Microsoft clarifies Windows 12 rumors, promises to unveil 'a new era of PC' next week

Nope, there will be no Windows 12 reveals next week. With Computex and Build 2026 kicking off next week, users anticipate plenty of PC-related announcements, including, perhaps, a new version of Windows. However, Microsoft decided to clarify things a little and help consumers adjust their expectations.

Pavan Davuluri, head of Windows and Devices at Microsoft, published a cryptic teaser of what is coming next week at Build 2026. Pavan made it clear that the company is not going to announce a new operating system or "Windows 12." Instead, look out for plenty of developer-related news and even new hardware.

Speaking of hardware, the official Windows account also published a teaser, claiming that "a new era of PC" is coming, with coordinates pointing to Taipei Music Center in Taiwan.

Earlier this month, Microsoft announced new Surface for Business computers powered by the Intel Core Ultra 300 Series. Back then, the company confirmed that consumer-focused Surface devices were coming later this year. The current-gen Surface lineup powered by Snapdragon X1 chips is now two years old, and it is time for Microsoft to show refreshed devices. OEMs are now launching their Snapdragon X2-powered devices, and NVIDIA is also getting ready to enter the CPU market with its N1 lineup, so stand by for plenty of announcements from NVIDIA and Microsoft next week.

As for Windows 12, Microsoft is currently busy fixing Windows 11 and its shortcomings with features like movable taskbar, low-latency mode, additional Start menu customization, Windows Update changes, and more. With Windows 11 soon turning five, it would make sense for Microsoft to announce Windows "12," but it is now clear that the company wants to fix Windows 11 instead of dropping a new version.