It may seem like it’s only been a few months since Windows 11 hit the scene. But believe it or not, we’ve already had access to Microsoft’s latest operating system since the fall of 2021. In OS years, that means we’re already far enough into Windows 11’s life cycle that people are starting to talk about Windows 12.
If the rumor mill is correct, the next iteration of Windows could be coming sooner than you think. Here’s everything we know so far.
When Will Windows 12 Be Released?
We don’t know for sure when Windows 12 will be released — or even if it will be called Windows 12. But there are rumblings (though thinly sourced) that it could arrive as soon as 2024. That’s really fast: Windows 10 had a six-year run, and Windows 11 could be replaced in just over three.
New Features to Expect in Windows 12
Based on what Microsoft is doing in other products and a handful of preview announcements, we have some educated guesses about what Windows 12 might deliver. All of these are unconfirmed and subject to change, but it’s fair to expect some of these updates to make the cut.
More AI More Places
If it seems like AI is everywhere these days, that’s because it kind of is. It’s been in enterprise-grade business tools for years, but the technology is showing up in all sorts of consumer-facing places lately. Microsoft is experimenting with integrating ChatGPT into its Bing search results, and in the business software world we’re seeing AI additions everywhere we look.
There’s every reason to expect that by the time Windows 12 hits the scene, these AI tools will be more mature, and they could be embedded pretty deeply into your next operating system.
What could this look like? For one, better analysis and insights into content you create for work — maybe even help drafting some of that content. We also expect Windows to be more intuitive and aware, using AI to anticipate your next moves and surface relevant results.
Who knows how far AI will get between now and the eventual Windows 12 release date. But it’s safe to assume that we’ll see the technology all through the next version of Windows.
Modular Redesign
Another highly likely change is that the next Windows will probably be more modular. Instead of hours-long system updates where the entire OS gets upgraded (during which your team can’t get any work done), Windows 12 will likely involve a redesign so that various parts and pieces of the OS can update separately and in the background. One portion of the OS could update in April, another in May, and so on— without the kinds of disruptions we’ve grown accustomed to.
Adaptable Experience
Both Windows 11 and Windows 10 offered a responsive experience no matter how you use your device, whether as a conventional computer or laptop or as a tablet PC. Expect that to continue with Windows 12, where the adaptable approach will extend even further.
Lower-powered devices will still be able to access the full (or core) Windows experience, running Edge, Office, web apps, and so forth. At the same time, certain advanced features (some of which could rely on hardware that doesn’t even exist yet) could be reserved for those with the latest and greatest hardware.
In this way Windows 12 is both futureproof and backward-looking: on the one hand, fewer older devices will get left behind. On the other hand, newer technology and more powerful devices won’t be held back.
We’ll keep you posted as the news rolls in about Windows 12. Meanwhile, if you’re still putting off updating to Windows 11, now is the time — and we can help you do it right.