Microsoft is planning to release the next version of Windows OS in the near future. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella previewed the forthcoming arrival of the big upcoming Windows OS update at the Build 2021 conference, which is likely to include significant design changes to the File Explorer, Start Menu, and even Action Center.

Nadella outlined a number of upgrades that the tech giant will be releasing soon across its products and services in his speech, along with which a small mention was also made regarding Microsoft Windows.

During the speech, Nadella did not provide any specific Windows updates. Instead, he discussed the company's long-term aspirations for the world-renowned operating system.

He stated that he has been testing the ‘next generation of Windows’ in recent months and that Microsoft will be releasing a major update to Windows soon.

Sun Valley is rumored to be the codename for the next-gen update, which will be launched this fall. Developers and producers will have greater chances with the next version, according to Nadella.

This significant improvement, according to Nadella, would provide ‘greater economic potential for developers and creators’. Microsoft's constant effort on Windows, he stated, would provide more opportunities for Windows developers and producers eager to build, distribute, and sell applications.

The announcement confirms recent rumors that Microsoft has been working on a new app store for Windows. The business has been rumored to be working in this direction, and Nadella's remarks about building and monetizing apps, as well as a general 'economic opportunity' for developers, suggest that there will be a substantial revamp.

Microsoft is expected to allow developers to submit any Windows application or even third-party commerce platforms in apps, according to rumors. Developers will be able to dodge Microsoft's 15 percentage fee on apps and 12 percent cut on games.

The Verge points out that Nadella's phrasing for the ‘next generation of Windows’ also seems fascinating. This is because ‘Windows 10’ is where Microsoft primarily addresses updates for the most recent version of its operating system. The new moniker could indicate that the business is planning a major Windows overhaul.

Since the company is said to be working on significant UI improvements for Windows, as well as a new app store. Nadella's statements seem to lead to the latter, implying that Microsoft may provide capabilities that allow developers to earn more money. New system icons, the end of Windows 95 icons, and other features are said to be coming with the next-generation of Windows. Windows 10X was recently cancelled, and Microsoft plans to include some of its features into the next-generation Windows OS version.

“Soon, we will share one of the most significant upgrades to Windows of the last decade to unleash greater economic opportunities for developers and creators”, Nadella stated in his keynote.

I've been self-hosting it for a few months now, and I'm really looking forward to the next version of Windows. Our goal to you is that we will expand opportunities for every Windows developer today, and we will welcome every creator looking for the most inventive, new, open platform to build, distribute, and monetize apps. We hope to share more information with you soon”, he added.

For the time being, all that is known is that Microsoft will discontinue releasing Windows 10X and instead include its features into the standard version of Windows 10. For the time being, no new Windows updates have been released, but Microsoft is anticipated to do so soon.