Gizmodo argues Windows 11 is bogged down by bugs, security holes, and heavy Copilot AI integration, and suggests a new Windows 12 as a proper reboot, noting ongoing previews and fixes but contending that only a new OS can restore user trust.
Windows Central debunks the claim that Microsoft will release Windows 12 this year, noting there is no plan for Windows 12 in 2026 and that CorePC is likely scrapped; the 2026 roadmap focuses on fixing Windows 11 (reducing AI bloat, restoring a movable taskbar, etc.), with any Windows work this year tied to Windows 11 updates rather than a new OS. If a Windows 12 ever happens, it’s expected no earlier than 2027 to avoid market fragmentation.
Tech4Gamers reports Microsoft plans to launch Windows 12 later this year as a fully modular, AI-focused OS (codename Hudson Valley Next) built around CorePC, with Copilot integrated as a core experience. The update may include subscription-based access to advanced AI features and will require a dedicated NPU (alongside TPM-like constraints), potentially locking millions out of upgrading, while Windows 11 support remains for several more years. The redesign is expected to bring a new visual layout and floating taskbar, signaling a shift toward AI-first personalization across the OS.
Rumors suggest Windows 12 could arrive in late 2026 as an AI-centric OS that may require CPUs with dedicated neural processing units (NPUs) and high performance (around 40 TOPS), potentially forcing hardware upgrades and possibly introducing subscription pricing. The codename Hudson Valley Next and a modular CorePC architecture are cited, with broader Copilot enhancements including Gaming Copilot; a free Home upgrade is hinted at, but details remain to be confirmed.
Microsoft envisions future Windows versions, possibly Windows 12 or 13, heavily integrated with AI, where traditional input methods like mice and keyboards may be replaced by natural language and multi-modal interactions, including voice and visual recognition, with quantum computing playing a role in enhancing security and processing capabilities.
Microsoft announced that the next major Windows update will be Windows 11 version 25H2, not Windows 12, expected in late 2025. The update will be a minor refresh with no new features initially, focusing on stability and user experience improvements, and will be easy to install as a quick restart. It will be released around September or October 2025, coinciding with the end of Windows 10 support.
Windows 11 Pro, known for its high-end hardware support and enhanced security features, is currently available at an all-time low price of $22.97, a significant discount from its usual $200 price tag. The deal offers users the opportunity to upgrade to the powerful operating system, which includes features like BitLocker and Windows Information Protection, at a fraction of the cost. This limited-time offer presents a compelling opportunity for those seeking top-tier performance and security, as the countdown for the deal is underway.
Microsoft is set to release Windows 11 24H2, dispelling rumors of an imminent Windows 12 launch in 2024. With Windows 10 support ending in 2025, the company is focusing on enhancing Windows 11 with AI tools and encouraging migration. The discovery of 24H2 in technical documents suggests that Windows 11 will continue to be the flagship OS for at least another year before a potential transition to Windows 12.
Rumors suggest that Windows "12" may not be released this year due to the departure of ex-Windows and Surface head Panos Panay, while Windows 11 version 24H2 is expected to be a major update targeted for a September release, focusing on AI-centric features and timed with next-gen AI PCs. The finalization of the update is expected during the summer, coinciding with the unveiling of "AI PCs" by major OEMs and PC manufacturers. These developments indicate uncertainty about Microsoft's strategy for the next generation of AI-rich Windows.
The mention of "Windows 11 Version 24H2" in a group policy related to a new feature in Active Directory has sparked speculation about the next major Windows release. It is unclear whether this refers to a placeholder name for Windows 12, a 2024 feature update for Windows 11, or simply an error. The existence of this mention has both eased and heightened anticipation for the next version of Windows among tech enthusiasts.
Qualcomm's upcoming Snapdragon X Elite, set to launch in mid-2024, may coincide with the release of Windows 12, according to hints found in Qualcomm's presentation files. The success of Apple's ARM chips was attributed to the tight integration of hardware and software, and Microsoft has been working to optimize Windows for ARM architecture. The Snapdragon X Elite is expected to address the performance issues of previous Qualcomm CPUs, and the mention of "Windows OS" instead of "Windows 11" in benchmarking suggests a new version of Windows may be on the horizon.
Microsoft is planning a substantial system redesign for Windows 12 to create a more AI-centric user experience, with the possibility of replacing the Start button with the Copilot AI. The Copilot AI, currently available as a preview version in Windows 11, is expected to become the orchestrator of all app experiences, allowing users to navigate applications, learn, query, and create. Microsoft aims to be at the forefront of the AI movement by integrating extensive software support in its flagship product, and with better hardware support, AI interactions on Windows 12 should be smoother.
An Intel executive has hinted at a potential launch of Windows 12 in 2024, suggesting a "refresh" of the Windows operating system. While details are scarce, it is speculated that Windows 12 may incorporate generative AI to enhance the consumer experience. Reports of a subscription-based model have been debunked, but additional features may come at a price. The launch of Windows 12 is still in its early stages, and further information will reveal Microsoft's future trajectory with its resources.
Intel has hinted at a "Windows refresh" in 2024, anticipating a boost in PC upgrades due to a new release of Windows. The company's CFO, David Zinsner, mentioned the potential for a Windows catalyst during a recent analyst conference. This comes after leaked references to Windows 12 from internal Intel documents. Intel is preparing its Meteor Lake desktop platform for the next generation of Windows, which is expected to integrate AI-powered features. Microsoft has not officially announced Windows 12 but has shown signs of focusing on AI in future versions of Windows, including the recent addition of AI-powered Copilot in Windows 11.
Microsoft is reportedly considering releasing Windows 12 as a subscription service, replacing the upfront cost with an ongoing subscription charge that would limit access to features based on the chosen subscription tier. This move could potentially allow manufacturers to lower prices for preconfigured desktop PCs and laptops that come with Windows 12 preinstalled. There is also speculation about the possibility of a free tier with ads.