Windows 12 will focus on AI, there’s no doubt about it. Microsoft is heavily investing in this technology, particularly through the Copilot+ PCs. However, for now, the Redmond company remains quite secretive about this future version. In this article, we summarize what is known about it.
🗓️ When will Windows 12 be released?
According to rumors, Microsoft has repeatedly delayed this version. It seems that the company is primarily focused on Windows 11, particularly the 24H2 version, which offers significant new features and continues to prepare for the transition to AI.
According to Windows Latest, the operating system could be released in 2025. This might coincide with the discontinuation of Windows 10, which is expected in October of this year. For reference, this OS will receive three additional years of updates, but a payment will be required; this option, however, is mainly for businesses.
However, Windows seems to have dismissed the idea of a release this year. At the CES 2025, the Redmond firm announced that there will be no Windows 12 for the moment, without providing a precise timeline. The company prefers to focus on integrating AI into Windows 11 and also on the Copilot+ PCs.
The release date for Windows 12 appears to be further away. The upcoming Windows 11 25H2 update is expected to extend the life of the current operating system by two years. In summary, it looks like we will have to wait a few more years before Windows 12 arrives.
🖥️ What will be the minimum requirements for Windows 12?
Unsurprisingly, the minimum requirements will be more demanding than those of Windows 11. The German site DeskModder shared some specifications that might be required to run the OS on your machine:
- 1 GHz dual-core 64-bit processor
- 64 GB of storage
- 8 GB of RAM
- Minimum resolution of 720p
- 9-inch screen
- Compatibility with TPM 2.0, DirectX 12, Secure Boot, and UEFI
A stable internet connection and a Microsoft account will also be needed to set up Windows 12.
💰 Will Windows 12 be paid?
Again, Microsoft hasn’t communicated anything about this. Previously, a monthly subscription model similar to Xbox Game Pass or Netflix was rumored, but all of this appears to be false.
Two options are available for users. Either Windows 12 will be paid, which seems unlikely given that Windows 11 continues to receive robust support. We are betting on a free transition. However, once again, this is speculative and should be taken with caution.
🧐 What are the new features of Windows 12?
As mentioned in the introduction, Windows 12 will emphasize artificial intelligence through Copilot. The OS is also expected to enhance gaming capabilities similar to Windows 11.
Artificial Intelligence
Copilot, somewhat like Claude 3.5 Sonnet, could allow Copilot to operate on your PC to boost productivity. Panos Panay, Microsoft’s leader, explains that Windows will reinvent user experience through artificial intelligence.
- Recall feature: although quite controversial, Recall is expected to be included. This feature periodically captures screenshots to easily locate an item on your PC whenever desired.
- Live Captions: during your interactions with speakers of other languages, AI could provide real-time subtitles.
- Cocreator: an AI feature for generative imagery available in Paint and Photos.
The CPU and GPU will not be responsible for managing AI on the Copilot+ PCs; the NPU will handle that. This neural processing unit reduces latency and overheating to optimize power consumption: the technology will not drain your battery when used on a laptop. The aim of Windows 12 is simple: to provide the best artificial intelligence experience on the market.
In terms of features, Pavan Davuluri (head of the OS) states, “The concept that your PC could actually see your screen and be context-aware will become an important modality for us in the future.” This should allow you to interact directly with your computer while performing other tasks.
CorePC
Windows 12 could rely on CorePC. This involves a common base with multiple layers that adapt to the machine and its needs, whether it’s a laptop, a tablet, a foldable smartphone, or even a gaming console like the ASUS Rog Ally running Microsoft’s OS. But what does this mean in concrete terms?
CorePC would allow customization of functionalities, APIs, drivers, and especially the interface to suit your preferences. This technology could also enable a lighter version of Windows 12 with quicker updates, similar to Windows 11 24H2.
Gaming
Windows 11 is highly favored by gamers, even though at one point, Windows 10 was the top choice on Steam. Notable features include Quick Resume, found on the Xbox Series, which allows instant switching between games. In short, you can pause game 1, switch to game 2, and return to the first game whenever you want.
🎨 What could be the design of Windows 12?
Be cautious: the upcoming images should be taken with a grain of salt. When Microsoft presented Edge and 365 in October 2021 to showcase new features, the Redmond firm displayed a screen of an OS (above) that has never been seen before. Is it merely a concept illustration or the first images of Windows 12? The former theory seems more likely. But we still expect increased customization.
Several new features are expected regarding the interface for Windows 12. The image above is a mockup created by Windows Central that showcases several updates:
- Contextual icons at the top
- Floating taskbar with rounded corners
- Floating search bar at the top
Some users have started to imagine what the next OS from the company might look like. However, nothing is official; these are just concepts (here created by Nepnus). Ultimately, this is all we know, as of now, about Windows 12. All of this should be taken with caution.
