🔎 No Windows 12 in 2026
Recent reporting confirms that Microsoft WILL NOT release a new “Windows 12” this year. A widely‑shared rumor about an AI‑centered Windows 12 in 2026 turned out to be incorrect. Instead, Microsoft continues focusing on refining Windows 11, improving stability and usability without unveiling a full new version yet. Any “Windows 12” launch is likely 2027 or later if it happens at all.

👉 In short: Windows 11 is the main OS in active development for PCs in 2026.

🤖 Android PC OS (Aluminium OS & Android Desktop)

🎯 Google’s Android PC Push – Aluminium OS
Google is working on a new operating system codenamed Aluminium OS, meant to unify Android and ChromeOS into an AI‑focused desktop OS for laptops and consumer PCs. Leaks and reports suggest:

Desktop‑style UI leaked with Windows‑style taskbar and multi‑window support.

Google leaders publicly suggest a 2026 launch window for Aluminium OS devices, though broader shipping might take longer and evolve over multiple years.

Some sources also note internal timelines pointing to 2028 for a full consumer release.

📱 Android Desktop Influence
Even before Aluminium OS, Android itself (especially Android 16 and later Android versions) is being explored for “desktop‑like” use cases — with features like larger interface modes and support for extensions and desktop behavior.

💡 Alternative or Past Android PC Projects
Older projects like RemixOS brought Android to desktops with windows, taskbar, and keyboard/mouse support — though they have been discontinued, community versions still exist for experimentation.

🐧 Linux Distros — Growth & Trends in 2026

🔥 Linux adoption is rising
Linux usage among desktop users, especially gamers, hit an all‑time high on Steam — largely due to tools like Proton making Windows games more playable on Linux.

📈 Why Linux distros are gaining attention
With Windows 10 support ending and some users unhappy with Windows 11 direction, many are migrating to alternative distros — both mainstream (Ubuntu, Mint) and emerging niche ones.

🎮 Gaming‑Focused Distros
Newer distros (and builds like Bazzite Linux) are specifically tailoring Linux for gaming with built‑in Steam/Proton optimization — showing Linux evolving for more mainstream PC usage.

💻 Windows‑like Desktop Distros
There are Linux distributions that aim to attract Windows users by mimicking familiar layouts — e.g., Winux and AnduinOS, both Ubuntu‑based but designed with Windows‑like interfaces.

📊 Quick Summary
Category 2026 Situation
Windows 12 Not coming in 2026. Windows 11 continues active development.
Android PC / Aluminium OS Google is actively developing this OS, possibly releasing hardware later in 2026 with AI‑centric features.
Linux Distros Linux usage growing, especially for gaming and users switching from Windows. New distros with modern features gaining traction.