Windows fans, are you ready? Microsoft will host a live stream introducing "What's Next for Windows" on June 24 at 11 am ET / 8 am PT

This is a pretty big deal since Windows 10 was launched about 6 years ago in the summer of 2015, which is up there for numbered versions of Windows, with most versions lasting 2-4 years before seeing significant updates [At Microsoft's Build developer conference last week, CEO Satya Nadella hinted that major changes are coming to this popular OS

"Soon we will share one of the most significant Windows updates in the past decade to unleash greater economic opportunities for developers and creators," Nadella said

"I've been self-hosting it for the past few months and am incredibly excited about the next generation of Windows, and I can't wait to share it with you

"My promise to you is this: and I welcome all creators looking for the most innovative, new, open platform to build, distribute, and monetize their applications We look forward to sharing more with you soon"

Nadella's comments reveal that Microsoft is focused on overhauling the way developers make money on the Microsoft Store

Currently, developers are bound by the fact that they can only sell games and apps on the Microsoft Store if those products are built as UWP (Universal Windows Platform) apps In the future, Microsoft is expected to open up the storefront and allow developers to sell more types of apps on the platform

Microsoft has also announced that by August it will reduce the Microsoft Store sales commission from 20% to 12%, which is the same 12% that Fortnite maker Epic Games takes when selling its game through the downloadable Epic Games Store The fee will be on par with the commission Microsoft will also offer companies the option to use their own payment system instead of Microsoft's, which may encourage more software companies to sell their products through the Microsoft Store since they will no longer have to pay Microsoft a commission Microsoft Store

In addition to the Microsoft Store overhaul, the next version of Windows is expected to revamp the look and feel of the aging operating system You may remember that Microsoft had already teased a new version of Windows: Windows 10X, a simpler looking Windows designed for tablets and low-power PCs, the now aborted Surface Neo dual-screen PC announced in 2019, along with

Windows 10X was marketed as Windows redesigned for touch interfaces Microsoft had reportedly been working on it for some time, but the project suffered delays and Microsoft received feedback that customers wanted the new features to be rolled out in the core Windows version rather than split into a separate Windows 10X product received

Microsoft has not confirmed that publicly, but it makes a lot of sense We expect at least some of the touch-friendly features planned for Windows 10X to be announced at Microsoft's Windows event later this month

We also expect the look and feel of Windows to get a facelift, as Microsoft has been rolling out a test build of Windows that includes an overhaul of file and folder icons for some time These visual changes are likely part of Microsoft's "Sun Valley" update to Windows, a visual overhaul of the operating system that (according to leaks) will be released later this year

Of course, we won't know what Windows news Microsoft will announce or how accurate these reports are until the live stream begins at 11 am ET on Thursday, June 24 Stay tuned for more information or watch the live event on Microsoft's website