Quick Answer
Windows 12 is expected to launch in 2025, featuring new enhanced AI capabilities, improved ARM support, state-of-the-art update cycles, and UI improvements, and it might be free to upgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 12.
Unlike other operating systems, Windows gets a new version every few years. Microsoft announced Windows 11 in 2021, and later, there were hints that Microsoft had already started developing the next version, Windows 12. However, these plans quickly changed and the release date for Microsoft Windows 12 was pushed back. Nevertheless, Windows 12 is likely to be released soon and here’s everything we can expect from the next version of Windows.
Table of Contents
Windows 12 – Everything We Know
Category | Details |
|---|---|
Expected Release year | 2025 |
Expected Features | - AI Integration (expanded features in Copilot) - Improved User Interface (new floating bar, weather widget, lock screen, notifications center) - Faster Updates (state separation for system files) - Enhanced ARM Support |
Security Features | - Advanced threat protection - Granular privacy levels - Possibly hardware-based security with TPM 2.0 or higher required |
Expected Minimum System Requirements | - Processor: 4+ cores, AI optimized - Storage: 64 GB or larger, SSD preferred - System Firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable - Graphics Card: DirectX 12 or later, supports advanced features - Display: 4K resolution support |
Expected Pricing and Upgrades | Likely a free upgrade from Windows 10/11; some AI features might require additional fees. |
Post-Release Support for Windows 11 | Ongoing support, but likely to decrease as focus shifts to Windows 12. |
Public Beta Program | Likely through the Windows Insider Program. |
When Is the Official Release Date for Windows 12?
- Microsoft hasn’t officially announced the release date of Windows 12.
- Windows 12 was set to release in Q2 2024 or early 2025.
- Based on the historical launch times of Windows, Windows 12 is likely to be announced in 2025.
Windows 12 was initially set to release in Q2 2024, but the timeline for its launch has become less clear. Microsoft might choose to continue enhancing Windows 11 for a longer period before launching a new version. Previously many reports had strongly stated that Windows 12 was going to be the next major version of Windows, but those plans have recently changed. The Windows and Surface chief Panos Panay, responsible for Windows and its updates recently left the company and joined Amazon. The new division is now focusing on Windows 11, which might be the reason why the release of Windows 12 was pushed back.
Windows updates are timelines are uncertain, and still plenty of people use Windows 10. As of March 2024, Windows 10 still accounts for 54.67% percent of PCs. Introducing a new version of Windows could further fragment the Windows market. For this reason, Microsoft might pivot Windows 12 in favor of the Windows 11 24H2 update. Windows 12 exists and is likely going to be the next major update for Windows. Microsoft is again considering a 4-year update cycle; going by that, Microsoft might announce the next version of Windows (Windows 12) in 2025.
Windows release data timelines
Version | Release Year | Time Between Releases (Years) |
|---|---|---|
Windows 1.0 | 1985 | Initial Windows Launch Date |
Windows 2.0 | 1987 | 2 |
Windows 3.0 | 1990 | 3 |
Windows 3.1 | 1992 | 2 |
Windows 95 | 1995 | 3 |
Windows 98 | 1998 | 3 |
Windows 2000 | 2000 | 2 |
Windows ME | 2000 | 0 (same year as Windows 2000) |
Windows XP | 2001 | 1 |
Windows Vista | 2007 | 6 |
Windows 7 | 2009 | 2 |
Windows 8 | 2012 | 3 |
Windows 8.1 | 2013 | 1 |
Windows 10 | 2015 | 2 |
Windows 11 | 2021 | 6 |
Windows 12 (Expected) | 2025 | 4 |
What Are the Major New Features Expected in Windows 12?
AI Integration
Microsoft’s big AI push will expand with Windows 12. The company has already released a significant AI update for Windows 11, primarily focusing on AI. Most of the AI features initially predicted for Windows 12 might be available in the Windows 11 24H2 update itself.
This includes deeper integration of Microsoft Copilot with Windows, a new AI explorer that displays your past activity, similar to the timeline feature in Windows 10, and more on-device AI features that could be part of the Windows core experience. Windows 11 24H2 is expected to launch in the second half of 2024 as the feature update for Windows 11.
Windows 12 is expected to come with deeper AI integration. While the exact details of AI features for Windows 12 are scarce, we can expect Microsoft to push AI updates to the Windows feature set continually. We expect Copilot to receive an even more significant boost and several new AI features in Windows 12.
Refined User Interface
We might not see major UI visual changes in Windows 12, as Windows 11 already represents the biggest overhaul compared to Windows 10. However, it is expected to refine and polish the interface further.
A Windows 12 concept showcased at the Microsoft Ignite event reveals new changes to upcoming Windows. Windows 12 is expected to feature a new floating bar and toolbar at the top of the screen, similar to macOS. Along with these, Windows 12 might also introduce a new weather widget that provides dynamic and interactive weather updates, a new lock screen interface, an improved notifications center, and more optimized for touchscreen use.
Faster Updates
With Windows 12, Microsoft might address issues with the current Windows update process. Current versions, such as Windows 10 and 11, use an integrated system where all system files, user data, and program files are stored in a single writable partition. This design slows down the update process because the system needs to handle all these components together. Moreover, with the current system, Windows requires a system reboot to install updates, making the system unusable during this time.
This is set to change with Windows 12. The new version is expected to use a ‘state separation’ technique, which divides the operating system into multiple partitions. This means that critical system files are kept separate from user data and apps. Which structure is similar to what’s seen in systems like Android. With this new update structure on Windows 12, Installing system updates will be faster and might not require system reboots for minor updates such as security patches, bug fixes, and more. The new update structure is part plan for Windows to make it more modular.
Enhanced ARM Support
Windows 12 is expected to offer better optimization for ARM processors. While Windows 10 and 11 support ARM, they rely on an emulator to run x86 applications. The current emulation process is slow to load and run Windows applications.
Microsoft is likely to enhance x86 emulation on ARM devices with Windows 12 by improving performance for traditional desktop applications that were not originally designed for ARM architecture.
Microsft is already pushing developers to make native ARM versions of the apps. With Windows 12, there may also be a stronger push for developers. Google Chrome has recently announced the arm version of the browser for Windows and there are already plenty of native arm version apps available for Windows.
Microsoft is also partnering with chipmakers like Qualcomm to tailor Windows 12 specifically for the Snapdragon X Elite chipset, which could further be expected to improve the performance of Windows running on ARM-based devices.
Will Windows 12 Have Improved Security Features Compared to Previous Versions?
Windows 12 will have advanced security features compared to Windows 11. Microsoft is constantly updating Windows 11 with new security features, and Windows 12 will likely receive even more features for better security and privacy.
We anticipate that Windows 12 might introduce advanced threat protection and more granular privacy levels. The details of these security features are scarce, but the latest security additions to Windows 11 will also be available for Windows 12.
Additionally, the new modular design for Windows might offer hardware-based security features. Similar to Windows 11, Windows 12 might require Trusted Platform Modules (TPM) Version 2.0 or higher as a system requirement.
Windows 12 System Requirements [Expected]
Windows 12’s main focus on AI is expected to set higher standards for hardware requirements. The new AI features in Windows 12 might require processors with advanced AI capabilities. For instance, the upcoming AI features for Windows such as real-time language translation, advanced voice recognition, or AI-powered security features, might utilize processors with built-in AI capabilities as base requirements for Windows 12.
Here are the minimum requirements and expected base PC requirements to run Windows 12. If your device can run Windows 11, it is most likely able to run Windows 12 as well.
Predicted system requirements for Windows 12
Specification | Windows 10 | Windows 11 | Predicted Windows 12 |
|---|---|---|---|
Processor | 1 GHz or faster processor | 1 GHz or faster, 2+ cores | 4+ cores, AI optimization |
RAM | 1 GB for 32-bit, 2 GB for 64-bit | 4 GB | 8 GB |
Storage | 16 GB for 32-bit, 20 GB for 64-bit | 64 GB or larger | 64 GB or larger, SSD preferred |
System Firmware | Not specified | UEFI, Secure Boot capable | UEFI, Secure Boot capable |
TPM | Not required | Version 2.0 | Version 2.0 or higher |
Graphics Card | DirectX 9, WDDM 1.0 driver | DirectX 12, WDDM 2.0 driver | DirectX 12 or later, advanced features |
Will Windows 12 Support Older Hardware, or Will Users Need To Upgrade Their Devices?
Microsoft traditionally aims for a high degree of backward compatibility with new versions of Windows to ensure that a broad user base can move to the latest version. This will also be the case with Windows 12. However, some advanced features, especially those related to AI, might require the latest hardware to access these features. Microsoft has already shared the requirements for the AI features, which can also be utilized for Windows 12 requirements. Still, older hardware might still be able to run Windows 12 but with limited capabilities.
Windows 12 Upgrade Price
Considering Window’s pricing history, upgrading from Windows 10/11 to Windows 12 is likely to be free.
However, some AI features available on Windows might require you to pay an additional fee. Previously, a rumor suggested that Windows 12 would be based on a subscription model, but it was later found that this reference was for the IoT Enterprise subscription model, and the client version of Windows 12 will use the regular license pricing (for PCs) just like current Windows versions.
However, as previously anticipated, Windows 12 might include a subscription or an additional fee for AI features. Microsoft might also bundle these AI services for free if you subscribe to its 365 services.
How Does Microsoft Plan To Support Windows 11 After the Release of Windows 12?
One of the reasons why Microsoft delayed Windows 12 is because of the support it offers for Windows 10, 11, and 12. If the new version is rolled out, Windows 10 will likely receive less support than Windows 11. According to Microsoft, Windows 10 will reach the end of support on October 14, 2025. However, support for Windows 11 will likely continue until Microsoft announces the next version of the update.
Will There Be a Public Beta for Windows 12, and How Can Users Participate?
Based on Microsoft’s history with previous Windows versions, it is very likely that there will be a public beta program for Windows 12 through the Windows Insider Program, where Microsoft typically releases early versions of new Windows updates to testers.
How To Update to Windows 12?
Microsoft will use the traditional Windows Update method to upgrade to Windows 12. Windows 12 will appear as an optional update in Windows Update. You can also perform the update using the Media Creation Tool.
You will be able to download the Windows 12 ISO file and install it on your device or you can use the Windows Update Assistant to upgrade to Windows 12. Similar to previous updates, your device will undergo a compatibility check to ensure that the hardware meets the minimum system requirements for the new version and the rollout will be gradual.
The Next Version of Windows
These are the expected features of Windows 12. Microsoft is planning a major update to Windows 11 this year with improved features and more AI support; we should get a better picture once that update is released. Most of the features originally planned for Windows 12 will be available with the Windows 11 24H2 update. Microsoft is also planning a developer event on May 21and 22, where we may get a preview of the upcoming Windows update.
