Microsoft commits to updating Windows 11 once per year, and also all the time
Enlarge / A PC running Windows 11. (credit: Microsoft)
When we reviewed Windows 11 last fall, one of our biggest concerns was that we'd need to wait until the fall of 2022 to see changes or improvements to its new-and sometimes rough-user interface:
Throughout the rest of this review, we'll identify a sizable list of early problems with Windows 11. We can probably expect bugs to be fixed quickly. But when it comes to larger changes-like restoring lost functionality to the taskbar and system tray or continuing to modernize still-untouched parts of the user interface-will we need to wait a year for that to happen?
Any design that shifts as much as Windows 11's has is going to benefit from a bunch of small, quick updates and tweaks to address the most common complaints and pain points. I hope Microsoft leaves itself room to make those kinds of changes without having to wait until this time next year to implement them.
Nearly a year later, it has become abundantly clear that Microsoft isn't holding back changes and new apps for the operating system's yearly feature update. One notable smattering of additions was released back in February alongside a commitment to "continuous innovation." Other, smaller updates before and since (not to mention the continuously updated Microsoft Edge browser) have also emphasized Microsoft's commitment to putting out new Windows features whenever they're ready.
There has been speculation that Microsoft could be planning yet another major shake-up to Windows' update model, moving away from yearly updates that would be replaced by once-per-quarter feature drops, allegedly called "Moments" internally. These would be punctuated by larger Windows version updates every three years or so. As part of the PR around the Windows 11 2022 Update (aka Windows 11 22H2), the company has made clear that none of this is happening.