Shortly after Microsoft published an article showing a strange Windows 11 and Ubuntu/macOS combination, a new report has surfaced with more details on the matter. Apparently, the screenshot Microsoft showed during the Ignite conference is a legitimate prototype of what’s to come. According to Windows Central, this is our first look at the next generation of Windows, codenamed “Next Valley.”

It is said that Microsoft has decided to go back to releasing a major Windows update every three years and the next Windows (12?) will be out in 2024. A screenshot from the Ignite conference presents design ideas Microsoft is working on and plans to implement in Windows “Next Valley”. It’s not very high resolution and lacks detail, so here’s a better model that shows some key changes:

Other variations on the idea include a translucent bar for items above the screen, similar to the macOS menu bar. Microsoft also plans to redesign other parts of the operating system, such as the login screen and notification center.

Such a radical UI change is a significant change to the operating system and UI principles. Windows Central sources say the idea is to make Windows work better on traditional PCs, tablets, hybrid laptops and foldable laptops. This approach makes sense when you consider that Windows 8 focused too much on the touchscreen, and Windows 10 went in the opposite direction and abandoned touchscreen computers.

It should be noted that the images in this article do not represent the final product that Microsoft plans to release in 2024. It’s too early to tell what the next Windows will look like and what changes it will bring, so we expect more changes and improvements as we approach the next generation of Windows.