.. while I'm not shocked I'm disappointed.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home(Beta) - 23H2 - 22635.3350
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Banana Junior 5600- G Series
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 5 5600G
    Motherboard
    Asus ROG Strix B550-F
    Memory
    G.SKILL Ripjaws V Series 64GB 4x16
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GeForce GTX TITAN X
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Viotek 32", 28" ASUS VP28U
    Screen Resolution
    1080p
    Hard Drives
    Primary SAMSUNG 970 EVO Plus
    PSU
    EVGA BQ 700w 80+ Bronze
    Case
    Zalman i3 NEO
    Cooling
    ARCTIC Freezer 7 X
    Keyboard
    Corsair
    Mouse
    Amazon Generic with Cord
    Internet Speed
    Download: 295.11 mbps Upload: 65.35 mbps T-Mobile Internet
    Browser
    Firefox and Edge
    Antivirus
    MS - Defender
    Other Info
    Speakers: Klipsch ProMedia 2.1
I too prefer the old Service Pack model (SP1, SP2, etc..). There's no point in reinventing the wheel.

The less disruption, the better.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 22H2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Microsoft Surface Pro
    Memory
    16GB
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 22H2
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS ExpertBook
    Memory
    16GB
Looks like Microsoft needs some consistency. They change their minds more than anyone or Corporation that I know of. I just hope they keep this change!
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Win 11 Pro 22631.3374
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Digital Storm Velox
    CPU
    Intel Core i9-10940X
    Motherboard
    MSI X299 PRO (Intel X299 Chipset) (Up to 4x PCI-E Devices)
    Memory
    128 GB DDR4 3200 MHz Corsair Vengance LPX
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti Black
    Sound Card
    Integrated Motherboard Audio-Realtek
    Monitor(s) Displays
    CORSAIR XENEON 32QHD
    Screen Resolution
    2560 x 1440
    Hard Drives
    2 Samsung 980 Pro NVME 2TB
    1x Storage (6TB Western Digital
    PSU
    Corsair / EVGA / Thermaltake (Modular) (80 Plus Gold)
    Case
    VELOX
    Cooling
    H20: Stage 2: Digital Storm Vortex Liquid CPU Cooler (Dual Fan) (Fully Sealed + No Maintenance)
    Keyboard
    Corsair K63 Wireless
    Mouse
    Corsair M65 Pro
    Internet Speed
    1000Gb's Down-20 Up
    Browser
    Firefox 124.0.1
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Cyber power CP1350AVRLCD -UPS
    NVIDIA 551.86 Driver
  • Operating System
    Arch Linux
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Intel NUC13ANHi3
    CPU
    Intel Core i3 1315u
    Motherboard
    NUC13AN
    Memory
    64GB GSKILL DDR4 3200
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel On Board
    Sound Card
    Intel on Board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell 2419HGCF
    Screen Resolution
    1920 X 1080
    Hard Drives
    1TB Crucial M2NVME
    PSU
    External 90 Watt
    Case
    NUC Tall
    Cooling
    Fan
    Mouse
    Razer
    Keyboard
    Logitech
    Internet Speed
    1GB
    Browser
    Slimjet 43.0.1.0
    Other Info
    quiet & fast
I too prefer the old Service Pack model (SP1, SP2, etc..). There's no point in reinventing the wheel.

The less disruption, the better.
Yes an downloadable service pack would be good, like in the old days!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro 23H2 (RP channel)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Gigabyte
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 5900X 12-core
    Motherboard
    X570 Aorus Xtreme
    Memory
    64GB Corsair Platinum RGB 3600MHz CL16
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI Suprim X 3080 Ti
    Sound Card
    Soundblaster AE-5 Plus
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS TUF Gaming VG289Q
    Screen Resolution
    3840x2160
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 990 Pro 2TB
    Samsung 980 Pro 2TB
    Samsung 970 Evo Plus 1TB
    Samsung 870 Evo 4TB
    Samsung T7 Touch 1TB
    PSU
    Asus ROG Strix 1000W
    Case
    Corsair D750 Airflow
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D15S
    Keyboard
    Asus ROG Flare
    Mouse
    Logitech G903 with PowerPlay charger
    Internet Speed
    500Mb/sec
    Browser
    Microsoft Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Looks like they have no idea what they're doing. First they say WaaS, non stop updates oooh boy trust us it's gonna be amazing. Then it turns out they can't do that. A few years pass and then they say ok it's actually gonna be a big update every two years, but it's still gonna be great. And guess what, that turns out to be just an excuse for the driest period of Win10 updates where we got nothing for basically 3 years straight (if not even more). And now they've come full circle (but not really) and say 3 years? BUT THAT ACTUALLY MEANS MORE FEATURES DEAR USER. Somehow, yea sure.
Yes it was like this before, sure, and I also liked it, but I'm pretty sure they're not going back to the old-old way. Back then 3 years got you from Win Me to XP, from the stone age to the present. And then again from XP to Vista and 7, from the present to the future. Every time full visual redesign (and actually a full upgrade, each part of the system looked better), along with quite a lot of new and actually useful features.
Now? After God knows how many years of nothing on Win10, they just make a worse version of Acrylic, round the corners and call it Win11.
And do they think people are that blind? -New features coming faster than ever!!! Yea sure, like I haven't been watching what's going on for the past 7 years since Win10 launched. The only new features launched were the weather widget, and the widgets board in Win11, both of which most people turn off. I'm not sure if they're not paying their devs, or do they all not even care anymore. I know Windows isn't their main cash cow anymore, but still.
Win11 still has giant gaping holes. Some in features, which force people to use replacement programs, and a lot in inconsistent design which is just getting worse than ever. And actually, I've heard, even in performance. And instead of fixing it, they're looking for excuses and how to cover it up.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    W11 23H2 22631.3276
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Self
    CPU
    AMD RYZEN 5-5600
    Motherboard
    ASUS B 550-F
    Memory
    2x8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI NVIDIA GeForce 710
    Sound Card
    On Board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    TCL 4k 43" TV
    Screen Resolution
    3840x2160
    Hard Drives
    Crucial mx100, 2x WD 2TB
    PSU
    800 W
    Case
    Fractal Design Focus Mid-Tower Case (RED)
    Cooling
    3 120 mm Fan
    Keyboard
    Mafiti RK 100s
    Mouse
    GFT-S003
    Internet Speed
    940/940
    Browser
    FF
    Antivirus
    MS Defender, MWB
I think when a feature like desktop stickers gets considered, you know you are in serious trouble.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Built
    CPU
    Intel i9 14900KF
    Motherboard
    Asus ProArt Creator WiFi
    Memory
    64GB Corsair Vengeance RGB
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI 4090 Suprim X
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1 x Asus 24". 1 x Asus 32"
    Hard Drives
    Multiple
    PSU
    Corsair 1200HX
    Case
    Corsair 7000D RGB
    Cooling
    Corsair H150I Capellix XT
    Keyboard
    Corsair K70 RGB MK.2
    Mouse
    Corsair M55 RGB Pro
If next year win 12 comes out i actually might go linux f this bs
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    -
    CPU
    4770k
    Motherboard
    Asus Maximus Formula VI
    Memory
    16 gb Kingston
    Graphics Card(s)
    2070 super
If next year win 12 comes out i actually might go linux f this bs
It would be crazy if windows made a modular operating system in the fact it's just a shell of a operating system and only download what you need when you need it! I would be more then happy

Wishful thinking I guess
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 (NTLITE optimized)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Amd 8350 Overclocked to 4.7
    Motherboard
    Asus Sabertooth r2
    Memory
    2400 MHz DDR 3 GSkill
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia 1070
    Sound Card
    Denon receiver 7.1/Atmos
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LG C7
    Screen Resolution
    4k
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 840 512 gig
    Backup drive 18 terabyte hhd
    Cooling
    Hyper 212 Cpu cooler with case fans
    Keyboard
    Simple keyboard
    Mouse
    Simple mouse
    Internet Speed
    1.5 gig Fiber
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Never
Has any of this been confirmed by Microsoft?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Built
    CPU
    Intel i9 14900KF
    Motherboard
    Asus ProArt Creator WiFi
    Memory
    64GB Corsair Vengeance RGB
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI 4090 Suprim X
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1 x Asus 24". 1 x Asus 32"
    Hard Drives
    Multiple
    PSU
    Corsair 1200HX
    Case
    Corsair 7000D RGB
    Cooling
    Corsair H150I Capellix XT
    Keyboard
    Corsair K70 RGB MK.2
    Mouse
    Corsair M55 RGB Pro

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 (NTLITE optimized)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Amd 8350 Overclocked to 4.7
    Motherboard
    Asus Sabertooth r2
    Memory
    2400 MHz DDR 3 GSkill
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia 1070
    Sound Card
    Denon receiver 7.1/Atmos
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LG C7
    Screen Resolution
    4k
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 840 512 gig
    Backup drive 18 terabyte hhd
    Cooling
    Hyper 212 Cpu cooler with case fans
    Keyboard
    Simple keyboard
    Mouse
    Simple mouse
    Internet Speed
    1.5 gig Fiber
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Never
It would be crazy if windows made a modular operating system in the fact it's just a shell of a operating system and only download what you need when you need it! I would be more then happy

Wishful thinking I guess
That might be good for the gurus, but not for Average Joe/Jenny! These folks aren't savvy enough to figure out "what they need when they need it". :(

I think I'd be hard pressed to figure that out myself!
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 23H2 22631.2861
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Envy TE01-1xxx
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-10700 CPU @ 2.90GHz 2.90 GHz
    Motherboard
    16.0GB Dual-Channel Unknown @ 1463MHz (21-21-21-47)
    Memory
    16384 MBytes
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Monitor 1 - Acer 27" Monitor 2 - Acer 27"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    WDC PC SN530 SDBPNPZ-512G-1006 (SSD)
    Seagate ST1000DM003-1SB102
    Seagate BUP Slim SCSI Disk Device (SSD)
    PSU
    HP
    Case
    HP
    Cooling
    Standard
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wave K350
    Mouse
    Logitech M705
    Internet Speed
    500 mbps
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    That's all Folks!
  • Operating System
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP
    CPU
    Intel Core i7 (10th gen) 10700
    Motherboard
    Intel
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics card(s)
    Intel UHD Graphics 630
    Sound Card
    Built-in
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer 27" & Samsung 24"
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x
    Hard Drives
    SSD (512 GB)
    HDD (1 TB)
    Seagate
    PSU
    Intel i7 10th Generation
    Case
    HP
    Cooling
    HP/Intel?
    Mouse
    Logitech M705
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wave K350
    Internet Speed
    50 mbps
    Browser
    Firefox 90.2
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Headphone/Microphone Combo
    SuperSpeed USB Type-A (4 on front)
    HP 3-in-One Card Readr
    SuperSpeed USB Type-C
    DVD Writer
That might be good for the gurus, but not for Average Joe/Jenny! These folks aren't savvy enough to figure out "what they need when they need it". :(

I think I'd be hard pressed to figure that out myself!
For us geeky ones yes but for the other 90 to 95 percent no. That is probably why it is only wishful thinking.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 (NTLITE optimized)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Amd 8350 Overclocked to 4.7
    Motherboard
    Asus Sabertooth r2
    Memory
    2400 MHz DDR 3 GSkill
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia 1070
    Sound Card
    Denon receiver 7.1/Atmos
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LG C7
    Screen Resolution
    4k
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 840 512 gig
    Backup drive 18 terabyte hhd
    Cooling
    Hyper 212 Cpu cooler with case fans
    Keyboard
    Simple keyboard
    Mouse
    Simple mouse
    Internet Speed
    1.5 gig Fiber
    Browser
    Edge
    Antivirus
    Never
Has Microsoft actually said anything or is this more "leaks" from unnamed sources.

Microsoft officials declined to comment.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 22H2 OS Build 22623.1095
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Self Build
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 7 3800X
    Motherboard
    Asus PRIME B350-PLUS
    Memory
    16GB Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 @3000Mhz
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS - GeForce RTX 3070 Ti 8 GB TUF GAMING OC
    Sound Card
    On Board Realtec
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer KA241
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080 @60Hz
    Hard Drives
    240GB PNY CS900 SSD - OS
    2 x 1TB Crucial MX500 SSD
    1 x 500GB Crucial MX300 SSD
    2TB Seagate ST2000DM001-1ER164
    2TB Seagate ST2000DM008-2FR102
    PSU
    750 Watt Corsair TX750 Plus
    Case
    Cooler Master 690 III
    Cooling
    Akasa AK98 5 Case Fans
    Keyboard
    Logitech K270 - wireless
    Mouse
    Logitech - M185 wireless
    Internet Speed
    BT Fibre 75 Mbps
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Use hardware KVM to switch monitors on three PCs and software (input director) to use mouse and keyboard on all 4 PCs.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro 22H2 build 22621.900
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 3881 - modified with SFX PSU fitted internally
    CPU
    Intel i5 - 10400
    Motherboard
    Dell 032w55 version A00
    Memory
    16GB of HyperX Fury @ 2133 Mhz
    Graphics card(s)
    EVGA 6GB GTX 1060.
    Sound Card
    Builtin
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ACER KA241
    Screen Resolution
    1920x 1080 @60Hz
    Hard Drives
    256GB SK hynix NVMe
    1TB Western Digital WD10EZEX-75WN4A1
    PSU
    Modular 450 Watt Corsair SF450 Platinum ( Mod to replace the Dell 265 Watt PSU)
    Case
    Inspiron Small Desktop
    Cooling
    Dell stock cooler
    Mouse
    Dell
    Keyboard
    Dell
    Internet Speed
    BT Fibre 75 Mbps
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    Use hardware KVM to switch monitors on three PCs and software (input director) to use mouse and keyboard on all 4 PCs.
Has any of this been confirmed by Microsoft?
I raised this issue on the Windows Insider Programme community website.

Not a comment from their moderators, neither MS nor 'independent' overseers!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro v 23H2 (Build 22631.3374)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Precision 3660 Tower Workstation
    CPU
    12th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i9-12900 5.10 GHz
    Motherboard
    64-bit operating system, x64-based processor
    Memory
    32.00 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel UHD Graphics 770
    Sound Card
    Realtek Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell P2714H Monitor
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    1 x 512GB NVME PC801 NVMe SK hynix Boot
    1 x 1TB Seagate ST1000LM049-2GH172 Internal HDD
    1 x 1TB Seagate STGX4000400 External HDD
    1 x 2TB Seagate STGX4000400 External HDD
    1 x 4TB Seagate STGX4000400 External HDD
    PSU
    300 Watts
    Cooling
    Air
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wired Keyboard 600
    Mouse
    Microsoft USB Basic Optical Mouse v2.0
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender + Malwarebytes Premium
    Other Info
    BaseBoard Manufacturer Dell Inc.
    BaseBoard Product 0J1CP3
    BaseBoard Version A01
If there's any truth to the rumors, I can't wait to find out what the hardware requirements are going to be for Windows 12.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11

Latest Support Threads

Back
Top Bottom