Windows 12 is the next major version of Microsoft’s operating system, expected to be released in 2024. It will be the successor of Windows 11, which was launched in 2021 with a new design, features, and performance improvements.
Windows 12 is rumored to bring more changes and innovations to the Windows platform, as well as address some of the issues and feedback from users and developers.
In this article, we will explore what we know so far about Windows 12, based on leaks, rumors, and our own expectations.
Windows 12 Release Date and Price
Microsoft has not officially announced the release date or price of Windows 12, but we can make some educated guesses based on the previous release cycles of Windows. Windows 11 was released in October 2021, four years after Windows 10, which was released in July 2015. Assuming that Microsoft follows a similar pattern, we can expect Windows 12 to be released in the second half of 2024, possibly in September or October.
As for the price, Windows 11 was offered as a free upgrade for eligible Windows 10 users, as well as a standalone purchase for new devices or installations. Windows 12 could follow the same model, or it could introduce a new pricing scheme, such as a subscription-based model, which we will discuss later in this article.
New Features and Changes in Windows 12
Windows 12 is expected to bring a number of new features and changes to the Windows platform, building on the foundation of Windows 11. Some of the possible features and changes are:
Updated Desktop UI
Windows 11 introduced a new desktop UI, with a centered taskbar, rounded corners, redesigned icons, and a revamped Start menu. Windows 12 could further refine and improve the desktop UI, with more customization options, animations, and themes. It could also introduce a new UI design language, similar to how Windows 11 adopted Fluent Design from Windows 10.
More Modular Approach
Windows 12 could adopt a more modular approach to the Windows platform, allowing users to choose and install only the components and features they need or want. This could reduce the size and complexity of the Windows OS, as well as improve its performance and security. It could also enable more frequent and seamless updates, as well as easier compatibility with different devices and form factors.
Faster Updates
Windows 12 could deliver faster and smoother updates, with less downtime and disruption for users. This could be achieved by using a more modular approach, as well as leveraging cloud and AI technologies to optimize and streamline the update process. Windows 12 could also offer more control and transparency to users over the updates, such as allowing them to pause, resume, or schedule the updates according to their preferences and needs.
Incorporation Of AI
Windows 12 could incorporate more AI and machine learning capabilities into the Windows platform, enhancing its functionality and user experience. For example, Windows 12 could use AI to personalize and optimize the Windows settings, features, and recommendations for each user, based on their behavior, preferences, and context. It could also use AI to improve the performance, security, and reliability of the Windows OS, by detecting and resolving issues, threats, and errors automatically.
No Support For 32-Bit Arm Apps
Windows 12 could drop the support for 32-bit Arm apps, which are apps designed for older Arm-based devices, such as smartphones and tablets. This could be a move to simplify and unify the Windows platform, as well as to encourage developers to migrate their apps to the newer and more powerful 64-bit Arm architecture, which is used by devices such as the Surface Pro X and the Samsung Galaxy Book S.
What Users Want to See in Windows 12?
Windows 12 could also address some of the issues and feedback from users and developers, who have expressed their opinions and suggestions on various platforms, such as social media, forums, and blogs. Some of the common themes and requests are:
- Seamless updates: Users want to see more seamless and less disruptive updates, which do not require long reboots, multiple restarts, or unexpected errors. Users also want to have more control and transparency over the updates, such as being able to pause, resume, or schedule them according to their convenience and needs.
- Enhanced customization options: Users want to have more options and flexibility to customize and personalize their Windows experience, such as changing the taskbar position, size, and icons, choosing different themes and colors, and adding more widgets and shortcuts to the desktop and Start menu.
- Improved performance for gaming and virtual reality: Users want to see more improvements and optimizations for gaming and virtual reality on Windows, such as better graphics, frame rates, and compatibility with various devices and platforms. Users also want to see more features and support for cloud gaming and streaming, such as Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now, which allow users to play games on any device without installing or downloading them.
- Improved security: Users want to see more security and privacy features and enhancements on Windows, such as stronger encryption, biometric authentication, and anti-malware protection. Users also want to have more control and transparency over their data and information, such as being able to choose what data is collected and shared by Microsoft and third-party apps and services.
What to Expect from Windows 12: Leaks, Rumors, and More
Windows 12 is still in the early stages of development, and there is not much official or reliable information available about it. However, there are some leaks, rumors, and speculations that have emerged online, which give us some clues and hints about what to expect from Windows 12. Some of the possible scenarios and outcomes are:
Possible New UI Design
Windows 12 could introduce a new UI design language, which could be inspired by the Sun Valley project, which is a codename for a visual overhaul of Windows 10 that was planned for 2021 but was reportedly postponed or canceled. The Sun Valley project aimed to bring more consistency, modernity, and elegance to the Windows UI, with more rounded corners, shadows, gradients, and transparency effects. Windows 12 could revive or reimplement some of the elements and concepts of the Sun Valley project, or it could create a completely new and original UI design language.
Potential For Subscription-Based Model
Windows 12 could introduce a subscription-based model for the Windows platform, similar to how Microsoft offers Office 365 and Xbox Game Pass. This could mean that users would have to pay a monthly or annual fee to access and use Windows 12, as well as receive updates, features, and services. This could be a way for Microsoft to generate more revenue and loyalty from Windows users, as well as to provide more value and benefits to them. However, this could also face some backlash and resistance from users who prefer to own and use Windows as a one-time purchase or a free upgrade.
Increased AI and Machine Learning Integration
Windows 12 could integrate more AI and machine learning capabilities into the Windows platform, enhancing its functionality and user experience. For example, Windows 12 could use AI to personalize and optimize the Windows settings, features, and recommendations for each user, based on their behavior, preferences, and context. It could also use AI to improve the performance, security, and reliability of the Windows OS, by detecting and resolving issues, threats, and errors automatically.
Possible Removal Of Control Panel
Windows 12 could remove the control panel, which is a legacy feature that allows users to access and change various Windows settings and options. The control panel has been gradually replaced by the settings app, which is a more modern and streamlined interface for managing Windows. Windows 12 could complete the transition and eliminate the control panel altogether, or it could keep it as an optional or hidden feature for advanced users and developers.
Compatibility With More Android Apps
Windows 12 could improve the compatibility and support for Android apps on Windows, which was introduced in Windows 11 with the Amazon Appstore integration. Windows 12 could expand the availability and variety of Android apps on Windows, by allowing users to access and install Android apps from other sources, such as the Google Play Store, or by enabling users to sideload Android apps from their own devices or files.
