Windows 11 May Be Revealed On June 24

Microsoft is teasing a June 24 event where the company will detail the "next generation of Windows," The Verge reports, and it seems to be a numbered version of the operating system. Invites for Microsoft's Windows presentation have started circulating before it goes live at 8 AM PT / 11 AM ET, and according to The Verge, the company might just pull back the curtain on Windows 11.

There's not yet any official word confirming that Microsoft will reveal Windows 11, but there seem to be some clues that give the announcement away, particularly in the invite. A light shines through the Windows logo, illuminating what could be viewed as the number 11. Further, the event starts at 11 AM ET and after the invites went out, executive Yusuf Mehdi said he hasn't "been this excited for a new version of Windows since Windows 95." These coincidences suggest Windows 11 may be imminent.

Whether it's called Windows 11 or not, what's to come in this "new version" sounds huge. CEO Satya Nadella said Microsoft wants to create opportunities for "every Windows developer today and welcome every creator who is looking for the most, innovate, new, open platform to build and distribute and monetize applications." This includes visual tweaks and feature integration from the Xbox platform. There's also speculation of something codenamed "Sun Valley" that Microsoft has dubbed as a "sweeping visual rejuvenation of Windows," though nothing has been specified.

According to The Verge, much of Windows' visual overhaul is already underway. There are new system icons replacing the old Windows 95-era ones, improvements to basic Windows foundations like the Start menu, and File Explorer adjustments. Other components--like Xbox's Auto HDR feature, Bluetooth audio support, and fixes to app rearrangement issues--are also in the works.

Store changes could also be in the cards, with rumors suggesting a new store will be open to apps and games, as well as rival payment systems. Nadella said the company wants the store to "unlock great economic [opportunities] for developers and creators," and upcoming tweaks, such as the ability for developers to submit any Windows application, seem poised to make that happen. It could also give creators the chance to circumvent the cut Microsoft takes from in-store purchases.

News of this June 24 Windows event comes not long after Microsoft made two announcements: the cancellation of Windows 10X (slated to debut this year) and the end of Internet Explorer, which is set for 2022.