With all the hype building around Microsoft’s next operating system, a few big questions still remain unanswered.
The buzz around
Windows 12 is growing fast and for good reason. Leaks, conceptual designs, and speculation about deeper AI features have got tech enthusiasts, business owners, and everyday users asking: what exactly are we in for?
And while we know a fair bit already, there are still some major unknowns that could shape the future of how we use, manage, and experience Windows. In this post, we’ll explore the five biggest questions still hanging in the air as we edge closer to the next chapter in Microsoft’s operating system journey.
1. 📅 When Is It Actually Being Released?We’ve seen leaks. We’ve seen code names. But Microsoft has yet to officially announce a release date for Windows 12.
At first, a 2024 release seemed likely, following the rough three-year pattern after Windows 11’s 2021 launch. But more recent rumours suggest a 2025 or even early 2026 launch is more realistic, especially with extended support for Windows 10 ending in October 2025.
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Still unclear: • When beta testing or Insider builds will roll out
• Whether business users will get early access via volume licensing or Windows 365
• If Microsoft will use a big reveal event (like they did for Windows 11), or drip-feed features over time
2. 💻 What Will the Hardware Requirements Be?
This is a big one, especially after the surprise restrictions with Windows 11.
That OS left many users locked out due to TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and CPU requirements. With Windows 12 expected to lean more heavily on
AI and cloud integration, we’re anticipating
even tighter hardware demands, particularly around:
• Support for
Neural Processing Units (NPUs) for local AI processing
• Newer generation CPUs (Intel 10th/11th Gen+, AMD Ryzen 5000+)
• Possibly increased minimum RAM or storage to handle modular updates and AI features
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Still unclear: • Will Windows 11-compatible devices make the cut?
• How will Microsoft support education or enterprise environments with ageing hardware fleets?
• Will there be official ways to install on unsupported hardware, or another wave of unofficial workarounds?
3. 🧠 How Deep Will AI Integration Go?
Microsoft’s investment in AI is no secret — we’ve already seen
Copilot arrive in Windows 11 and
Microsoft 365. But Windows 12 is expected to take things further, with AI being baked into the very foundation of the OS.
This could include:
• Smarter search and task management
• Predictive actions based on behaviour
• Context-aware settings and file suggestions
• AI-enhanced security monitoring and troubleshooting
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Still unclear: • Will AI features work offline with newer hardware, or rely on the cloud?
• How much control will users and IT admins have over these features?
• What does this mean for
privacy and
data transparency?
4. 🖥️ What Will the Interface Really Look Like?
We’ve seen hints of a redesigned desktop, including:
• A
floating taskbar • More modular, widget-driven layouts
• Enhanced touch support
• Streamlined design for hybrid devices
But so far, nothing is confirmed — and Microsoft is known to pivot quickly before launch.
🟨 Still unclear: • Will the UI be fully customisable, or will features be locked down like Windows 11’s taskbar?
• How much will accessibility and user experience play into the redesign?
• Will users see meaningful changes, or is it mostly cosmetic?
5. 💸 Will It Be Free — or Another Paid Upgrade?Windows 10 users were offered a free upgrade to Windows 11 — and many are hoping for the same treatment with Windows 12. However, Microsoft has yet to confirm how the rollout will work.
If Windows 12 introduces more business-focused tools and AI capabilities, we might see a stronger push toward
subscription models, such as
Windows 365 or
business bundles with Microsoft 365.
🟨 Still unclear: • Will home users get a free upgrade from Windows 11?
• Will Windows 10 users need to pay?
• Could we see a tiered system — basic features for free, advanced tools via subscription?
While Microsoft hasn’t yet lifted the curtain on Windows 12, these unknowns are driving discussion — and keeping IT teams, home users, and hardware manufacturers on their toes.
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