What to Expect in Windows 12: Leaks, Rumors, and More

Let’s be clear from the start: Microsoft hasn’t officially commented on whether it’s developing Windows 12. But credible leaks, rumors, and other indicators strongly suggest we’ll get a Windows 12 in 2024—much quicker than the move from Windows 10 to Windows 11.

Six years passed between the launch of those two OSes, and Windows 11 only appeared two years ago. But prior to Windows 10, major releases did arrive every three years, at least from Windows Vista on, so a new version of Windows relatively soon is not out of the question.

When Is Windows 12 Coming Out?

The first inkling of a Windows 12 coming sooner than expected happened when Microsoft reportedly started implementing a new update cadence for the OS, with major versions to come every three years. That puts a Windows 12 release in 2024.

The company previously announced that it would be doing annual rather than twice-yearly feature updates to Windows—22H2 is an example. If the annual updates are true, and Microsoft is planning to release Windows 12 in 2024, then we wouldn’t see a 24H2 for Windows 11 at all, but we could probably look forward to a 23H2, at any rate.

The Main Source of Windows 12 Leaks

Most of what’s presumed to be known about Windows 12 comes from a single source: Windows Central’s Zac Bowden(Opens in a new window), who has a decent track record when it comes to Windows predictions. Highlights among his leaks about Windows 12 include that the OS will have AI features built-in, that it will switch to a lightweight modular code, and that its codename is Hudson Valley.

A Peek at the Windows 12 Desktop at Ignite

Another recent peek at a potential Windows 12 came at Microsoft Ignite,(Opens in a new window) a conference that focuses on the IT community. The company let slip a Windows desktop interface with an altered appearance, which many have concluded represents what we’ll be seeing in Windows 12.

Windows 12 desktop layout at Ignite 2023
(Credit: Microsoft)

The (perhaps intentionally blurry) image features a floating taskbar, floating search bar at the top, and system icons relocated to the top-right corner. A weather button is in the top-left corner.

Frankly, these design tweaks probably wouldn’t merit a whole new Windows version. They’re nowhere near as drastic as the interface update from Windows 10 to 11. And moving the system information—which is something Mac users are familiar with—seems an unnecessary disruption to ingrained Windows users’ habits.

Is Windows as a Service Gone?

As with recent versions of Windows, Windows 12 will certainly not be a static, monolithic entity, but will change and add features on an ongoing basis. Keep in mind that Windows 10 in 2020 was a far different and far more capable OS than Windows 10 in 2015. That’s because the company rolled out feature updates in the interim. Windows 10 got updates with names like Creators Update, which changed the OS about as much as a new macOS version did.

And despite references to Windows 10 as “the last version of Windows,” Microsoft has made it clear that this practice of both major feature updates (for example, 22H2) and interim updates continues with Windows 11(Opens in a new window). The interim feature additions even have a name now—Moments—and there’s every reason to believe that strategy will continue with Windows 12.

Built-In AI

There’s no doubt that Microsoft will take advantage of AI in the next version of Windows, whether that’s for user-facing predictive or assistive tools or for back-end things like improving code stability and delivering updates.

Microsoft has already implemented AI features in Windows 11. Both the Search panel and the default Edge web browser include the new conversational search. And a recent Windows Insider blog post made mention of a Recommended section in File Explorer that suggests files and folders you’re likely to want to open. Though the post doesn’t say specifically that this File Explorer feature uses AI, it seems very likely that it does. The feature is noted as being for users signed in to Active Directory accounts, but I could see it coming to anyone with a OneDrive login.

Recommended section in Windows File Explorer
(Credit: Microsoft)

Another way the new OS could use AI is to suggest user actions, even beyond the simple File Explorer suggestions. But my guess is that if Microsoft reintroduced a sort of Clippy on AI steroids, the outcry would be deafening; just look at the poor reception Cortana got. (I found Cortana quite useful but it’s now been stripped of most of its usefulness.) The type of AI that’s intended to anticipate a user’s intentions could be even more short-lived in Windows 12. But with desktop system components and Windows itself now including built-in support for AI functions like machine learning(Opens in a new window), it only makes sense to take advantage of it for the operating system. It’s just a matter of balancing intrusion with helpfulness.

Componentization

Along with AI, the concept of a modular version of Windows has been floating around for at least five years. Sometimes referred to as Core OS, sometimes CorePC, a modular Windows would separate out OS components, making for smoother updates and better security. It also would allow Microsoft to tailor instances of Windows to specific platforms and use cases. Some of these instances may not need the ability to run all those huge legacy Windows applications, for example, saving system resources by omitting support for them.

The prime example of this core-based approach was Windows X, which never reached full release status. The idea behind it was to create a lightweight OS that could compete with ChromeOS. In the end, Microsoft used some of the Windows X interface concepts in Windows 11, such as the centered taskbar.

The Best Way to See What’s Coming to Windows

If you really want a look at new features coming to Microsoft’s operating system, enroll a test PC in the Windows Insider program. It has four channel options, from the highly experimental and unstable Canary channel (just introduced in 2023) through (in order of increasing stability and feature readiness) the Dev, Beta, and Release Preview channels.

Insider features have included interface tweaks, such as the redesigned volume indicator; new included apps, such as the Media Player; and new capabilities in existing OS features, such as tabs for Task Manager. Currently in the Canary channel are a redesigned Widgets board, increased USB 4 support, and new ways to install apps from the Microsoft Store. As expected, these builds also include bug fixes and performance optimizations.

Windows Now

Many people haven’t even upgraded to Microsoft’s current OS version, so considering Windows 12 is pretty much an academic exercise. In fact, after over a year, the share of Windows users on Windows 11 is still only around 21% worldwide and 27% in the US, according to Statcounter(Opens in a new window). However, every new PC ships with Windows 11, so the number will grow. But perhaps in a year or so, people will be able to jump right into Windows 12!

To get caught up on the current release, read our Windows 11 coverage as well as our full review of Windows 11. You can also learn about our top tips for using Windows 11.