Microsoft is said to be in the early stages of preparing its next major Windows release, likely to be named Windows 12. While the official announcement is yet to be made, reports suggest that Windows 12 may launch in 2024, marking the third anniversary of Windows 11. Here’s a glimpse into what we know and the potential features we might see.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Windows 12 Release Date | Anticipated in 2024. |
| Upgrade Cost | Expected to be free for existing users; no subscription fees. |
| Forced Upgrades | Microsoft easing the push for forced upgrades; user choice emphasized. |
| Compatibility | System requirements likely to be defined, ensuring compatibility with newer PCs. |
| New Desktop UI | Prototype showcases a floating taskbar, relocated system icons, and weather widget. |
| Modular Approach | Potential adoption of a more modular design, enabling tailored experiences for different devices. |
| Faster Updates | Introduction of state separation for seamless, faster updates and improved reset experiences. |
| AI Integration | Expected increase in AI features for content recognition and context-aware suggestions. |
| No Support for 32-bit Arm Apps | Discontinuation of support for 32-bit Arm apps for better optimization. |
| Seamless Updates | Desired improvements for a more seamless update process, akin to ChromeOS and Android. |
| Widgets Improvement | Customization options for the Widgets board, potentially as an RSS feed reader. |
| Enhanced Start Menu Customization | A resizable Start menu with granular control over items. |
| Live Wallpapers | Native support for live wallpapers and easy integration of user-generated content. |
| Unified Settings and Control Panel | A cohesive and modernized settings experience, eliminating the need for Control Panel. |
| Editable Snap Layouts | Improvements to Snap Layouts for more flexibility, similar to FancyZones in PowerToys. |
| Seamless App Uninstallation | A universal and seamless uninstallation experience for all apps. |
| Universal Tabs | A revival of the Sets concept for grouping apps within tabs, enhancing workflow organization. |
| Improved Handheld Experience | Optimization for handheld devices, acknowledging the popularity of handheld gaming PCs. |
Potential Features in Windows 12:
- New Desktop UI: A prototype of Windows 12 showcased a floating taskbar, relocated system icons, and a weather widget, hinting at a revamped user interface.
- Modular Approach: Windows 12 might adopt a more modular design, allowing specific components to be enabled or disabled for tailored experiences based on device form factors.
- Faster Updates: State separation, a new structure, could facilitate seamless updates, ensuring faster installation and less downtime.
- AI Integration: Expect more AI features, enabling Windows 12 to recognize on-screen content and offer context-aware suggestions.
- No Support for 32-bit Arm Apps: Windows 12 may discontinue support for 32-bit Arm apps, emphasizing better optimization for Arm devices.
Desired Improvements for Windows 12:
- Seamless Updates: Enhancements to the update process for a smoother experience, taking cues from ChromeOS and Android.
- Widgets Improvement: Customization options for the Widgets board, potentially turning it into an RSS feed reader.
- Enhanced Start Menu Customization: A resizable Start menu with granular control over pinned and recommended items.
- Live Wallpapers: Native support for live wallpapers and easy integration of user-generated GIFs or videos.
- Unified Settings and Control Panel: A more cohesive and modernized settings experience, eliminating the need for Control Panel.
- Editable Snap Layouts: Improvements to Snap Layouts for more flexibility, similar to the FancyZones feature in PowerToys.
- Seamless App Uninstallation: A universal and seamless uninstallation experience for all apps, irrespective of their source.
- Universal Tabs: A revival of the Sets concept for grouping apps within tabs, enhancing workflow organization.
- Improved Handheld Experience: Optimization for handheld devices, acknowledging the rising popularity of handheld gaming PCs.
While these features and improvements are speculative, they offer an exciting glimpse into the potential evolution of Windows with the anticipated Windows 12 release.
