- \n
- Intel\u2019s Chief Financial Officer\u2019s pronouncement during a Citi interview <\/a> about increased sales due to a \u201cWindows refresh.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\t<\/div>\r\n\t“We actually think \u201924 is going to be a pretty good year for client, in particular, because of the Windows refresh. <\/i>”<\/div>\r\n\t\r\n\t\tDave Zinsner, Intel CFO<\/div>\r\n\t<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n
- \n
- Leaked unique desktop interface from Microsoft\u2019s Ignite conference.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
To be clear, none of the executives mentioned above directly declared the emergence of Windows 12. However, mentions of a \u201cnew Windows version\u201d and the need for a \u201cWindows refresh\u201d were enough to raise expectations. Those expectations are looking less likely as we approach 2024\u2019s third quarter. Microsoft has also poured cold water on those rumors by announcing Windows 11 24H2 as this year\u2019s annual feature update <\/a>.<\/p>\n
\r\n\tNeed help with your PC?<\/div>\r\n\tTry our Ask a Question<\/a> service — our experts will diagnose and resolve your PC issues completely free of charge.<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\nWhy Is Microsoft Pushing the Windows 12 Release Date?<\/h2>\n
As mentioned, Microsoft is still yet to confirm that Windows 12 is being developed, despite the increasing speculations. However, the consensus is that the company is sticking with Windows 11 for now and releasing major updates annually, like it did with Windows 10.<\/p>\n
Microsoft must have withdrawn its Windows 12 ambitions because it feels it\u2019s not the right time to move on from Windows 11. The fact that support ends for Windows 10 in 2025 may have also been a factor.<\/p>\n
Additionally, Windows 10 is still the dominant Windows operating system, with about 68% still using the platform <\/a>. Microsoft may be waiting for more people to move over to Windows 11 before releasing the next OS.<\/p>\n
Moreover, Windows 11\u2019s new version may just be Microsoft\u2019s testing ground for all the ambitious features it looks to release in Windows 12.<\/p>\n
When Will Windows 12 Come Out?<\/h2>\n
There are still no official indications that Microsoft is developing Windows 12. While there are rumors that we may see Windows 12 in 2025, the release year is still not set in stone.<\/p>\n
The company may want to continue improving Windows 11 to make it compatible with new chips, such as ARM processors, before shipping a more stable Windows 12.<\/p>\n
\nYou can read our piece on the timeline for every Windows version<\/a> to learn more about the operating system\u2019s evolution .<\/p>\n
\nWhat to Expect on Windows 12<\/h2>\n
Many experts believe that Windows 11 24H2 is a prelude to Windows 12. So, we\u2019ll see a lot of the anticipated features, or versions of them, this year.<\/p>\n
These include AI and machine learning capabilities, updated UI features, and security improvements. Windows 12 will then expand on those features.<\/p>\n
- \n
- More AI integration<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Microsoft\u2019s introduction of a Copilot <\/a> preview in the Windows 11 23H2 update suggests a similar and expanded use of AI in the upcoming update and Windows 12.<\/p>\n
\r\n\r\n![\"Copilot]()
\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\nThere will be other applications for everyday tasks. A March 2023 Windows Insider blog post <\/a> revealed a new \u201cRecommended\u201d feature in File Explorer for Windows 11. While it targets Active Directory users, it may potentially roll out to every Windows 12 user signed into OneDrive. The feature will leverage AI to show people relevant file contents and helpful suggestions.<\/p>\n
A voice-activated evolution of Copilot could also offer hands-free convenience, surpassing Cortana. AI that anticipates user needs could also be a powerful addition to Windows 12, though I reckon that Microsoft will be careful to avoid access that may look intrusive.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Arm processor support<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Windows\u2019 past performance on non-Intel and AMD PCs hasn\u2019t matched the impressive Apple Silicon M series chips. However, there\u2019s exciting potential for change with the 24H2 update and Windows 12.<\/p>\n
Qualcomm\u2019s executives claim their new Snapdragon X Elite PC processor <\/a> boasts significant speed advantages over Apple, AMD, and Intel chips. They also come with NPUs (Neural Processing Units) <\/a> that will boost the AI capabilities Windows now leverages with Copilot.<\/p>\n
Hardware is only part of the equation; Windows and its apps need optimization for Arm-based chips. Past performance has been a challenge, but the hope is that this time will be different. If Microsoft can deliver, users can finally enjoy better battery life, thinner and lighter form factors due to energy efficiency, and built-in cellular connectivity.<\/p>\n
- \n
- General changes and improvements<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Windows 12 will no doubt be an upgrade to Windows 11 when we finally see it. However, we do not know how many changes will be introduced. But we can still speculate on significant appearance and feature upgrades, just like the shift from Windows 10 to 11.<\/p>\n
\n\ud83d\udccc Also read the full overview of differences between Windows 11 and Windows 10 . <\/a><\/p>\n
\nThe installation interface, File Explorer, Quick Settings, and Taskbar are expected to see changes in Windows 11 24H2. We also expect these areas to experience significant improvement in Windows 12.<\/p>\n
Some built-in programs, such as Maps, People, Mail, and Cortana, may also be phased out by the time Windows 12 gets here.\u00a0 Additionally, we should witness support for high file transfer speeds, as version 24H2 will now support USB4 storage <\/a>.<\/p>\n
\r\n\tAnimated wallpapers and improved lock screen features may finally come to Windows 12 natively. <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n- \n
- System requirement changes<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Microsoft\u2019s strict system requirements for Windows 11 left many Windows 10 users unable to upgrade, which may explain why adoption has been slower than Microsoft expected.<\/p>\n
- System requirement changes<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- General changes and improvements<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Arm processor support<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- More AI integration<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Leaked unique desktop interface from Microsoft\u2019s Ignite conference.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
![\"Copilot](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Copilot-preview-Windows-12.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n ![\"Windows](\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Windows-update-uninstall-updates.png\")
\r\n <\/div>\r\n