Microsoft Windows codename Next Valley
Working stateUnreleased
General
availability
Suggested to be sometime in 2024
Preceded byWindows 11 (2021)

Windows 12 will be a major release of the Windows NT operating system by Microsoft. While Microsoft have not officially made any announcements, rumors predict that Windows 12 will come sometime in 2024 as it is believed Microsoft is returning to the 3-year release lifecycle of Windows.[1][unreliable source?]

Version prelude

At the Microsoft Ignite conference in 2022, a laptop was seen briefly with a new and never-seen before Windows UI with a floating taskbar, date, time and search bar at the top of the screen, and weather also at the top. This is believed to be the new Windows 12 UI.[2]

At the Build 2023 developer conference, Microsoft gave further hints, revealing a session by Panos Panay titled: The next generation of Windows.[3]

Cortana

Windows 12 will most likely have Cortana, Microsoft's personal productivity assistant that helps users save time and focus on what matters most.[4] Cortana is already available in Windows 10 and Windows 11, and Microsoft has not announced any plans to remove or replace it in Windows 12. However, Cortana may undergo some changes or improvements in Windows 12, such as new features, integrations, or design.[5][better source needed] Cortana can be accessed by selecting the Cortana icon on the taskbar, or by saying "Hey Cortana".

Bing

Windows 12 will most likely have Bing as the default search engine and chat assistant. Bing can be accessed by selecting the Search icon or the Search bar on the taskbar, or by saying "Hey Bing".[6]

SKUs

Windows 12 will have similar SKUs to Windows 10 and Windows 11, with some minor changes. According to sources[7][8], the SKUs for Windows 12 will be:

Microsoft will also introduce a new SKU for Windows 12, called Windows 365. This will be a subscription-based service that will allow users to access a cloud-based version of Windows 12 from any device.[9]

System requirements

Windows Subsystem for Linux and Windows Mixed Reality may only be available on x86 and x64 CPUs.[13][14] In addition, Hyper-V and Windows Sandbox may only be available on x64 CPUs.[10][15]

Pricing

Windows 12 will most likely follow the same pricing as Windows 11, which means it will be a one-time purchase of $139 for Windows 12 Home and $199 for Windows 12 Pro. Microsoft has not indicated any plans to change its pricing strategy for Windows.[16]

References

  1. ^ "Windows 12 set to arrive in 2024 with focus on AI, updates and security". Tech Advisor. Retrieved 2023-05-31.
  2. ^ "What to Expect in Windows 12: Leaks, Rumors, and More". PCMag UK. 2023-04-06. Retrieved 2023-05-31.
  3. ^ Parmar, Mayank (Jun 12, 2023). "Windows 12? Microsoft quietly hints at next-gen Windows".
  4. ^ "What is Cortana? - Microsoft Support". support.microsoft.com.
  5. ^ "Cortana - Official app in the Microsoft Store". Microsoft Apps.
  6. ^ "Using the new Bing on the Windows taskbar - Microsoft Support". support.microsoft.com.
  7. ^ "Windows edition upgrade - Windows Deployment". learn.microsoft.com. October 2, 2023.
  8. ^ "Supported VM SKUs for Azure Policy - Azure Backup". learn.microsoft.com. February 2, 2023.
  9. ^ "Windows 365 Cloud PC Plans and Pricing for Enterprise | Microsoft". Microsoft.
  10. ^ a b c d e "Possible Windows 12 hardware system requirements revealed". Digital Trends. March 27, 2023.
  11. ^ a b c d e Hoffman, Chris (February 9, 2023). "Windows 12: Release Date and Everything Else We Know". How-To Geek.
  12. ^ a b "Get Ready for Windows 12: Here Are the System Requirements and Features of the Upcoming OS".
  13. ^ "Next-generation Intel processors to support Windows 12". The Times of India. March 2, 2023.
  14. ^ Tyson, Mark (May 2, 2023). "Microsoft Reportedly Making New CPU for Windows 12". Tom's Hardware.
  15. ^ Huculak, Mauro (March 27, 2023). "Windows 12 may increase system requirements - Pureinfotech".
  16. ^ Sha, Arjun (July 29, 2022). "Windows 12: Release Date, Expected Features, Price, Hardware Requirements, and More". Beebom.