There are still many users who are hard to break up with Windows 10 or even Windows 7, as Microsoft has launched Windows 11 23H2 for Windows Insider Program, but who wonders when Windows 12 will be released and what news brings.
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It is almost a certainty that Microsoft is preparing Windows 12 launch in 2024. This version bears the code name “Next Valley” And it will certainly be an operating system that will greatly integrated artificial intelligence.
Until Microsoft will start to reveal from the future features of Windows 12, we can sense a few small features of the next operating system, based on the trends and the direction in which Windows 11 is heading.
When will Windows 12 be released and how much will it cost?
Most rumors tell us that Windows 12 will be launched in the second half of 2024. If Apple has become accustomed to its annual launch every fall of a major MacOS operating system, Microsoft does not have such a history. The Windows 8.1 operating system was launched after about 4 years after the launch of Windows 7, and between Windows 10 (29 Jul. 2015) and Windows 11 (5 Oct. 2021) was a distance of 6 years.
In the context of increasingly advanced implementation of artificial intelligence on both Windows and in the Microsoft app suite, launching in a relatively close future of a major version of Windows, would make sense.
In July 2022, it was suggested that there is a successor to Windows 11 in development, but its name is not yet confirmed. Therefore, it is not known exactly if the next major version will be called Windows 12 or will have a name related to the implementation of artificial intelligence.
In February 2023, a deleted tweet appeared that mentioned Windows 12 in the context of a processor Intel Meteor Lake. Then an interview with a Microsoft official referred to the future development of Windows.
In March 2023, Microsoft launched an experimental channel “Canary” For the Windows Insider program, which could be dedicated to the future functions when Windows 12 will be launched.
However, at the Developer Conference Build From May 2023, it was not mentioned Windows 12 Although they are Microsoft and Intel clues that a new major version of Windows is working.
Will Windows 12 be free?
It is very possible that Windows 12 will be for free for a period of time after the launch date, without limitations. This is what happened with Windows 10, Windows 11 operating systems.
For users who already have a license for Windows 11 it is possible that the upgrade to the Windows 12 version may be free or have a lower price for purchasing the license. In fact, the upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is free.
Windows 12 Hardware Requirements
Estimations on the hardware requirements of the future Windows 12 suggest that they may undergo significant changes to Windows 11. Even if there are no official confirmations, it is anticipated that changes will be made in the following areas:
- RAM: It is assumed that a greater amount of RAM will be required, at least 8GB, compared to the current 4GB requirement in Windows 11.
- Minimum storage: the minimum storage space required could be increased from 64GB upwards.
- Minimum resolution: the minimum resolution requirement could increase compared to 720p, but there is no concrete evidence in this regard.
- Support AI: Due to the emphasis on artificial intelligence, a processor with artificial intelligence capabilities may be needed. Microsoft investments in this area and the development of AMD processors with AI incorporated suggest this direction.
- Possible limitation to certain hardware components: it is speculated that certain functions, especially those related to AI, could be “limited to more recent PCs with a neural processing unit (NPU) or GPU“.
Of course, these estimates are based on unofficial information and rumors. Real hardware requirements for Windows 12 will be confirmed by Microsoft at the time of launch.
Windows 12 features
It is anticipated that Windows 12 will bring many new features, but specific details on what this version will look like, because many of the new features are still under development and may change until the final launch. Possible features include new locking screens (Lock Screen / Login Screen) and optimized authentication for tactile use, a new notification center with the possibility of grouping notifications according to the person or application, the ability to add widgets to the desktop screen and a dynamic background functioning to create effects “parallax” As you move your cursor or device.
Another project called ‘CorePC‘ It has the potential to modernize the Windows platform, with features that include contextual suggestions based on screen information and identify objects and text in images. CorePC It would also bring modularity, allowing Windows to adapt to the characteristics and compatibility with applications to fit specific devices. This would lead to faster updates and increased security. It is expected that Microsoft could launch a version “light” A Windows 12 to compete with Chrome OS, which would be dedicated to basic functions and would be extremely fast.
There is a possibility that Windows 12 may have a radically different design approach, but this could have resistance from the Windows user base. Although many users would be happy with a change of graphic interface (UI), most users are more conservative and reserved in making major changes. However, if the foldable PCs (Fold) become popular, we may see significant improvements in the design and user experience. Also, a special way for use in tablet mode could be considered.
In conclusion, if Microsoft will continue to introduce many news in Windows 11 updates, it is very possible that Windows 12 will be only a minor interface change, to which a larger focus will be added.
