I see rumors flying around about the next version Windows. One writer suggested it will be called Windows 11. My impression is that it is more likely to be called Windows 10 spring edition or something of that nature or a remote possibility it will be Windows 12 or Windows 20 (for Windows 2020). Microsoft has been making noises using “new” language for their Operating System to come; but, I don’t see that as an indication of a new name for the product as much as an attempt to get a more standardized way of talking about the product family.
How soon will we see the next version of Windows? Well, for many of us we recently received updates that, historically, would have been touted as a new version. Version 1903 started being pushed out to users in May of 2019 and by September many of us had version 1909. Since the desktop was not significantly changed, most users don’t notice, and I consider that a good thing. Windows 10 is finally looking like a mature product and some trust is being developed in it as a stable platform for getting work done. I look for a similar time table for Windows 10 version 2003 to appear in 2020.
I would like to see a few major changes in the new versions; first on my list is a much-improved update process, followed immediately by a change in how software installs in Windows. We can see a hint of the change I am looking for in the new “Apps” which are like programs but make smaller changes to Windows as part of the installation process. I want to see the “new” Windows totally separate the changes made during install from the registry for the operating system. If this means having 2 registries, one for Windows and a separate one for applications and programs, I am all for that. Let us see an end to the installation of one program having any chance of affecting that of another related or unrelated program. Similarly, let us see an end to Windows upgrades having any impact on the operation of installed programs.
What little insider information I get indicates that a new upgrade system resulting in a completely different user experience (no user intervention of any kind anticipated in the new upgrade system) is coming soon to Windows; but, no dates to expect that yet. At the same time, Microsoft continues to develop new Apps for Windows 10 to continue fleshing out what they plan as a complete user experience.