Overview
- New reports and leaks describe a next Windows release codenamed “Hudson Valley Next” built on a modular CorePC design with system‑level AI via Copilot, though Microsoft has not announced it.
- Multiple outlets cite rumors of a dedicated NPU requirement around 40 TOPS for full AI features, with suggestions that UI changes could include a floating taskbar and a top Copilot search bar.
- Separately, Windows 11 26H2 is confirmed to ship as an enablement package on 25H2, extending support by 24 months for consumer editions and 36 months for business editions.
- 26H2’s feature set includes an optional taskbar “Ask Copilot” search, a dockable Copilot panel in File Explorer, an Outlook‑synced Agenda in the Notification Center, and integrated Sysinternals System Monitor.
- Coverage indicates Microsoft is recalibrating its “AI everywhere” approach toward more targeted Copilot integrations, while industry timelines point to previews and a broader next‑gen Windows release during 2026 near Windows 10’s October end of support.