People are on the lookout for even the tiniest bits of news on Windows 12, though it is apparent that Windows 11’s successor isn’t happening any time soon. Today, we’ll take a look at some of the rumors regarding Microsoft’s hypothetical new OS.
Remember that these are just rumors and there’s no sight of Win 12 on the horizon. After all, Microsoft’s busy making Windows 11, their current flagship OS, even better.
What’s the Deal with Windows 12?
Another reason why a new operating system isn’t in the picture – not yet, at least – is because announcing a successor to Win 11 would send the wrong message. Windows 10 is getting retired, soon to be completely replaced by the current version, and Windows 11 is here to stay, boosted with AI features, courtesy of Copilot, and refreshed for years to come.
Additionally, Windows 10 is still preferred by the majority of the market, with a share of 53% (Windows 11, on the other hand, has only around 43%). What Microsoft wants to do here is to change these numbers in Windows 11’s favor by retiring Windows 10 completely in October 2025. Introducing another OS would’ve further messed up the market and broadened the divide, which is something MS wants to avoid.
OK, but coming back to Windows 12 theories
This doesn’t mean that a hypothetical Windows 12 isn’t in the works, though. It might get announced in a couple years and there are some signs that Microsoft might be in fact busy cooking up a new OS.
Michael Muchmore of the PCMag fame collected what he believes are the most sensible and trustworthy rumors and speculations regarding Microsoft’s hypothetical new OS and what it might bring to the table once it drops.
His source? None other than Windows Central’s own Zac Bowden, who also happens to have insider contacts in the company and have made some pretty accurate predictions regarding to Windows-related developments.
Here are the rumors that make the most sense so far:
- Windows 12 will probably be even more AI-based than Windows 11, which is already about to get a host of Copilot-related updates. What features will Microsoft’s AI power? It’s hard to say at this point, but these might involve a certain degree of anticipating user intentions, though MS should be wary of facing backlash for any tools and services that might suggest a high level of intrusion, such as the controversial Recall feature available on Copilot PCs.
- There’s a tiny bit of chance that Copilot PC, coupled with a neural processing unit (NPU), might actually be a requirement and not an option for Windows 12.
- Many people believe that a Windows 12 screenshot has been teased during Microsoft’s Ignite 2022, the company’s annual development and innovation conference. Featuring floating elements, such as the search bar and the taskbar, as well as system and weather icons in the top right and top left corners, respectively, this interface layout seems more in line with the stuff Mac users are used to. Windows 12 might drastically change the interface Windows-based users are accustomed to, with similarly dramatic alterations having happened in the past already.
- There were some rumors that Windows 12 might require a subscription (with a possible free version with ads)—though this could pertain to business versions instead of the home ones—but they’ve been debunked.
- Windows 12 might have better ARM-based processor support and will very likely take advantage of more AI hardware, including NPUs (as mentioned earlier).
- There’s also been this concept of modular Windows with separate OS components.
- Windows 12 will also most likely enjoy the same update release schedule, with each update changing the face of the OS so that it no longer resembles its initial version.
What’s coming to Windows 11?
Preview builds of Win 11 have revealed something pretty exciting: the handheld mode. All the clues hint towards Microsoft gearing up for an interface overhaul tailored to small screens and controller-based navigation, making Windows 11 feel more like SteamOS or console UIs on devices such as the incoming Asus ROG Xbox Ally.
This move seems strategic: as Valve’s SteamOS gains traction (especially with systems like the Steam Deck and Legion Go S), Windows-powered handhelds have faced criticism for fiddly icons, tiny menus, and poor touch/controller usability.
By streamlining UI elements, fixing navigation, and integrating features from the Xbox app and Game Bar, Microsoft aims to bring a polished, seamless experience to portable gaming PCs. With Asus Ally’s launch on the horizon, it wouldn’t be surprising to see this handheld mode debut alongside or shortly before the hardware’s release.
Final Remarks
Anyway, if you were thinking of saving your pennies for a shiny new Windows 12 upgrade, you can totally spend them on virtually anything else, since Microsoft’s not dropping a new OS anytime soon. Right now, all we can expect is Windows 10 being finally put to rest and Windows 11 supercharged with more Copilot, plus the release of AI-first hardware, Copilot PCs.
However, even if it’s very unlikely, we might get some news on Microsoft’s plans on stuff beyond Windows 11 once official support of Windows 10 is history. But even if there are plans on releasing Windows 12 in an unspecified future, Windows 11 will remain Microsoft’s focus for years to come.
If you’re interested in what’s coming to the Windows universe, you can enroll your PC in the Windows Insider.
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