To be very clear at the very start Microsoft has not come out with any official statement regarding Windows 12 release date. However according to rumors, leaks and many other hints Windows 12 is likely to arrive late in 2024.
Windows 10 was launched in the year 2015 while Windows 11 appeared a little more than two years ago in October 2021. Six years passed between the launch of those two OSes (Windows 10 & 11). That would mean the move from Windows 11 to Windows 12 will be much quicker (if Windows 12 is really coming out!).
Major releases really did come out every three years, starting at least from Windows Vista, so it’s not impossible that a new version of Windows is coming relatively soon.
In this article, we gather everything we know about the rumored operating system: Windows 12, when to expect its release, and what may come with it.
As to date, Microsoft has not announced that it is creating an OS or has any plans in the future for releasing one soon. However, leaks, speculations, and comments by industry executives and insiders, especially towards the end of 2023, indicated that one should instead look forward to a late 2024 rollout.
When did rumors about Windows 12 start?
Rumors about Windows 12 started taking shape after the statements of Qualcomm’s CEO and Intel CFO.
Cristiano Amon, Qualcomm’s President and Chief Executive Officer said, “We’re tracking to the launch of products with this chipset tied with the next version of Microsoft Windows that has a lot of the Windows AI capabilities.”
While Dave Zinsner, Intel’s Chief Financial Officer said during an interview, “We actually think ’24 is going to be a pretty good year for client, in particular, because of the Windows refresh.”
Of course, none of the above-listed executives were direct about declaring the coming of Windows 12. But talking about the “new Windows version” and a call for a “Windows refresh” was more than enough to raise expectations.
So, what to expect on Windows 12?
Several experts are convinced that Windows 11 24H2 is a precursor to Windows 12. So most of the features expected will come on this versions.
AI Integration
More AI Integration:
The unveiling of a Copilot preview by Microsoft in the 23H2 update for Windows 11 is indicative of a more advanced and further use of AI in the coming update more so when it comes to Windows 12.
There will be other applications for everyday tasks. A March 2023 Windows Insider blog post has revealed a new “Recommended” feature in the Windows 11 File Explorer. While at the moment it’s targeted at those using Active Directory, one would expect this to be more widely rolled out to all Windows 12 users signed in to OneDrive. This uses AI to display relevant file contents and useful recommendations to people.
Another voice-activated successor of Copilot can also offer hands-free convenience, trashing Cortana. AI that predicts the needs of the user can also be a potent feature of Windows 12, but I think Microsoft will be wise enough not to overdo access that can seem pretty invasive.
ARM Processor Support
ARM Processor Support:
Windows has been unable to come close to the performance that the Apple silicon M series chips have been putting up together with that of AMD and Intel for other PCs. Windows 12, with its 24H2 update, however changes the game and gets things interesting.
Qualcomm’s top hat wearers (I mean to say, Executives!) have claimed that its new Snapdragon X Elite processor for PCs can run circles around chips from Apple, AMD, and Intel; this means that their new processor has advantages over other brands’ processors. It comes with NPUs (Neural Processing Units) that will amplify the AI capabilities Windows now taps into with Copilot.
Hardware is just half of the equation; Windows and its apps also need to be optimized for Arm-based chips. The past performances have generally gone poorly, but maybe this time it’ll be different. If Microsoft can pull this off, users will finally have access to greater battery life, thinner and lighter form factors on a single charge, and native built-in cellular connectivity.
A New Desktop and User Interface
A New Desktop and User Interface:
That comes at the time fresh reports intimate that Microsoft is completely at work for a brand new AI-powered Windows Shell with Copilot being deeply integrated into the shell, for which an advanced version is already in the works. Windows 12 will have no static desktop interface, while Copilot will remain constantly active in the background to assist with search and access to projects, provide the contextual information you need without user input, and a lot more.
Besides that, the new user interface might also include a floating Taskbar. And it’s also said that the Taskbar might be on top of the screen, but new interface is really highly experimental and is not ready for release. Besides that, Microsoft is planning to make Windows 12 more friendly for touch input and mouse and keyboard interaction.
The chances of getting a separate Taskbar are high, as there is a rumor that Microsoft intends to detach the desktop, including the taskbar, notification center, and more, from explorer.exe for Windows 12. This possibility is increased, considering that Microsoft has already started the process of detaching the “Immersive Shell” from File Explorer.
Faster and Seamless Updates
Faster and Seamless Updates:
It is rumored that with Windows 12, we might see Microsoft finally bring seamless and a bit quicker updates that Google introduced with Android and ChromeOS through Project Mainline and Treble.
Windows 12 Price Rumors
Windows 12 Price Rumors
There might be a fair chance that Windows 12 appears as an optional free update to Windows 11 users and maybe even Windows 10 users who have a valid copy of Windows installed.
Unless you are getting a new license I am assuming you will either be downloading the digital form from the Microsoft website or picking it up from other 3rd party retailers.
The company will have wholesale/retail pricing on it that would almost certainly be the same as what they did in Windows 11:
- $139.99 for Windows 12 Home
- $199.99 for Windows 12 Pro
Hardware Requirements
Hardware Requirements
Here, not much has been heard so far about the hardware requirement side of things for Windows 12. So far, but on the other hand, for Windows 11 24H2, Microsoft is bringing a CPU cut-off which would prevent much older PCs to boot the 24H2 build. The new update requires the CPU to support the “POPCNT” instruction.
Thankfully, the processors released after 2010 already support the said instruction, so that won’t be a big issue. That said, Microsoft may continue to tighten security on the Windows platform.
Will There Be Different Versions of Windows 12?
Like those before it, Windows 12 is likely to have both Home and Pro editions (just a guess!). This is for the sake of coverage for both the end consumer user and the high-end user. It wouldn’t therefore come as a surprise if Microsoft would prefer to version Windows 12 based on this categorization alone.
Will Windows 12 run all my old Windows apps?
Will Windows 12 run all my old Windows apps?
One of the things that has made probably the biggest difference to me regarding Windows throughout the years has been its relentless focus on backward compatibility in terms of apps and services. I see nothing that changes my view in 2024.
However, I do expect to see Microsoft ratchet up its security over older apps which represent a security threat to anybody using a Windows PC. The company has been quietly running virtual PCs in its own cloud, under the Windows 365 moniker, for several years.
Windows 12 Release Date: When to Expect?
So basing on the company’s past release playbook and also considering the leaks, we are estimating the launch of Windows 12 to be in the second half of 2024. Second half means, we can expect the launch of the new operating system around July-October 2024, which is actually going back to the traditional launch windows of the company.
However, there are still no official signs that Microsoft is working on Windows 12. Though some of the rumors are that we might get Windows 12 in 2025!
The company may want to keep on refining Windows 11 so that it can be compatible with newer chips like ARM processors before shipping a more stable Windows 12.
Conclusion
As a Windows user or a tech enthusiast, the thought of more AI functions to play around with in a new Windows sounds exciting. As to what plans are in store for a future Windows OS, indeed there is not much clarity, but one can certainly say this: the tech giant is ever so much interested in overhauling and providing new experiences for the user with every next version, and one of the most awaited previews across the globe is for Windows 12.
And since AI today is baked in each software, there is nothing in reason why there should not be more of it when the official Windows 12 release hits the airwaves. But moreover, Microsoft will continue to push for better performance, optimal security features, and guaranteed compatibility with apps as they move into the future with their flagship product.
