- Deep integration of artificial intelligence as the core of the operating system.
- Advanced support for ARM architectures and modular design based on CoreOS.
- A free upgrade is likely for users with active Windows 11 licenses.
- More demanding hardware requirements, especially in RAM and the presence of an NPU.
Although Windows 11 remains king on most of our desktops, rumors about its successor are already setting the internet ablaze. Microsoft seems to be slowly cooking up a major overhaul of the system that won't be limited to a simple facelift, but rather aims to change the way we interact with our computers.
Expectations are sky-high because we're not just talking about changing a few icons here and there, but a complete digital transformation . From AI integration to a much more flexible architecture, Redmond's new software promises to adapt to all types of devices, from ultralight laptops to powerful gaming towers.
What new features will Windows 12 bring?
One of the strongest bets is the system's modularity . It's rumored that Microsoft will implement a base called CoreOS or CorePC, which will allow the operating system to be divided into independent components. This means the software can adapt to the device's form factor , installing only what's strictly necessary for everything to run smoothly.
Visually, expect a floating taskbar very similar to macOS's and a complete icon redesign. The goal is to achieve a fresher aesthetic, with greater transparency and suspended elements that give our screen a much more modern and clean look.
Artificial intelligence won't be an add-on, but the heart of the operating system . It's not just about shoving Copilot into a corner, but about creating an agentive operating system capable of automating repetitive tasks and suggesting actions based on the context of what we're doing at any given moment.
Integration with Android and iOS is also expected to be much tighter. Beyond the Mobile Link app, the goal is to allow users to share files simply by dragging and dropping from the file explorer, or even use a tablet as a second screen natively and seamlessly.
ARM processor support and performance
Microsoft wants to move beyond relying solely on the x86 architecture. Therefore, Windows 12 will come with full support for ARM chips , aiming for a hardware and software synergy similar to that achieved by Apple with its Silicon processors. This will result in much more efficient battery management and surprisingly fast boot times.
To achieve this, the Prism emulator will be optimized, allowing applications not designed for ARM to run smoothly and without stability issues. Essentially, we want users to be able to see whether their PC has an Intel, AMD, or Qualcomm chip.
Minimum requirements and compatibility
This is where things get serious. Because AI will be resource-intensive, hardware requirements are likely to increase . While there's no official data, it's speculated that to take full advantage of the agent functions, we'll need an NPU with a performance exceeding 40 TOPs , at least 16 GB of RAM, and a 256 GB SSD.
To ensure everyone is included, rumors suggest there will be two versions of the system : a full version with advanced AI and a more basic one. The latter would have much more modest requirements , similar to those of Windows 11 (4 GB of RAM, TPM 2.0, and a 64-bit processor), allowing older computers to remain operational.
- Processor: Minimum of 64-bit (ARM or x86) with multiple cores.
- Memory: From 8 GB to 16 GB depending on the version.
- Storage: Recommended SSD size: 64 GB to 256 GB.
- Safety: TPM 2.0 module required for safe startup.
Release date and price
The timeline is a bit confusing because Microsoft hasn't officially released any information. Some sources point to the end of 2025, coinciding with the end of support for Windows 10 , while others suggest the final version could arrive in October 2027, following a beta phase in July of that same year.
As for the cost, the upgrade will most likely be free for those who already have an active Windows 11 license. However, there is a possibility that Microsoft will introduce a monthly subscription model (similar to Microsoft 365) to unlock exclusive AI features, with prices that could range between €10 and €20.
Security, privacy, and gaming
Protection against cyberattacks will be more robust than ever, integrating real-time defenses against ransomware and phishing. Furthermore, users will have much clearer control over their privacy , being able to precisely manage which apps access the camera or microphone from a simplified dashboard.
Gamers will also get their share. Windows 12 is expected to optimize DirectX and improve integration with Xbox Game Pass , using artificial intelligence to enhance the graphics quality of games without excessively impacting hardware performance.
This new operating system is shaping up to be a technological leap forward, where modular flexibility and AI will take center stage, allowing the software to adapt to the PC, not the other way around. With enhanced security and universal ARM compatibility, Microsoft aims to correct past mistakes to deliver a seamless experience, free for most users and ready for the future of personal computing.
