Being geeks fascinated by technology and Windows users, we never lose the desire to know what is hidden behind the curtain and what new idea Microsoft has to offer to its successful operating system. As it is still relatively early to confidently talk about the specifics of Windows 11, the rumors revolving around Windows 12 are already starting to circulate. It is now time to explore what remains certain, what is conjectured, and what is pure informed guessing relative to Windows.
Image credit: René Ramos/Microsoft
What’s Windows 12 Release Date?
First things first: they do not expect to have Windows 12 in 2024. There have been earlier speculations and even some boast from Intel and Qualcomm that it will not happen but at least for now, Microsoft has squelched that plan. However, what is new is Windows 11 24H2 which is set to be released in the coming fall. It’s like eagerly anticipating a brand-new car as a birthday present and instead receiving a very attractive car freshener- similarly, we use it, but it doesn’t make our hearts flutter in the same way.
The next big update, which we are currently referring to as Windows 12, since “Windows 11 2025 Edition” doesn’t roll of the tongue very well, is likely to make its debut sometime in September or October 2025 at the earliest. This rather coincidentally falls right when Windows 10 has begun its march towards the sunset, presumably for old aged OS’s.
AI: The Not-So-Secret Ingredient
Image credit: Microsoft
Bet your last gigabyte on this, folks: The full-tilt integration of AI is going to be as ingrained in windows 12 as chocolate chips are in a cookie. Microsoft has already begun this with Windows 11 copilot but that is just the starter. Expect the full works on the Artificial Intelligence front with Windows 12.
Well, picture your own PC making your life easier as if it is an obsessive butler. While it might sound outrageous, AI is likely to become more involved in file management, system optimization and other things.
Arm Wrestling with Performance
Microsoft has been attempting to popularize Arm-based Windows PCs for years, as smoothly as a giraffe on roller knees. However, Windows 12 might be the deal that makes the perfect end. With new and improved Arm support with the new Prism emulator, we can finally look forward to Arm based PCs that can stand up to their x86 counterparts without panting to catch their breath. It’s about time, too.
These M-series chips from Apple have been flexing like the smart kid in the class for quite some time now. Perhaps Windows 12 will allow the geek in all of us PC enthusiasts to boast at the next cocktail party in Silicon Valley.
A Modular Makeover: CorePC
Do you recall the time when people had become addicted to modular phones? Well, Microsoft appears to have borrowed a principle from the book in what it calls CorePC. This approach to the structures of Windows might help the OS become a more adaptable, less bloated, and easier to shift in and out updating system than the clothes of a social media influencer.
The concept is to break up the components that make up Windows with Microsoft being able to optimize the OS for the specific form factor and the work it has to do. As when you want a utility, you don’t get a fully loaded kitchen – you get a Swiss army knife of an operating system – you only pull out as much as you need to complete the job.
Subscription Speculation: Pay-to-Play Windows?
And now that, dear readers, is where things start to get a little complicated… controversial. I did not see any issues about Windows potentially moving to a subscription-based model. Don’t fret and start preparing your ill-advised tweets about Google destroying Android just yet, this is all conjecture from references to certain codes in the valued insiders’ eyes.
However, Microsoft has been very swift to dismiss these rumors with water, insinuating that any subscription indication is probably meant for business people. Nevertheless, the concept of the ‘Netflix for Windows’ is one that can cause the holders of the key perpetual licenses to shiver.
The Interface: A Facelift or Major Surgery?
Image credit: Microsoft
Though Windows 12 release date might seem a bit far away, the new version may already be taking shape at Microsoft. We got a sneak preview of what might turn out to be the Windows 12 desktop at the recent Ignite conference. New floating task bars, relocated system icons and the search bar ‘play hide and seek’ just at the extreme top corner of the screen – overall it looks like Windows 11 was brought to the interface beauty salon.
This means that whether these improvements are still a theme or a sneak peek of Windows 12 only the future will tell. But one thing’s for sure: change is coming, and it’s wearing a very sleek, minimalist outfit.
Windows as a Service: The Never-Ending Story
Have you been here when Microsoft promised that Windows 10 would be the final version of the company’s flagship operating system? Yeah, about that… While we’re surely departing from that line of thinking, the notion of “Windows as a service” isn’t likely to disappear any soon. Windows 12 will probably also maintain the Microsoft tradition of frequent updates and feature refreshes.
Peeking Behind the Curtain: Windows Insider Program
For those who can’t wait to test the latest & greatest (including bugs), the PC only Windows Insider Program is your only option. From the very risky Canary to the more dependable Release Preview, it’s like reader’s choice in OS world. But always bear this in mind: With great preview power comes great responsibility – and sometimes, system instability.
Conclusion:
Windows 12 will probably release sometime in September or October 2025 at the earliest. As we look forward into the future of Windows 12, we see that artificial intelligence, enhanced performance, and the general relationship of a more malleable operating system architecture are the guiding beacons for Microsoft. While the exact features and release date of Windows 12 remain shrouded in mystery (and probably several NDAs), the direction is clear: more intelligent, efficient, and maybe not requiring a paid access to content release.
Meanwhile, Windows 11 is maturing and every single improvement and release takes us forward closer to what the future of computing could be. Whether or not that future will include a sentient Clippy driven by artificial intelligence is still unknown. Some may have even wanted the anthropomorphic office supplies to come true – or they could have dreaded it instead, again, depending on one’s affiliations.
So just stay alert and tuned and keep the NPUs shiny. The world of Windows is a never-ending cycle and who knows what may happen in the future. Probably, when Windows 12 comes, we will be computing right from our head interfaces.
FAQs
Q1: Will Windows 12 require a subscription?
A: There’s no official confirmation. While some code references have sparked speculation, Microsoft has suggested any subscription model would likely be for business users only.
Q2: How will AI be integrated into Windows 12?
A: AI is expected to play a significant role, building on Windows 11’s Copilot. It may include more advanced user assistance, improved file management, and system optimization.
Q3: Will Windows 12 have a new user interface?
A: While not confirmed, Microsoft has shown glimpses of potential UI changes, including a floating taskbar and relocated system icons. However, the final design may differ.
Q4: How will Windows 12 improve support for Arm-based processors?
A: Microsoft is working on better Arm support, including a new Prism emulator for non-Arm-optimized applications, which could significantly improve performance on Arm-based PCs.
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Amit Gupta is a tech lover and an enthusiastic blogger who completed his B.Tech in Computer Science. An enthusiast of emerging technology and discoveries, he shares valuable views and tips on his blog from his personal experiences. Through his articles, he tries to simplify tech concepts and put readers in the position to take responsible decisions in the rapidly changing digital infrastructure world. Follow me on Facebook and linkedin.