Ignite 2021: Panos Panay hints at a big year for Windows

Big news: Panos Panay is pumped! Today at a mini session at Ignite, Microsoft’s Chief Product Officer for Windows and Devices, joined Roanne Sones in a “fireside chat” about Windows. While much of the quick 15 minute session centered on current features of Windows, Panay couldn’t resist letting slip a little hint at the future:

Look I have not talked about the next generation of Windows and what’s coming next, but I can tell you I am SO PUMPED.”

Panay went on to say that “it’s going to be a massive year” for Windows. As we know, both Windows 10X and a refresh of Windows code named “Sun Valley” are slated to arrive this year, and although Microsoft has been largely quiet about either or both, that could soon change.

As we noted earlier, Tom Warren over at The Verge is hearing about a Windows-focused event coming soon:

there's not going to be a lot of Windows news at Ignite this week. There's a session with @panos_panay, but Microsoft is planning to hold a dedicated Windows press event soon

— Tom Warren (@tomwarren) March 2, 2021

The Windows Experience Blog did try to keep the fires burning with a recap of Windows sessions happening at Ignite, but it’s clear that Microsoft wants to keep the focus on Microsoft Mesh, the Power Platform, security, and Azure this week. From the sound of things, however, the focus could soon turn to Windows, and indeed the beginning of a “massive year.”