- A full commitment to agentive artificial intelligence and the deep integration of Copilot into the system.
- New modular architecture based on CorePC to optimize performance across various devices and ARM chips.
- Expectations regarding a visual redesign with a floating taskbar and possible management through subscriptions.
- Uncertainty surrounds the exact release date, although rumors point to a window between 2026 and 2027.
Although Windows 11 continues to be a powerful force and receive constant updates, the tech world is already buzzing about its successor. Microsoft is cooking up something new, and while they haven't officially announced anything yet, rumors about Windows 12 They are beginning to take shape, promising a renewal that could change the way we interact with our PCs.
The truth is that we're operating in a terrain of leaks, loose ends, and a lot of speculation. However, analyzing Redmond's roadmap and its current obsession with the Copilot+ PCIt's fairly easy to guess where they want to take things. It's not just about changing a couple of icons, but a profound transformation at the core of the system.
What new features will this new operating system bring?
The big star of this version will undoubtedly be the Agentive Artificial IntelligenceWe're not just talking about having a chat tool stuck to the taskbar, but an operating system built from the ground up around AI. This would allow the system to autonomously manage files, organize windows, and optimize productivity, making the user experience much smoother and more predictive.
Another key point is the commitment to a modular design Under the CorePC or Hudson Valley concept, the idea is that the system is divided into pieces that can be added or removed depending on the device. This way, Microsoft could release ultra-light versions for tablets or portable consoles, ensuring that the hardware isn't overloaded with unnecessary features, achieving a stability and security much older.
As for the aesthetics, a radical change is rumored. There's talk of a floating taskbar Very much in the style of macOS, with more pronounced transparencies and a cleaner layout. Although many of these images are internal concepts, they are likely looking for a fresh look to mark the beginning of this new digital era.
Nor can we forget the integration with the mobile ecosystem. The tool is expected to Mobile Link It has evolved to allow full synchronization with Android and iOS, making it easy to drag and drop files between the browser and the phone, or even use tablets as secondary screens natively and without complications.
Internal architecture and the processor battle
Microsoft wants to win the efficiency war and is going all out to achieve this with the ARM architectureWindows 12 would arrive to offer full support, optimizing the Prism emulator so that non-native applications run smoothly on these chips. The goal is to achieve a synergy between hardware and software similar to what Apple has achieved with its Silicon processors.
To achieve this, there is talk of implementing CoreOSA partitioned system where the user does not have access to critical areas. This would not only protect the system against external attacks, but would also allow the updates were much faster and that the factory reset wouldn't be a nightmare, since the core would be isolated from personal data.
Minimum requirements: Will we need a new PC?
This is where things get tense. Because local AI requires a lot of processing power, it's very likely that the minimum requirements for Windows 12 Go up. There is speculation about the need for a NPU with more than 40 TOPS to take full advantage of all the star features. As for memory, it's possible that the 16 GB of RAM become the minimum standard, along with an SSD of at least 256 GB to avoid bottlenecks.
- Processor: 64-bit CPU with support for advanced instructions and multiple cores.
- Memory: 8 GB as an absolute base, although 16 GB would be ideal for AI.
- Storage: A minimum of 64 GB to 100 GB of free SSD disk space.
- Safety: TPM 2.0 and UEFI with secure boot, maintaining the Windows 11 line.
- Graphics: Compatible with DirectX 12 and screens with a minimum resolution of 720p or 1080p.
There is a possibility that Microsoft will launch two different versions To prevent millions of users from being left out, a "standard" version with low requirements and basic AI capabilities, and an "advanced" version geared towards Copilot+ PCs that requires specialized hardware. This would avoid excessive fragmentation, although we already know that this problem is commonplace in Windows.
Release date, price, and updates
If you're looking for an exact date, you're going to be disappointed because There is no official announcementHowever, leaks suggest we could see the first beta versions in the Insider channel around 2026, with a final release possible between the end of that year and 2027. Some believe it will coincide with the Windows 10 end of support in October 2025 to encourage people to upgrade.
Regarding the cost, the most logical thing is that the update will be completely free for those who already have an active Windows 11 license. However, a rumor has emerged about a model of monthly subscriptionIt wouldn't be about paying to use the PC, but rather paying a fee (between 10 and 20 euros) to access premium AI features in the cloud, similar to what happens with Microsoft 365.
To install it, we will most likely continue using Windows UpdateUsers will receive an on-screen notification when their device is compatible. The option to perform a clean installation from an external drive will also be retained for those who prefer a fresh start and avoid carrying over legacy files from previous versions.
Given that Windows 10 support is nearing its end, the wisest course of action is not to get too caught up in a system that doesn't yet exist. If your hardware allows it, upgrading to Windows 11 is the safest option right now, while we wait to see if Microsoft decides to break the numbering system and call it something else, or if they finally deliver the long-awaited Windows 11. paradigm shift with version 12.