What We Know About Windows 12 Right Now?

Window 12 is finally to be released in the upcoming year and the Microsoft enthusiasts are already making a buzz about what new features it can bring to the table. If you are one of them or you are just curious about what is known for Windows 12 up until now – you are in the right place.

In this article, we will go through each and every anticipated update that might be coming up in Windows 12 and what Microsoft has released so far. Keep on reading!

The Recent Windows 11 Update Was Confused with Windows 12

An interesting moment occurred before Microsoft released the Windows 11 24H2 update in October 2024 – many people thought that it might actually be Windows 12 in disguise. The reason is that this update was filled with a lot of the newest features powered by artificial intelligence (AI).

However, Microsoft didn’t waste any time and quickly solved the rumors by confirming that 24H2 is still part of Windows 11 and not the release of Windows 12. In fact, many tech geeks now predict that the likely date for the Windows 12 release is somewhere in the period between July and October 2025.

New Design for Better UX

Windows 12 redesign will integrate both desktop and touchscreen devices which is why many believe that it will bring a better UX. Windows 11 exceeded users’ expectations with a new look featuring rounded corners and refreshed icons, however, it seems like that was just the beginning.

Windows 12 is going to be another breakthrough in design. Leaked documentations illustrate a more contemporary appearance with flying around taskbar icons and top-aligned system elements in the floating mode. This change is going to elevate the experience of desktop users and will also be a great improvement for those who use touchscreen devices.

AI Will Be An Integral Element of Windows 12

One of the biggest expectations around Windows 12 is the incorporation of AI. With the Microsoft Copilot – an AI-powered tool that was already introduced in Windows 11, AI in Windows 12 may become the main component. The reason for this is very clear – improvement of user productivity and experience.

Given that we’ve already seen what can be achieved with Copilot in Windows 11, the new version might push things even further with this AI assistant such as realizing and attaining the habits of the user. In addition, hybrid AI computing might also be a thing. This is the process where tasks are processed both locally on the device and through the cloud.

New Hardware Might Also Be Required

Some rumors indicate that this new operating system will demand more powerful hardware, especially personal computers with NPUs capable of on-device AI processing. Theoretically, if the configuration of your current PC is not compatible with Windows 12, you might need to upgrade it in order to enjoy the full functionality of Windows 12.

Pricing: What Will It Cost?

Although the company hasn’t disclosed the details officially, it’s probable that Microsoft will continue using a similar pricing model as it did in the past for its latest software. Windows 10 users were able to get Windows 11 for free, therefore, Windows 12 will probably be offered as a free upgrade for the current Windows 11 users as well. However, it’s important to note that if the inclusion of AI is the main thing in Windows 12, cloud integration will be inevitable, meaning that some extra costs might come up.

Windows 12 vs. Windows 11: Quick Comparison

Since Windows 12 is the successor of Windows 11, it definitely will bring most of the functionality of the previous version and several new important applications. Windows 11 revolutionized the operating system with colorful visual changes and some improvements in terms of providing a more secure and elegant OS, particularly for hybrid workspaces. However, Windows 12 is expected to take AI integration to a whole new level, improve the user interface, and even require better hardware.

Final Thoughts (and a Disclaimer)

As excited as we all are about these new features, it’s important to keep in mind that nothing has been officially confirmed by Microsoft yet. Much of the information we know until now is based on insider leaks and industry expert guesses. Features and release dates are always subject to change until Microsoft makes an official announcement. On the other hand, If Microsoft delivers what everyone is expecting, it definitely would reshape the way we use computers and take user experience to a whole new level.