Hey Randio,
To answer your question:
Windows 11 versions have always followed a 2-year lifespan. For example, 25H2 was released on September 30th 2025 and is scheduled for end-of-life on October 12th 2027.
According to Microsoft, the next iteration, presumably 26H2, is due to be released in the second half of 2026. Which, if MS follows the traditional lifespan, means it will be due for end-of-life in the second half of 2028.

So, based on that, late 2028 is probably the earliest we’ll see a Windows 12. By the way; I seriously doubt it will be called Windows 12. I suspect it might be called “Windows Copilot” or maybe “Windows AI”.

When I did the upgrade to Windows11pro; one the first things I had done was to buy the ‘StartIsBack’ app to affix the TaskBar to the left-side of my monitor#1 (left), where it rightfully belonged/belongs. 😉
My second 27″ monitor retains the TaskBar on its screen bottom (both in auto-hide mode).
Once accustomed to StartIsBack TaskBar, it seems as an integral part of the Desktop, and never crashes.
My FireFox browser and most other programs -similarly- all have their ‘taskbars’ on their left side, as well.

OT: Are we not getting close to a Windows12 yet?

If you want to bring back the old (shorter) context menu in Windows 11 follow this guide: https://davescomputertips.com/how-to-restore-old-context-menu-in-windows-11/

To temporarily display the old (shorter) context menu in Windows 11, hold down the Shift key when right-clicking.

Seems like the elephant in the room is Windows ridiculous context menu. Sometimes it seems like going through an old phone book to find something.

Hey Reg,
Yes, I agree with Ed too. However, it’s early days since MS announced its “change of heart” policy and, while I have doubts that we will ever see this new policy in practice, I’m prepared to at least give MS a bit of wait-and-see time.

All the best to you and yours for a safe and happy Easter.

Totally agree with Ed about the failed updates as this is inexcusable and clearly suggests a lack of proper human testing by Redmond before being rolled out. Having grown up with Windows since 3.1 I don’t recall any time (or even faintly close) in the past where there was so much distrust of Microsoft updates. Most sensible Users have the updates paused until they see they aren’t likely to cause more issues than they solve. In fact if it wasn’t for the need to keep the security updated, most of us would prefer to turn off updates permanently. I certainly feel the need to keep constant O/S images before doing even the smallest update anyway – just to be sure.

I think the more serious numbers moving to Linux has rattled Microsoft somewhat so whether there will be some genuine attempts to address “the customer is always right” oversights that currently exist remains to be seen. The top five criticisms Users have about Windows apparently are:

Hardware restrictions;
Forced Microsoft ecosystem (accounts, cloud);
Bugs and update reliability;
UI/design changes; and
Less control/customization.

I have spent a few dollars customising Windows 11 to try to address the last two points on the list so Windows O/S looks and behaves the way I like it to – and not how Redmond believes I should be forced to use and look at it. I shouldn’t have to spend my hard-earned doing that but I feel need to keep my sanity and consistency in an ever less-sane and inconsistent world !

Wishing you and yours a great Easter Jim and may your local servo always be full !

Cheers
Reg

Yep, I’m hearing you Ed.