The Windows 12 features, AI advancements, and more will be based on a new ‘Germanium’ platform. It going to release this year in October as an extension to Windows 11.
After Windows came with Vista, it was natural to release a new version after every three to four years. Now, the official announcements are still not known. Chances are that we can soon see Windows 12 since the Windows 11 release date was October 2021.
Microsoft is completely focused on CoPilot. We can see the Windows 12 release to be pushed to next year. It is sure that Windows 12 stable release will not come in 2024. But, it can come sooner that we think in 2025.
Windows 11 users would be able to upgrade to the Windows 12 for free. It would enable users to do a seamless transition to the latest updates with no cost of their own.
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Windows 12 Release Date
Let’s check out the anticipated timeline for WInows 12.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Current OS | Windows 10 / Windows 11 |
| Next Major Update | 24H2 (scheduled for 2024) |
| Platform for 24H2 | Germanium (supports AI features in new Copilot+ PCs) |
| Anticipated Windows 12 Release | September or October 2025 (aligns with Windows 10 end of life) |
| Update Cadence | Annual feature updates; major versions every three years |
| Previous Speculations | Potential Windows 12 release in the second half of 2024 (based on industry hints) |
| Market Share (as of now) | Windows 10: 63 per cent Windows 11: 33 per cent |
If you have been a Microsoft follower for a while now, you would basically understand the timeline:
- One Big Update Every three years.
- Small updates every year.
There have been some influential changes. Changes like the Departure of Windows boss Panos Panay and restructuring of version-numbering schedule. People who are currently using Windows 10 are going to be the one to update to Windows 12 features.
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Windows 12 Expected Leaks And Rumours
Zack Bowden is a big name and an important source for knowing about Windows. Be it Windows 12 release date, Windows 12 features, Windows 12 Eligibility and more. Even at Microsoft Ignite, there was a hint at the Windows 12 where a laptop was shown that looked a bit different from Windows 11.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| New User Interface | Floating taskbar and search bar for a more intuitive and customizable experience. |
| Redesigned Lock Screen and Notification Centre | Improved usability and accessibility. |
| AI Integration | Enhanced productivity and user experience through tighter integration with Microsoft’s AI assistant. |
| Android App Installation | Ability to install Android apps directly via APK files, expanding the app ecosystem. |
| Animated Wallpapers | Dynamic and visually appealing desktop environment with animated wallpapers. |
In that, users could see a floating search bar o the top for easy accessibility and a floating taskbar at the bottom for more aesthetics. There was also a weather button. But, it is still unknown whether it was a legit feature or just a widget.
Users are waiting for a more drastic changes to the UI when shifting to the Windows 12. So, a lot is still awaited in this regard.
Windows 12 – As A Service
Windows 12 is going to be part of the ‘Windows As A service’. It means that it will continue to get regular updates and fresh new features frequently.
For example, Windows 10 in 2020 was much better than in 2015 because Microsoft added a lot of new features through updates. These updates had names like “Creators Update,” which changed the OS a lot, similar to how macOS gets new versions with fancy names.
Even though people said Windows 10 was “the last version of Windows,” Microsoft has shown that they will keep releasing big updates (like 22H2 and 23H2) and smaller updates (called Moments) for Windows 11. It’s reasonable to think they will use the same approach for Windows 12.
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Windows 12 Subscription Edition
There are some developers who looked closely into the Winodws code and found hints of Subscription Edition and Subscription Type. If the Windows 12 is going to be subscription based, it can significantly lower PC Prices but there will also be a free version with ads.
If Microsoft does require a subscription, many long-time Windows users might be very upset. This happened before when Adobe switched Photoshop to a subscription model. In the end, users paid, and Adobe made more money to improve their software.
Windows 11 And Artificial Intelligence
With the release of Windows 11, we can soon see AI to suggest user actions beyond just File Explorer. Microsoft is working on platforms and features that could even understand and predict user intentions efficiently.
But for this, there are going to be privacy issues as well. Like the Recall feature in CoPilot+ PCS. Surely it helps you in finding past actions but there is also concern about the data remaining encrypted or not.
In the end, it is all about individual preference.
Merge Microsoft Teams And And Skype
There is high possibility that Microsoft can merge Teams App and Skype app with the Windows 12 launch into MSN Messenger completely. This can done to remove the confusion in the mind of users as to what platform they should use more often for remote working.
Right now, if you are using Teams as a safe place and you have an interview with SKype, there is a whole hassle of downloading and installing the app. Microsoft wants to work on this gap and enhance user experience.
Dedicated Apps For Podcast And Streaming
There is a high chance that Microsoft will announce a dedicated app for Podcast and Streaming. It would be a game changer if there is a dedicated podcast app that you can also use on your Mac and Android devices and use your subscription.
Since Windows 11, there has been great efforts on increasing gaming but Microsoft also needs to understand that gamers also use streaming platforms. A dedicated app would only give these gamers more flexibility and reasons to love their system.
Windows 11 Vs Windows 12 Hardware Requirements
Let’s now compare the hardware requirements for Windows 11 and the expected requirements for Windows 12:
| Hardware Requirement | Windows 11 | Windows 12 (Expected) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | 1 GHz or faster with 2 or more cores | 1 GHz or faster with 2 or more cores (64-bit compatible) |
| RAM | 4GB or more | 4GB or more |
| Storage | 64GB or larger | 64GB or larger |
| System Firmware | UEFI, Secure Boot capable | UEFI, Secure Boot capable |
| TPM | TPM version 2.0 | TPM version 2.0 |
| Graphics Card | DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver | DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver |
| Display | HD (720p) display (diagonal > 9 inches) | HD (720p) display (diagonal > 9 inches) |
| Internet Connection | Required for some features | Microsoft account and internet connection required for setup (Windows 12 Home) |
I don’t think there will be a need of a separate hardware requirement for Windows 11 users to be able to use Windows 12. Windows 11 already runs of a modern and capable processor, enough RAM, firmware support, proper storage, HD display, and a compatible graphics card.
But if your system is running on WIndows 10, it’s important to check for the optimal hardware and firmware requirements to ensure the proper functioning of Windows 12.
In A Nutshell
Even though Windows 11 is latest, a lot of users are still using Windows 10. Similarly, even after the release of Windows 12, Microsoft is still going to show support for Winows 11. The decision to upgrade to Windows 12 is based on your individual preference and choice.
Windows 10 was a blend of nostalgia and innovation where as Windows 11 was all about the new look and feel. It would be interesting to see what the future holds for Windows 12 features.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Any new features in Windows 12?
Rumored features for Windows 12 include a floating taskbar, redesigned lock screen, Windows Messenger, AI integration, Android app support, animated wallpapers, and merging Teams and Skype.
What Is Windows 11 24H2?
Windows 11 latest update releasing this year is just an extension with the codename Germanium. This is also going to be the base for Winodws 12 release date. Windows 12 is expected to offer better HDR support for compatible displays, Wi-Fi 7 support, and the ability to create zip archives (including 7-zip and TAR) in File Explorer, along with various other improvements.
