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Windows 10 the Last Version of Windows? Not So Fast.

Posted by Soulskill on from the branding-is-the-devil dept.

A multitude of tech sites are breathlessly reporting that Windows 10 will be the last version of Windows. These claims are based on a brief comment from developer evangelist Jerry Nixon while speaking a Microsoft Ignite session on "Tiles, Notifications, and Action Center." However, as Paul Thurrott points out, you probably shouldn't take this news too seriously. Windows development has been changing for the past several years. At the very least, we've known since we learned Windows 8 would be developed for multiple form factors. We've known it specifically about Windows 10 since it was announced — Microsoft has talked about transitioning away from giant, monolithic updates. Thurrott says, The reason anyone is talking like this is that Microsoft is pushing a "Windows as a service" vision, which doesn't mean "subscription service" but rather that it plans to upgrade Windows 10 going forward with both functional and security updates, plus of course bug fixes. You know, just like it's done with every single version of Windows. Ever. ... In other words, nothing to see here. Beyond the usual: things change. If it makes sense to keep updating Windows 10 and not change the brand or version number, Microsoft will do that. If it makes sense to release something called Windows 10 R2, Windows 11, or Windows Yoghurt — seriously, who cares? — then they'll do that.

1 of 154 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Versions by pkinetics · · Score: -1, Flamebait

    My pain in the arse theory, it will be a $5 subscription fee per month.

    My biggest FUD will they require "always" on to work.

    Some service, that you've never heard or use, suddenly BSOD because you are disconnected from the Internet (calling home) longer than a week.

    I go nuts when the stupid operating system patch didn't get installed cause some other patch for a MS software package 3 months ago didn't get installed, and so now my operating system has been at risk for several months because one application update won't install unless I manually download the patch and install it separately outside of frigging Windows Update.