Most people are familiar with the stress and worry that come with updating their computer’s operating system (OS). When you decide to proceed with the update, your entire digital world briefly becomes uncertain. If something goes wrong during the update, it can be quite frustrating. Even if the update is successful, there’s always some doubt about it. Whether all your apps, drivers, and plugins will function properly on the new system. So, it’s quite reasonable if you’re still using Windows 10 on your computer. Despite the fact that Microsoft keeps reminding you to switch to Windows 11.
That’s why we have both positive and negative updates. The positive news is that Microsoft will soon stop bothering you about Windows 11. However, the downside is that Windows 12 may be taking over from Windows 11 soon. This could be earlier next year.
The initial indications of Microsoft’s future plans are beginning to surface. A new edition of Windows is about to run on Windows PCs as soon as next year. What could we anticipate in the upcoming Windows version?
Features to Expect in Windows 12 
Microsoft will clearly need to distinguish Windows 12 visually from its previous versions. As always, we are already receiving clues about its potential appearance.
During a Windows Ignite developer conference, there was an inadvertent sharing of a screenshot that revealed an interesting change. In this screenshot, the taskbar, usually fixed at the bottom of the screen, appeared to be floating at the top. Windows 12 exhibited information such as the time, weather, connection status, battery life, and a search box in this new position. This hints at a user interface that’s reminiscent of mobile devices like phones and tablets.
The more substantial alterations are likely to occur beneath the surface, in response to the rapid growth of AI-powered applications that have emerged in recent months. Something similar to the Cambrian explosion in the natural world.
“I anticipate that Microsoft will place a strong emphasis on incorporating ‘AI’ features into the next significant release of Windows,” says Zac Bowden, a senior editor at Windows Central.
Bowden speculates that the next version of Windows might incorporate AI to predict which apps or shortcuts you might require next. This will work by analyzing your current on-screen activity. For instance, if Windows detects that you’re composing an email and mentions that you need to send wedding invitations, it could suggest the Microsoft Designer app conveniently through the Start Menu.
He also suggests the possibility of smart improvements to existing features like Snap Assist. This feature helps Windows remembers which apps you frequently use together for more efficient multitasking.
What will be The Structure of Windows 12? 
One of the most significant changes we can anticipate in future versions of Windows is a fundamental restructuring of the operating system. Instead of offering a one-size-fits-all approach, Microsoft’s internal project known as “CorePC” is actively working on dividing Windows into its essential components. This modular approach will enable Windows to function across various form factors more effectively. This will make a renewed effort similar to the abandoned Windows 10X project.
For instance, this means we could witness future iterations of Windows operating on tablets or foldable devices equipped with ARM processors. These devices could run many “full-sized” Windows applications without requiring built-in support for older “legacy” Windows applications that originated from earlier versions of the operating system.
Gizchina News of the week
Another significant innovation, as mentioned by Bowden, is that the CorePC versions of Windows will also adopt a “state-separated” approach. This means that applications will function in a manner somewhat akin to iPad apps, where they are confined to specific parts of the system. This approach is designed to enhance security and privacy. Hence, making it more difficult for apps to access or manipulate sensitive information outside of their designated areas.
How Flexible will Windows 12 Be? 
The potential move towards making Windows more flexible represents a departure from the initial vision set by CEO Satya Nadella when he assumed leadership from Steve Ballmer in 2014.
In his initial years, Satya Nadella reshaped the company’s focus. Emphasizing the flourishing Azure business and departing from the previous strategy of having ‘Windows’ on every device. The release of Office on iPad exemplified this change in mindset.
This strategic shift was aptly described by influential technology analyst Ben Thompson in 2018 as “The End of Windows.” The renewed emphasis on the modular CorePC concept could potentially indicate a return to the idea of expanding Windows to a wide range of devices, suggesting that the idea of getting Windows everywhere might be back on the agenda.
“Windows is here to stay,” asserts Bowden. “While it may be considered a legacy product, it’s precisely that legacy that keeps it a viable choice for many users. Enterprises and gamers, in particular, are unlikely to move away from Windows.”
This is why Microsoft envisions a future where it remains competitive with iPadOS and Android on mainstream devices. “The PC industry is massive, and there’s no alternative that companies like Dell, HP, Lenovo, and others can readily adopt,” notes Bowden. “Chrome OS isn’t a sufficient replacement for Windows, and macOS isn’t available for licensing. The current leadership at Microsoft is working to reposition Windows as a flagship operating system for the masses, and I anticipate this trend will continue with Windows 12.”
When Does Microsoft Plan to Release Windows 12? 
While Windows 12 is currently in development, Microsoft has not yet officially announced when it will be available for businesses to use.
According to Windows Central, Microsoft follows a plan to release significant versions of Windows approximately every three years. If this schedule holds, Windows 12 is expected to be released sometime in 2024.
This would track with the release cycle of previous versions of Windows. Windows 11, which was released six years after Windows 10, rather than the three years between Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10.
As with all versions of Windows – and all major feature updates to Windows, those on the Windows Insider program will have the chance to test Windows 12 in various phases before general release. This will likely go on for months before general rollout.
Expected Price
Similar to Windows 11, it’s highly probable that Microsoft will provide Windows 12 as a free optional update when it’s ready for release. This offer may extend to both Windows 10 and Windows 11 users.
However, for customers who prefer to purchase the operating system rather than upgrading an existing installation, Microsoft is likely to charge a premium. Windows 11 Home currently costs $139/£119.99, and Windows 11 Pro is priced at $199.99/£219.99. Therefore, it’s reasonable to expect that Windows 12 will be priced similarly. If not, it may be in the vicinity of those price points, when it becomes available.
