Windows 12 – What We Know So Far

[javajolt]

It might not be officially announced, but that hasn’t stopped the rumours and early concepts from building serious momentum. As we move deeper into 2025, many in the tech world are starting to look ahead to what could be Microsoft’s next big step in operating systems: Windows 12, codenamed “Next Valley.”

Although much of the available information is speculative or based on leaks and concept designs, there’s already a lot to be excited about — especially if you’re thinking long-term about your IT setup or hardware investments.

So, what do we know so far? Let’s break it down.



🗓️ When Is Windows 12 Coming?



Originally, Windows 12 was rumoured to launch sometime in 2024, following Microsoft’s shift back to three-year OS release cycles. However, more recent insights suggest that Microsoft is focusing on delivering major updates to Windows 11 throughout 2025, especially with 24H2 just landing.

That puts a possible release window somewhere in late 2025 or beyond — although, as always, nothing is confirmed until Microsoft says so officially.



🧠 AI at the Core: The Future of Everyday Computing



One of the most talked-about shifts with Windows 12 is how deeply Artificial Intelligence (AI) is expected to be woven into the operating system — not as a bolt-on, but as a core experience.

We’ve already seen the first steps with Copilot in Windows 11, offering help with summarising content, writing emails, and performing quick system tasks. But that’s just the beginning.

With Windows 12, AI is likely to step out from the side panel and into the heart of the system — influencing how we search, work, and interact with our PCs.

🤖 What kind of AI are we talking about?

We’re not just talking about smarter voice commands or a more helpful search box. AI in Windows 12 is expected to be:

   • Context-aware — understanding what you’re doing and offering relevant tools or shortcuts

   • Proactive — surfacing content or suggestions before you ask

   • Integrated system-wide — not just in Microsoft 365 apps, but across File Explorer, settings, notifications, and more

   • Locally processed (on some devices) — with dedicated NPUs (Neural Processing Units)
      built into newer hardware for faster, more private AI features without sending data to the cloud

Imagine a PC that understands your workflow, learns how you use apps, and starts to adjust performance, battery use, and notifications around that. That’s the direction things are heading.

🧩 Examples of AI in Windows 12 (expected or rumoured)

   • A more intelligent and fully integrated Copilot that helps across apps and settings

   • AI-enhanced search that understands intent and context, not just keywords

   • Smart window management that groups apps based on usage or recent tasks

   • Security and threat detection that adapts in real-time to user behaviour or device context

   • AI-powered accessibility tools, such as real-time captioning or auto-summarisation for content

📈 What does it mean for users?

For most people, it won’t feel like “using AI” — it’ll just feel like Windows is being more helpful. Things will take fewer clicks, suggestions will appear at the right time, and routine tasks will get a little easier.

For business users, it means:

   • More productivity with less manual searching or app-hopping

   • Time saved on repetitive tasks like document editing, data entry, or system configuration

   • Better support for employees of all skill levels, with in-built guidance and automation

And for those in IT roles? Expect more AI-assisted setup, troubleshooting, and user support tools too — potentially baked into Windows settings and Microsoft 365 admin tools.

🛠️ AI will rely on the hardware

One important note: a lot of this AI integration depends on hardware support. Devices without a capable CPU, GPU, or NPU may not get the full experience — or may rely on cloud processing instead.

That’s another reason we expect Microsoft to emphasise newer hardware with Windows 12 — to fully support this next generation of local AI performance. Windows 12 may well be the platform where that vision comes to life in full.



🖥️ A Fresh Look: The Next Valley Desktop



While not final, we’ve seen some intriguing conceptual designs and UI prototypes for Windows 12 — including one quietly shared during Microsoft Ignite 2022.

The biggest visual changes include:

   • A floating taskbar — separated from the bottom edge of the screen

   • Redesigned system tray and widgets area

   • A UI that looks more flexible across touch, desktop, and hybrid devices

The idea is clear: cleaner, modular, and more responsive — a design that adapts to your workflow instead of the other way around.

Designers and enthusiasts have also shared their own mockups, including dock-style taskbars, collapsible app trays, and reworked multitasking views. While we can’t say for sure what will make it into the final product, Microsoft is clearly taking UI evolution seriously.



🔧 Modular Windows?



One of the more intriguing ideas floating around about Windows 12 is that it could be modular — meaning the operating system would be broken into components that can be updated, replaced, or customised more independently.

While Windows has always had modular elements behind the scenes, Windows 12 may take that concept further, offering a system that’s more flexible, lighter, and better suited for the wide range of devices we use today.

So, what does “modular” really mean?

Rather than having one giant, monolithic operating system, a modular version of Windows would allow Microsoft to:

   • Update individual parts of the OS (like the Start menu, File Explorer, or Settings) without needing a full system update

   • Deploy lighter versions of Windows for specific hardware — like IoT devices, thin clients, or low-spec laptops

   • Reduce bloat for users who don’t need every built-in feature

   • Improve stability and speed, since fewer changes affect the whole system at once

This concept isn’t entirely new — Microsoft’s already been testing it through Windows Core OS, Windows 10X, and now, with Windows 11’s “Moment” updates, we’re seeing more pieces being delivered separately from the base OS. Windows 12 may simply push that even further, possibly building on a CorePC architecture.



💻 Hardware Requirements: Will Your PC Be Left Behind?

One of the biggest concerns users have about any new Windows release is, naturally, whether their current device will support it — and with Windows 12, that question is already surfacing.

When Windows 11 launched, Microsoft made headlines for introducing strict hardware requirements, like mandatory TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and newer generation CPUs. Many users with capable machines running Windows 10 were surprised to find themselves locked out of the upgrade path, even if their systems ran just fine.

If that’s anything to go by, Windows 12 may follow a similar path — or potentially raise the bar even higher.

Here’s what might be expected:

   • TPM 2.0 will almost certainly remain a requirement, possibly with additional emphasis on
      hardware-backed security features.

   • 8th Gen Intel Core and Ryzen 3000 series CPUs were the minimum for Windows 11 —
      Windows 12 may shift that baseline further (perhaps to 10th/11th Gen and Ryzen 5000+).

   • More focus on AI-ready hardware — Microsoft is pushing Copilot and AI processing hard, so
      expect better performance on machines with dedicated NPUs (Neural Processing Units) or
      newer chipsets optimised for AI workloads.

So… will your PC be left behind?

If your machine was borderline for Windows 11, there’s a good chance it may struggle to meet the minimum spec for Windows 12 — especially if you’re running older hardware or haven’t enabled certain security settings in the BIOS (like Secure Boot or TPM).

That doesn’t mean you’ll be forced to upgrade on day one, but it could limit your access to new features, updates, or security patches over time.

For businesses and individuals with aging hardware, this may be the time to start planning your upgrade path, especially if you want to be ready for Windows 12 when it arrives.



🔎 Windows 12 in Action! Beta Leak



This potential video of Windows 12 Beta in action. While it can’t be officially confirmed as anything close to the final product, the interface and functionality shown in the clip do look complete, and align with some of the rumours we’ve seen floating around.

Well worth a watch if you’re curious about what might be coming next. We’ll be keeping a close eye on this one…



🔎 So, What’s the Verdict?

Right now, Windows 12 is still unconfirmed — but not unrealistic. All signs point to a future OS that blends AI-powered productivity, a sleeker, modular interface, and deeper support for modern hardware.

Here at System Plus, we’ll be keeping a close eye on every announcement, preview build, and hardware requirement as it develops. Whether you’re managing 50 workstations or a single home PC, planning ahead can save you time, money, and disruption.

This post is being updated as more info becomes available on Windows 12. Bookmark it or follow us on LinkedIn for the latest.



💬 Want to Talk Windows?

If you’re unsure about whether your current setup will be compatible with future Windows versions — or you’re thinking of upgrading soon — we’re always happy to offer advice. Whether it’s helping you prepare for the next big release or reviewing your existing infrastructure, System Plus is here to guide you.



Get in touch



source