Although Microsoft hasn’t officially confirmed a release date for the latest generation of its widely popular PC operating system, dubbed Windows 12, leaks and rumors suggest the software is expected to be released later this year.
The current iteration of Windows – Windows 11 – has been around since 2021 and the American tech giant is likely to announce Windows 12 in June, with a launch expected in October.
Here is what we know so far about the upcoming release.
When is Windows 12 Coming Out?
The first evidence that Windows 12 might be coming sooner happened after Microsoft started implementing a new update cadence for Windows 11. This means that Windows 12 is expected to be released sometime in the second half of 2024.
The company had previously said it would release an annual feature update for Windows rather than the twice-yearly feature update, as is the case currently with Windows 11.
Perhaps the strongest indication for the 2024 release of Windows 12 came in a statement by Intel’s chief financial officer, Dave Zinsner, who in an interview last September predicted an increase in PC sales in anticipation of the arrival of a new version of Windows this year.
Chipmaker Qualcomm also released statements pointing to an apparent release of a new Windows OS in 2024. However, there are also suggestions that we may not see a Windows 12 at all this year, and the next generation of the PC software could be an update to the existing Windows 11.
Windows 12 Features
1. Generative AI
Microsoft has been at the forefront of generative AI and has not been shy about integrating the technology into Windows. The company introduced Microsoft Copilot, its generative AI chatbot, on Windows 11 with last year’s 23H2 update and is widely expected to build on that foundation with Windows 12.
Copilot has already demonstrated its ability to provide a more personalized and efficient computing experience and future updates of Windows could only enhance users’ experience.
2. Altered Desktop Appearance
During the Microsoft Ignite conference, the company showed off a Windows desktop interface with an altered appearance, suggesting that it could be the one that we would see on Windows 12.
The image shown featured a floating taskbar, a floating search bar at the top, and system icons relocated to the top-right corner of the screen. There also seems to be a weather button in the top-left corner.
3. Ads on the Start Menu
In a recent update to Windows 11, Microsoft introduced ads on the Start menu. While the feature was quickly pulled by the company as soon as it was released due to a lack of interest from users, rumors suggest that it will be a permanent addition in future versions, including Windows 12.
The ads displayed in the recommended section will promote Microsoft Store apps from a selected group of developers.
Hardware Requirements to Run Windows 12
While Microsoft has not revealed many details about hardware requirements for Windows 12, some speculations can be made. Due to the AI-laden features that are coming to the new Windows OS, users will likely need machines with not less than 1 gigahertz (GHz) in CPU speed, a 64-bit processor with 2 or more cores, and a minimum of 4-8 GB of RAM to run the upcoming Windows 12.
A minimum of 256GB of storage will be required, with 512GB or more recommended for heavy users. When it comes to graphics requirements, the OS will likely demand a graphics card that is compatible with DirectX12 (DX12) or later.
Different Versions of Windows 12
Like its predecessors, Windows 12 is expected to come in Home and Pro versions. These will cater to end consumer and high-end user preferences. Also expected is the varying levels of features, security, and support among the different classifications.
Microsoft will announce the exact editions of Windows 12 and their features closer to the release date.
Windows 12 Price
There is speculation that Microsoft will release Windows 12 under a subscription model rather than its current license purchase model. Since there is no concrete evidence regarding this rumor, chances are that Windows 12 will be offered to Windows 11 and valid Windows 10 users as a free optional upgrade.
However, those who want to purchase a standalone copy of Windows 12, can do so in a similar fashion to Windows 11. If that is the case, then we can expect Windows 12 Home to be priced at $140 or more, while the Windows 12 Pro would cost around $200 or more.
Read More: Windows 11 Now Sports Ads In The Start Menu, But Users Report Issues With The Preview Update
