Windows 11 was released over three years ago, and if you’re acquainted with Microsoft’s release timetable, a new version is coming. Many Windows 12 leaks have appeared. Microsoft will migrate to a new Windows update schedule. Therefore, Windows 11 24H2 will likely not be released in the following months. Windows 12, codenamed Hudson Valley, is already under development. Follow our detailed article below to learn about Windows 12’s release date, anticipated features, system requirements, and more.
Release Date: Windows 12
Based on Windows 11 and previous significant Windows releases, Windows 12 will likely be delivered in autumn 2024, and we have further grounds to believe so. First, Windows Central reports that Microsoft is abandoning Windows-as-a-service and adopting a three-year release schedule.
The second is a quick peek at a “new” Windows experience Microsoft unexpectedly showed during the 2022 Ignite Keynote, indicating Windows 12 development is underway and coming soon.
The 3-year upgrade cycle is old. Microsoft continued this update pace following Windows Vista in 2006. Windows 7 was introduced in 2009, Windows 8 in 2012, and Windows 10 in 2015. For those unfamiliar, Windows 11 debuted in 2021.
Microsoft wants to return to its 3-year upgrade schedule now that its software is stable. Thus, the 2024 Windows 12 release date is plausible, and we have excellent cause to assume it is coming soon.
Is Windows 12 Going Back To Updates Once A Year?
We previously reported that Panos Panay will drive Windows 11 to smaller “Moments” releases annually. After Panos departed Microsoft in September 2023, the new Windows development leaders wanted yearly feature upgrades.
Windows Central said Windows 12 would return to an annual release cycle with significant feature improvements. Changes will take effect after Win 12. Windows 11, coming in February or March 2024, may get one more modest upgrade.
Recent Windows 12 Features
Microsoft hasn’t confirmed Windows 12, but leaks have surfaced. Here’s all we know about Windows 12’s improvements and features.
A New Desktop Gui
According to sources, Microsoft may be developing an AI-powered Windows Shell with an upgraded version of Copilot. Desktop interfaces won’t be static in Win 12. Copilot will continually search, locate projects, and understand context to let you achieve more with less user input.
Timeline was deleted from Windows 11 when Microsoft brought it to Windows 10. It is returning in Windows 12. You can locate applications, websites, and projects you worked on before. Users may also search for files in context; Copilot will present them without stating the file name.
Additionally, the redesigned UI may include a floating Taskbar. The Taskbar may be put on top of the screen. However, the new interface is experimental and may not be ready until 2024. In addition, Microsoft wants to improve Windows 12 for touch, mouse, and keyboard input.
Rumors say Microsoft may detach the Win 12 desktop (including the Taskbar, notification center, and more) from explorer.exe, increasing the likelihood of a standalone Taskbar. Microsoft has begun removing the “Immersive Shell” from File Explorer, raising the possibility.
Ai – Copilot
AI will dominate Windows 12, and Microsoft is developing real AI PCs for Surface laptops. Windows 12 will launch next year with new AI features. After discussing the AI-powered interactive shell, there’s more.
According to reports, Win 12 may include AI-powered Super Resolution. It will upscale video and gaming images using the on-device NPU. Improved Live Captions will offer real-time translation from different languages. Video calls support live captions.
Next, Microsoft may develop AI wallpapers that employ ML to produce a parallax effect on your background. Copilot will also improve in adjusting Windows settings and fixing problems with natural language input.
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Updates Faster And Easier
Microsoft may provide smoother and speedier upgrades in Win 12, as Google did in Android and ChromeOS with Project Mainline and Treble. Microsoft is secretly making Win 12 modular. It will follow Windows Core OS (WCOS) ‘s read-only isolation of OS data, drivers, and programs.
We know Windows updates can be frustrating, but seamless updates utilizing multiple partitions should let Windows install updates quicker and roll back easily. Microsoft will use ChromeOS-like FFU images for speedier update installation and PC resets.
Cool New Experience
Microsoft is internally exploring a radical Edge browser idea. Under the “Phoenix” project, the company’s browser was redesigned and resembled Arc. Microsoft Edge is testing a split-screen mode, a redesigned UI/UX with tab management capabilities, Tab Activity Center, and interaction with Digital Wellbeing/Screen Time. Microsoft may release Edge Phoenix with Windows 12.
Arm-boosting Windows
After Snapdragon X Elite, Microsoft, OEMs, and developers finally take ARM seriously. Qualcomm’s Windows ARM processor is powerful enough to compete with Apple’s top M-series CPUs. So, Windows on ARM (WoA) is finally gaining improved driver compatibility, and software manufacturers are making ARM-compatible programs. The finest Windows on ARM will be Win 12.
OEMs may introduce Snapdragon X Elite-powered consumer items in June 2024. They’ll ship with Windows 12 and new AI experiences. The Snapdragon X Elite SoC’s strong NPU will enable quick and seamless AI functions.
Improvements & Features For Windows 12
- Bloatware-free experience
- Improved Context Menu to reduce clicks
- Better widgets and customization. Improved Start Menu search experience and flexible Vista and Windows 7 desktop widgets. Choose your search engine.
- This UI wrapper for handhelds like Steam Deck and ROG Ally offers a unified Control Panel and Settings interface.
- More Windows-Android ecosystem features without Phone Links.
Hardware Needed For Windows 12
Windows 12 may need a built-in Neural Processing Unit, which might hurt Microsoft. If accurate, more than 95% of consumer PCs might be doomed as none contain an NPU.
Since Microsoft is serious about Windows security, the TPM requirement will remain. If the NPU requirement news is false, your system can run Win 12 if it can run Win 11. Read our explanation here to learn about Windows 11 hardware requirements. To illustrate Windows 12, below are the estimated hardware requirements:
- Processing: 1GHz or faster with two or more cores on a suitable 64-bit CPU or SoC.
- At least 4 GB RAM
- Hard drive: 64 GB or more
- Systems firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot.
- TPM 2.0: Trusted Platform Module
- GPU: DirectX 12+ with WDDM. 2.0 driver
- Display: 8-bit color channel, 720p, larger than 9-inch diagonal. Support Internet connection and Microsoft account: Initial device setup in Windows 11 Home edition needs internet and a Microsoft account. Windows 11 Pro does not enable local account creation; however, we have a technique to circumvent this. How to establish a Windows 11 local account.
Windows 12 Price: Free Upgrade?
Microsoft’s history shows that upgrading from Windows 11 to 12 will be free, much as from 10 to 11. Eligible Windows 10 PCs may also be able to install Windows 12 for free.
However, you may need a Microsoft retail license to install Windows 12 on your new custom-built PC. An approved copy of Windows 12 may cost $139, the same as Win 10 and 11 Home. You may download and install Windows 11 for free and then upgrade to Windows 12, but you’ll lose certain features.
Conclusion
A three-year upgrade cycle will bring Win 12 to market in the autumn of 2024. The leaked features include an AI-powered Windows Shell, Copilot integration, better Live Captions, and a modular structure for speedier updates. The new Edge browser, Windows on ARM upgrades, and a wishlist boost anticipation. A free upgrade from Windows 11 is anticipated, maintaining Microsoft’s pattern. Hardware requirements are unknown.
