Microsoft's Cortana denies existence of Windows 11

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A playful question posed to Cortana shows why getting answers from web forums isn't always the best option.

Windows 11 Logo 2 Winver
Windows 11 Logo 2 Winver (Image credit: Daniel Rubino / Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • Microsoft's digital assistant, Cortana, says that there won't be a Windows 11.
  • The source of the answer is from a comment on a Microsoft answers forum, not an official statement from Microsoft.
  • It was previously believed that Windows 10 would be the last version of Windows.

Microsoft's digital assistant might need to catch up on our coverage of Windows 11. The digital assistant said that "there will be no Windows 11" when asked about the upcoming operating system.

The Verge's Tom Warren shared a video on Twitter asking the digital assistant, "Is Windows 11 real?" Cortana responds by explaining that Windows 10 is the last version of Windows 10:

According to Microsoft.com, There will be no Windows 11. With Windows 10, Windows became a service and instead of a new standalone version, Microsoft is pushing bi-annual feature updates for Windows 10 every 6 months.

Warren asked the question to Cortana while running Windows 11.

The source of this quote comes from a Microsoft answers forum from 2018. It's the top reply to a discussion about "The New Windows 11." The answer isn't from a Microsoft spokesperson or anyone speaking in an official capacity. It does, however, link to a Microsoft doc that discusses Windows as a service.

Since Warren shared his first video, Cortana gathered together some new information on Windows 11. The assistant now shows articles covering the new operating system.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

Of course, this is all a bit of fun. Microsoft wouldn't announce Windows 11 through Cortana. The digital assistant also gets its answers from the web, so it's prone to some mistakes.

Sean Endicott
Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He's covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean's journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.