Microsoft says Windows 10 is ‘the last version of Windows’

Windows 10 might be the last version of Microsoft’s operating system we’ll ever see.

That’s not because it’s rubbish, mind. Microsoft is making the bold claim because it now sees Windows as a service, rather than a software iteration.

“Right now we’re releasing Windows 10, and because Windows 10 is the last version of Windows, we’re all still working on Windows 10,” said Microsoft dev Jerry Nixon, speaking at the Ignite conference.

So what comes next? Nothing, just more Windows 10. Microsoft is hoping Windows 10 will progressively improve instead of needing to be replaced.

The future is ‘Windows as a service’, according to Microsoft, which means Windows 11 might never even exist.

Windows 10 is different from Microsoft’s previous Windows operating systems in that it operates across platforms.

This means that instead of having separate versions of Windows on your desktop, phone, and tablet, it will be the same Windows 10 across all devices.

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It now seems as though Microsoft plans to regularly update the software so it doesn’t require a large overhaul, unlike previous versions of Windows.

“Recent comments at Ignite about Windows 10 are reflective of the way Windows be delivered as a service bringing new innovations and updates in an ongoing manner, with continuous value for our consumer and business customers,” said a Microsoft spokesperson, speaking to The Verge.

“We aren’t speaking to future branding at this time, but customers can be confident Windows 10 will remain up-to-date and power a variety of devices from PCs to phones to Surface Hub to HoloLens and Xbox. We look forward to a long future of Windows innovation.”

Windows 10 is set for consumer release in late July.