Microsoft has not officially acknowledged Windows 12. However, based on ongoing developments and industry insights, expectations for the next major version of the desktop operating system include continued advancements in Copilot, Copilot+ PC initiatives, and Windows on Arm.
Potential Release Timeline
Microsoft's statements at CES 2025 indicated a "Windows 11 refresh" for that year, suggesting no new major Windows version. Similarly, CES 2026 did not feature any Windows-related announcements.
Historically, six years passed between Windows 10 and Windows 11 (October 2021). Prior to Windows 10, major releases occurred every three years. Given Microsoft's annual feature update cadence (e.g., 24H2, 25H2 in autumn), a new major version might align with this timing.
Projections suggest Windows 12 could launch in 2027, which aligns with the end of support for Windows 11 25H2 in October 2027. It is also speculated that Windows 12 might necessitate a Copilot+ PC equipped with a neural processing unit (NPU).
Continuation of "Windows as a Service"
Microsoft's "Windows as a service" model is expected to persist. Windows 11 currently receives annual new versions and monthly quality updates, including security and non-security fixes. Windows 12 is anticipated to follow this pattern, evolving and gaining new features continuously rather than being a static release.
Subscription Model Speculation
References to "subscription edition," "subscription type," and "subscription status" have been observed in a Windows Insider build (Canary channel). This has led to speculation that a subscription model might be introduced for the OS, potentially affecting PC pricing or offering a free, ad-supported version.
An alternative interpretation suggests these references pertain to business users, similar to the existing Windows 365 Cloud PC option. Some sources propose a subscription for Pro editions of Windows 12, with Home editions potentially limited to Microsoft Store applications, though this claim is viewed with skepticism. Past transitions, such as Adobe Photoshop's move to a subscription model, initially faced user opposition but ultimately increased company profits and feature development.
Enhanced Built-In AI
Windows 11's 23H2 and 24H2 updates introduced new AI tools, including Copilot. Microsoft has announced further Copilot integration, allowing it to analyze and control PC functions via an opt-in taskbar search box.
Copilot is gaining voice control with "Hey Copilot" and can use Copilot Vision to analyze visual content in program windows. An Insider preview build for Windows 11 recently added wake-word functionality for Copilot. Copilot+ PCs feature "Click to Do" for suggested actions and natural-language AI-assisted semantic search within the Search panel, File Explorer, and Settings.
Future AI in Windows 12 could involve anticipating user intentions, balancing helpfulness with potential user intrusion. Backend AI technology could also improve code stability, security, and update delivery.
Leveraging AI Hardware
Executives from Intel and Qualcomm have mentioned NPUs, and AMD, Intel, Nvidia, and Qualcomm discussed AI hardware at Computex 2025. Many anticipated AI features in Windows 12 are expected to benefit from NPUs for local AI processing, such as machine learning.
PCs lacking NPUs might not fully support or benefit from advanced Windows 12 AI functionalities. Current on-device AI functions in Copilot+ PCs are limited to image generation, Recall, semantic search, and video call effects. Increased use of local processing for AI is expected, reducing reliance on Microsoft's servers, aligning with a trend seen in Apple and Google devices for faster performance and lower environmental impact.
Improved ARM Processor Support
Microsoft has focused on improving ARM support in recent Windows updates, aiming to address past performance disparities with non-Intel/AMD PCs, especially compared to Apple silicon. New Germanium platform code is expected to enhance this performance.
Copilot+ ARM-based PCs include a new Prism emulator designed to improve the performance of non-ARM-optimized applications. Qualcomm claims its Snapdragon X Elite PC processor is 21% faster than Apple's M3 chip. Enhanced ARM-based PC performance and OS code are anticipated to drive broader adoption of the latest Windows versions, a trend expected to continue with Windows 12.
Componentization and Core PC
The concept of a modular Windows, often referred to as Core OS or CorePC, has been discussed for several years. A modular Windows would separate OS components, facilitating smoother updates, improved security, and allowing Microsoft to tailor Windows instances for specific platforms and use cases. This could involve omitting support for large legacy Windows applications in certain instances to save system resources.
Windows X, a lightweight OS project intended to compete with ChromeOS, exemplified this core-based approach, and some of its interface concepts were incorporated into Windows 11, such as the centered taskbar.
Accessing Upcoming Features
The Windows Insider program allows users to test upcoming features on a test PC. The program offers four channels with varying stability and feature readiness: Canary (experimental), Dev, Beta, and Release Preview. Insider features have included interface tweaks (e.g., redesigned volume indicator), new apps (e.g., Media Player), and new capabilities for existing OS features (e.g., Task Manager tabs).
The Copilot+ PC Focus
Currently, Microsoft prioritizes its Copilot generative AI features and Copilot+ PCs. This includes ARM-based PCs with Snapdragon X processors, as well as Intel- and AMD-based devices equipped with NPUs to power new AI functionalities. These represent significant developments within Windows 11.
Naming Convention
Major new capabilities and design updates have been integrated into Windows without major version name changes for several years. Microsoft has updated core applications (e.g., Paint, Photos) and File Explorer (e.g., tabs). In 2025, Windows gained features such as hard drive search with Copilot, lock screen widgets, a redesigned Start menu with a phone panel, and Copilot Vision with Highlights. Copilot+ PCs also received exclusive features.
While users may prefer consistent naming, a name change could occur if Microsoft fully integrates AI agents into the OS, though these features are currently opt-in and in beta testing.