Microsoft to end Windows versions

Windows 10 will be the “last version” of the dominant Windows operating system, revealed Microsoft’s Jerry Nixon last week.

Nixon’s comments reflect a change in the way that Microsoft makes its software.

In a statement the tech giant revealed that instead of new stand-alone versions, Windows 10 would be improved in regular instalments.

“Windows will be delivered as a service bringing new innovations and updates in an ongoing manner,” it said.

Nixon made his comments during Microsoft’s Ignite conference held in Chicago this week.

Microsoft confirmed that it expected a “long future” for Windows.

“There will be no Windows 11,” warned Steve Kleynhans, a research vice-president at analyst firm Gartner who monitors Microsoft.

“Overall this is a positive step, but it does have some risks,” he said.

“Microsoft will have to work hard to keep generating updates and new features,” he said.

“It doesn’t mean that Windows is frozen and will never move forward again,” Mr Kleynhans told the BBC.

Kleynhans added that questions still remained about how corporate customers would react and adapt to the new iterations and how Microsoft would provide support.