Windows 12 | Leak, Release Date, System Requirements, Features, and Design

Windows 12 leak, release date, system requirements, design, and features: Microsoft has not provided any official statement regarding the development of Windows 12. Nevertheless, reliable leaks, speculation, and various signs imply a high probability of Windows 12 release in 2024.

Windows 12 Overview

There was a six-year gap between the release of the two previous operating systems, with Windows 11 launching just two years ago. However, considering the history of major Windows releases from Windows Vista onwards, new versions were introduced every three years. As such, the prospect of a new Windows edition in the near future cannot be dismissed.

Windows 12 Summary

Windows 12 Leak

Much of the information believed to be accurate regarding Windows 12 originates primarily from a single source: Zac Bowden of Windows Central, who has demonstrated a reasonable success rate with his Windows forecasts. Notable revelations from Bowden concerning Windows 12 encompass integrating AI capabilities, transitioning to a streamlined modular codebase, and the internal codename, Hudson Valley.

Another Notable, hardware leaker @leaf hobby shared information about Intel’s Meteor Lake Xeon chips on Twitter, mentioning Windows 12 compatibility. Since these chips are allegedly slated for a 2024 release, this could potentially align with the official launch of Windows 12.

Windows 12 Release Date

Microsoft has not yet provided any official information regarding the release date of Windows 12. Nonetheless, certain leaked information should be approached with caution.

The first hint of Windows 12 arriving earlier than anticipated emerged when Microsoft allegedly began adopting a new update rhythm for the operating system, with major releases scheduled every three years. This would place the Windows 12 launch in 2024.

Microsoft had previously revealed plans to shift from biannual to annual feature updates for Windows, with 22H2 as an example. Assuming the yearly update schedule holds true and Microsoft intends to unveil Windows 12 in 2024, we might not see a 24H2 release for Windows 11. However, we could still anticipate a 23H2 update.

Windows 12 Features

It’s hard to envision a future where AI doesn’t play a role in Windows 12, particularly with the integration of ChatGPT into Microsoft’s Bing search engine. The need for Cortana may diminish as AI-powered bots generate content, even if it’s sometimes borrowed poetry.

According to a Windows Central report, insiders familiar with Microsoft’s intentions suggest the company is developing a project known as CorePC. This project aims to modernize Windows by incorporating innovations from Windows Core OS.

Microsoft is experimenting with a “silicon-optimized” CorePC that minimizes legacy overhead, emphasizes AI capabilities, and aligns hardware and software experiences in a manner akin to Apple Silicon. This likely indicates a more substantial AI presence in Windows 12.

Microsoft’s rumored $10 billion investment in OpenAI, the organization responsible for ChatGPT, underscores the significance of AI. While AI undoubtedly has its applications, Microsoft must address the concerns of creative professionals and determine how AI can be best utilized in Windows 12 without causing widespread discontent.

Windows 12 code is presumably being evaluated through the Windows ‘Canary Channel’ (as reported by Windows Central). This channel is intended to assess unstably builds that concentrate on long-term platform development for future Windows iterations.

Windows 12 Design

The image displayed below potentially reveals a leaked version of Windows 12. Although the screenshot seems to have been captured during the initial stages of development, its appearance bears a striking resemblance to Windows 11.

The search bar has now been positioned at the top center of the display, and as reported by Deskmodder, it is expected to feature AI integration, aligning with the ongoing global trend, particularly since the introduction of ChatGPT.

The design layout of Windows 12 appears to be shifting further towards an iOS-like aesthetic, showcasing more straightforward icons and a streamlined interface. Windows 11 had already moved in the direction of resembling a Mac, which was not well-received by die-hard Windows enthusiasts. It will be interesting to see how the launch of Windows 12 unfolds.

Nonetheless, avid Windows supporters need not despair, as Deskmodder suggests that customization options for the user interface are likely to be available, potentially offering a higher degree of personalization compared to Windows 11.

The provided screenshot gives us the impression that it could potentially represent Windows 12 on a mobile device, as it evokes that kind of feeling. However, our interpretation may be incorrect. Microsoft has been striving to integrate mobile and desktop functionality since the release of Windows 8.

Windows 12 System Requirements

Windows 12 is anticipated to uphold the majority of system prerequisites present in Windows 11, such as a minimum of two 1GHz CPU cores, 64GB storage capacity, UEFI, DirectX 12, compatibility with WDDM 2.0, and a 720p resolution screen. Nonetheless, Microsoft might suggest boosting the memory requirement from 4GB to 8GB.

Rumors suggest that Microsoft intends to make Windows 12 compatible with Intel’s 14th Gen Meteor Lake-S desktop processors right out of the gate, which could indicate that devices equipped with these CPUs may be the first to run Next Valley.

However, there has been limited information about Meteor Lake-S, especially any linking it to Windows 12, as reported by Neowin.

Deskmodder also asserts that Windows 12 may support the Pluton coprocessor, initially launched with the Ryzen 6000 mobile CPUs in January 2022.

Regarding security, Windows 12 is expected to utilize the same TPM 2.0 Trusted Platform Module for its cryptographic security processor as Windows 11 did, despite Microsoft exploring SHA-3 (Secure Hash Algorithm 3) support in a recent Insider Build.

Additional hardware specifications might feature 8GB RAM, doubling the capacity of Windows 11.

There is no information about potential increases in minimum storage requirements. Presently, Windows 11 requires a minimum of 64GB of disk space for installation. Neowin, however, mentioned the possibility of Microsoft discontinuing hard disk drives (HDD) in favor of solid-state drives (SSD) for software installation—a rumor that never materialized for Windows 11 but could be implemented in Windows 12.

In general, Windows 12 is anticipated to be “cloud-powered and AI-driven,” according to Microsoft’s Chief Product Officer, Panos Panay.