Windows 11 was released on October 5, 2021, more than six years after Windows 10 debuted. Microsoft recently released the first major update...
Windows 11 was released on October 5, 2021, more than six years after Windows 10 debuted. Microsoft recently released the first major update for the operating system - Windows 11 version 22H2 - but we've heard that the next thing on the cards could be Windows 12. It looks like Microsoft is doing away with big annual updates and going for a big new version of Windows instead every three years, similar to what happened before Windows 10.
Microsoft has not officially announced a new version of Windows. In fact, these are the downplayed reports we've heard about Windows 12. Officially, the company has committed to annual updates and minor feature updates for Windows 11. Still, it's never too early to start looking ahead, and there's a good chance we'll see Windows 11 sequel sometime in the future. Let's now take a closer look at what lies ahead.
When will Windows 12 be released?
According to reports, the next major version of Windows will launch sometime in 2024, roughly three years after the debut of Windows 11. That's all we really have right now, and it could be a while before we have more information. If past releases are any indication, Windows 12 should arrive in the fall, or at least in the second half of the year, but that's not set in stone. Microsoft has denied reports that it's working on Windows 12, but given that we're still some time away from its launch, the company could simply be keeping its cards close to its chest.
Meanwhile, Windows 11 will keep getting updates and sometimes it might get some new features so it won't feel like the operating system is outdated. Windows 11 version 22H2 was released in September with a lot of new features including Start menu folders and new touch gestures, for example. Recently, in November, we received the first "flash" update for version 22H2, which added features such as File Explorer tabs. We expect at least two more updates of these moments in 2023, so Windows 11 will continue to evolve in the meantime.
If you're in the Windows Insider Program, you may see Windows 12 features roll out over the next two years, though Microsoft will likely continue to label them as Windows 11 features until we're much closer to the release date. However, not every feature in the Insider program will be part of Windows 12, as many of them will be introduced through minor updates, but some of them may look further ahead. However, we may not see Windows 12 exclusive features until we are closer to its release. After all, Windows 11 was a fairly well-kept secret until it was almost ready.
Will Windows 12 be a free upgrade?
One of the big questions you'll likely have is whether you'll have to pay to upgrade to Windows 12 when (and if) it's released, but thankfully that's unlikely. Microsoft has been set up to offer major Windows updates for free to existing Windows users for several years now, and it makes sense to continue doing so. Of course, Windows 12 itself probably won't be free, so if you don't have a Windows license at all, you'll need to buy one.
What might make you spend the money is whether your computer is compatible with it, but that's another matter that deserves its own section.
Will I be forced to upgrade?
The most likely answer to that is no. Microsoft has greatly eased its efforts to force users to install new versions of Windows. Windows 11 is still an optional upgrade for Windows 10 users, and this approach will most likely continue in future versions.
Updating to new versions of Windows may be mandatory if your version of Windows is nearing the end of support. For example, the original release of Windows 11 will be supported for 24 months if you have a Home or Pro version of Windows. So, while Windows 11 version 22H2 is not mandatory, it will likely be installed automatically in 2023, so you can continue to receive security updates.
However, if you look at what is happening with Windows 10, Microsoft is still delivering security updates for this operating system and new feature updates are available every year. They don't really add major new features, but extend the support life for your computer. Windows 10 as a whole is supported until October 2025, and instead of pushing users to Windows 11, Microsoft is keeping them on Windows 10 through these minor updates. It's likely that Windows 11 will be treated the same once Windows 12 is released, so you won't be forced to upgrade.
Can my computer run Windows 12?
After Windows 11 significantly increased the minimum system requirements compared to Windows 10, this is another great question to ponder. Will Windows 12 Leave Older PCs Again? It's too early to tell, but there's definitely a chance that some PCs won't be compatible for one reason or another. Windows 11 currently requires processors released from around 2018, and while we currently see no reason why the next release of Windows would require more, it is possible that this will happen.
As for other requirements, again, it's hard to say. Windows 11 requires 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage, so at least Windows 12 will need as much. Also, you shouldn't expect Microsoft to go back on things like TPM requirements. However, if history is any indication, there will probably still be some workaround that unsupported PCs can use to install if you're feeling adventurous.
Either way, almost all of the best laptops you can buy today will likely support Windows 12 when it's released.
What's new in Windows 12?
A new desktop UI
While Microsoft hasn't officially announced Windows 12, we recently got an early look at a prototype. Microsoft inadvertently showed off a concept for Windows 12 during the Microsoft Ignite keynote hosted by CEO Satya Nadella. The concept shows some interesting changes, including a floating taskbar and some system icons now appearing at the top of the screen, such as Wi-Fi and battery indicators, along with a weather widget. This would make Windows more like macOS or some Linux distributions.
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