Rumors are circulating that Windows 12 could be released in late 2024 or early 2025. The operating system would include a new user interface with a floating taskbar and search bar, a redesigned lock screen and notification center, a built-in messaging client called Windows Messenger, integration with Microsoft's advanced Copilot AI assistant that would run in the background, advanced search capabilities, and object - and text recognition in images made possible by the new AI technologies, support for installing Android apps directly via APK files and many refreshing layout elements
Probable new features
State separation function
AI-powered interface
Brand new GUI
Deep integration
Voice search
Staff assistants such as Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant.
New silicon-optimized system to improve AI
Floating taskbar
Brand new Top Bar
Faster and safer
Text on image recognition
Wallpaper with widget customization function
Drag and collect function
Brand new control bar
Improved Windows Copilot
New cutting function
Swipe through lock screen images
System requirements
Processor (CPU): 64-bit processor, 1 GHz CPU clock speed or faster.
Memory: 8 GB RAM or more.
Storage: 64 GB of storage space or more, preferably SSD
System firmware: UEFI with Secure Boot.
TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0.
Graphics card: DirectX 12 or later compatible graphics card with WDDM 2.0 driver.
Display: 8-bit per color channel, high definition (720p) display measuring more than 9 inches diagonally.
Internet access: Initial device setup requires Internet access and a Microsoft account (unless you're installing a commercial device or a device without Internet access).
Microsoft account: You need a Microsoft account to use some Windows features, such as Windows Store and OneDrive.
Audio output: Audio output (headphones or built-in speakers).
Optional requirements
Microphone
Location services
NFC: Support for Near Field Communication (NFC)
Pen and touch support
Biometric authentication
Mobile connectivity
GPS
WiFi
Bluetooth
Additional requirements for specific positions
Android Apps: To run Android apps on Windows 12, you need a virtualization processor and a graphics card that supports DirectX 12.
Direct Storage: To use Direct Storage on Windows 12, you need a compatible NVMe SSD and a graphics card that supports DirectX 12 Ultimate.
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR): You need a compatible monitor and a graphics card that supports VRR.
Windows Hello: To use Windows Hello on Windows 12, a compatible webcam or fingerprint sensor is required.
New features in Windows 12
Windows with Artificial Intelligence
Since AI is a hot topic now and it is a technology that is changing the future, every tech company is incorporating AI in their products. Microsoft is actively participating in OpenAI for artificial advancement and Windows 12 will be the latest development from Microsoft.
New Security Features
Windows 12 is expected to include several new security features such as the ability to encrypt your entire hard drive, biometric authentication to log in to your computer, and more. These features will make Windows 12 more secure than previous versions of Windows.
New Gaming Features
Gaming is the biggest industry in technology, so Microsoft should provide the latest options in gaming in the new Windows 12. The ability to use variable refresh rates and stream games to other devices is expected to be available in the new version of Windows. These features will make Windows 12 the best operating system for gamers.
Direct Storage
This feature will allow games to load assets directly from the NVMe SSD without going through the CPU. This will significantly improve the loading times and performance of games.
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)
This feature ensures that the refresh rate of the screen is synchronized with the frame rate of the game. This feature reduces screen tearing and also improves the overall gaming experience.
Windows Hello
This feature makes your desktop as user-friendly as your mobile. It allows you to log in to your computer using biometric authentication, such as a fingerprint sensor or facial recognition. This is a more secure and convenient way to log in to your computer than using a password.
Windows Autopilot
The autopilot feature is very necessary for businesses and IT staff. It is the feature that allows you to set up new Windows devices without touching them. This will be a great feature if it is included in Windows 12.
Difference between Windows 12 and Windows 11
Before jumping into the differences, you should know that Windows 11 was just an update to Windows 10 and was launched in a hurry by Microsoft. Most of the Windows users find Windows 10 more convenient than Windows 11. Only the user interface and some security features were added in Windows 11. Unlike Windows 11, Windows 12 will be a new operating system with the latest and most advanced features. It is expected to be the best version of Windows 12.
Integration of 'Microsoft Pluton' security chip
Microsoft Pluton security processor is a chip-to-cloud security technology built on the Zero Trust principles. Microsoft Pluton provides hardware-based root of trust, secure identity, secure attestation, and cryptographic services. Pluton technology is a combination of a secure subsystem, which is part of the System on Chip (SoC) and Microsoft-written software that runs on this integrated secure subsystem
This processor is designed by Microsoft and built by Silicon partners. It is a secure crypto processor built into the CPU for security at the core to ensure code integrity and the latest protection with updates delivered by Microsoft via Windows Update. Pluton protects credentials, identities, personal data, and encryption keys. Information is significantly harder to remove, even if an attacker installs malware or has full physical possession of the PC.
What about older laptops and desktops
If you have an older laptop, you should pay attention to the following factors:
Windows 12 is not expected to support 32-bit laptops.
Laptops with older processors (e.g. Intel 13th Gen or AMD Ryzen 5000) can still run Windows 12, but the performance will be less.
Laptops with less than 8 GB RAM can still run Windows 12, but the performance will be significantly lower.
For 32/64 bit desktops, Windows 12 is expected to be available in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions. However, the 32-bit version will be limited in terms of features and performance.
System firmware: UEFI with Secure Boot.
TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0.
Graphics card: DirectX 12 or later compatible graphics card with WDDM 2.0 driver.
Display: 8-bit per color channel, high definition (720p) display measuring more than 9 inches diagonally.
Internet access: Initial device setup requires Internet access and a Microsoft account (unless you're installing a commercial device or a device without Internet access).
Microsoft account: You need a Microsoft account to use some Windows features, such as Windows Store and OneDrive.
Audio output: Audio output (headphones or built-in speakers).
Optional requirements
Microphone
Location services
NFC: Support for Near Field Communication (NFC)
Pen and touch support
Biometric authentication
Mobile connectivity
GPS
WiFi
Bluetooth
Additional requirements for specific positions
Android Apps: To run Android apps on Windows 12, you need a virtualization processor and a graphics card that supports DirectX 12.
Direct Storage: To use Direct Storage on Windows 12, you need a compatible NVMe SSD and a graphics card that supports DirectX 12 Ultimate.
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR): You need a compatible monitor and a graphics card that supports VRR.
Windows Hello: To use Windows Hello on Windows 12, a compatible webcam or fingerprint sensor is required.
New features in Windows 12
Windows with Artificial Intelligence
Since AI is a hot topic now and it is a technology that is changing the future, every tech company is incorporating AI in their products. Microsoft is actively participating in OpenAI for artificial advancement and Windows 12 will be the latest development from Microsoft.
New Security Features
Windows 12 is expected to include several new security features such as the ability to encrypt your entire hard drive, biometric authentication to log in to your computer, and more. These features will make Windows 12 more secure than previous versions of Windows.
New Gaming Features
Gaming is the biggest industry in technology, so Microsoft should provide the latest options in gaming in the new Windows 12. The ability to use variable refresh rates and stream games to other devices is expected to be available in the new version of Windows. These features will make Windows 12 the best operating system for gamers.
Direct Storage
This feature will allow games to load assets directly from the NVMe SSD without going through the CPU. This will significantly improve the loading times and performance of games.
Variable Refresh Rate (VRR)
This feature ensures that the refresh rate of the screen is synchronized with the frame rate of the game. This feature reduces screen tearing and also improves the overall gaming experience.
Windows Hello
This feature makes your desktop as user-friendly as your mobile. It allows you to log in to your computer using biometric authentication, such as a fingerprint sensor or facial recognition. This is a more secure and convenient way to log in to your computer than using a password.
Windows Autopilot
The autopilot feature is very necessary for businesses and IT staff. It is the feature that allows you to set up new Windows devices without touching them. This will be a great feature if it is included in Windows 12.
Difference between Windows 12 and Windows 11
Before jumping into the differences, you should know that Windows 11 was just an update to Windows 10 and was launched in a hurry by Microsoft. Most of the Windows users find Windows 10 more convenient than Windows 11. Only the user interface and some security features were added in Windows 11. Unlike Windows 11, Windows 12 will be a new operating system with the latest and most advanced features. It is expected to be the best version of Windows 12.
Integration of 'Microsoft Pluton' security chip
Microsoft Pluton security processor is a chip-to-cloud security technology built on the Zero Trust principles. Microsoft Pluton provides hardware-based root of trust, secure identity, secure attestation, and cryptographic services. Pluton technology is a combination of a secure subsystem, which is part of the System on Chip (SoC) and Microsoft-written software that runs on this integrated secure subsystem
This processor is designed by Microsoft and built by Silicon partners. It is a secure crypto processor built into the CPU for security at the core to ensure code integrity and the latest protection with updates delivered by Microsoft via Windows Update. Pluton protects credentials, identities, personal data, and encryption keys. Information is significantly harder to remove, even if an attacker installs malware or has full physical possession of the PC.
What about older laptops and desktops
If you have an older laptop, you should pay attention to the following factors:
Windows 12 is not expected to support 32-bit laptops.
Laptops with older processors (e.g. Intel 13th Gen or AMD Ryzen 5000) can still run Windows 12, but the performance will be less.
Laptops with less than 8 GB RAM can still run Windows 12, but the performance will be significantly lower.
For 32/64 bit desktops, Windows 12 is expected to be available in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions. However, the 32-bit version will be limited in terms of features and performance.
