Windows 12 Release Date Confirmed Officially: All You Need to Know

Let’s clear your doubts. As per the official site, Microsoft has officially said that Windows 12 will not be released by the year 2025. They will release 25H2 that will be used in Windows 11 rather than releasing the Windows version. Right now, Microsoft has a prime goal to focus on the compatibility level with Windows 11’s advanced features. 

So, are you curious to know why Windows 12 is not launching this year? Our blog will provide you with the exact roadmap and when it will be released.  

Points to Be Remembered! 

1. Windows 12 has not even been confirmed that it will be introduced in 2025.  
2. Windows 11 will be going to be more enhanced by adding the 25H2 feature. 
3. The primary objective is to focus on stability, compatibility, and features only.
4. Windows 12 can be released at a later date; currently, it does not have any official update.

What Is Windows 12?

Microsoft doesn’t state anything about Windows 12 officially. However, it is considered the concept. After the proper release, it will be considered a Microsoft Product. 

What is currently known as: 

• Pay extra attention to AI: Windows 12 is going to possess an improved AI-driven assistant, a great focus on the integration of AI, and AI-motivated performance improvements.
• UI Redesign: The graphical user interface will change, and it will provide you with a modular and modern design. 

When Is Windows 12 Expected to Be Released?

It is not announced exactly as there is not announced no news update yet. Microsoft has not talked about it at any events. Nevertheless, there are multiple third-party sources that state that it will be released by the end of 2025, or you can expect it in the middle of next year.

The Most Important Considerations in a Possible Release:

There are various factors that influence a potential release. 

• Emphasis on AI: Microsoft now has the main motive to make new AI-centered versions. Moreover, they are trying to add advanced features such as Copilot+ PCs.
• Hardware and market timing: Microsoft is adding new functionalities, which also require the best hardware capabilities.  
• NPU Requirement: Further, Windows will use the specialized chip, or NPU, so that every user can easily accelerate their task. 
• Delayed Release Speculation: Most of the people who are using Windows 10 have not switched to Windows 11. If Windows 12 is released now, users may get confused. 
• Modular “CorePC” Architecture: Microsoft has now been using the modular version named CorePC for multiple years. Moreover, you do not need to install the full version of Windows. CorePC is there that will help you to install the specific parts you want. 
• ARM-based Processor Support: By having ARM processors, users will complete their work more effectively and quickly. Additionally, it will consume less power.  
• Prism Emulator: Some applications are designed for regular PC chips (known as x86), not ARM. The Prism emulator allows these older applications to run on ARM-based Windows devices. Microsoft is enhancing this tool to improve the compatibility and performance of more apps on ARM hardware. 

What Has Microsoft Said So Far? 

First of all, there is no official news that Microsoft is going to introduce us about Windows 12. So, go through the following section to know what exactly it has stated about it. 

No Windows 12 Official Announcement.

Microsoft has given a strong statement that they are not planning to launch Windows 12 at the current point. However, there are rumors and myths that have been distributed throughout the internet.

Microsoft’s 2025 strategy: The year of the Windows 11 refresh.

Microsoft has claimed at the CES event that this is the year of the Windows 11 refresh. And they have easily forgotten all the speculations and rumors concerning Windows 12. In addition, they have also told us that Windows 11 must be updated with the newest version, which is the 25H2 update. This will be a security enhancement, performance, enterprise, and AI addition. 

Windows as a Service Model

Microsoft is using the advanced “Windows as a Service Model. ” They are emphasizing disruptive Operating System migrations. Besides this, the company has stated that “Windows 11 will have an average feature release schedule that launches in the second half of the calendar year.”  

What Microsoft Has Said about Windows 11 25H2.

Currently, Microsoft is enhancing their previous version by incorporating the 25H2 functionality, rather than rolling out a new Windows version. In addition to that, 25H2 functionality was already made available on 30 September 2025, but this feature will soon be out to all users.

Windows 12 Leaks and Insider Reports

As per the officials, Microsoft is not going to release Windows 12. For this time, their main focus is to introduce 25H2 to us. Leaks suggest that early beta releases could be seen at the end of 2026, and a full release could be seen in 2027.

Early previews indicate such features as a floating taskbar, a modular Copilot architecture based on CorePC, and extensive Copilot AI integration with NPUs. Other than that, Microsoft is strategizing that the hardware should have at least 8 GB RAM and TPM 2.0, with AI-ready systems requiring 16 GB RAM and a CPU with NPU.

Industry insiders emphasize that the mass availability of hardware and Windows 11’s market penetration (currently around 34%) must increase before Microsoft shifts to Windows 12. Ongoing Windows 11 updates through 2025 have pushed the Windows 12 timeline into 2026–2027.

The History of Windows: Innovation Through Generations

Windows has updated itself over the past years so that it can compete with its competitors effortlessly. Here are the past and most commonly used versions of Windows you must look for. 

1. Windows 8: 

On October 26, 2012, Microsoft announced Windows 8. Their graphical user interface was completely made in Microsoft Metro design language. Besides, this Windows was applicable in all-in-one PCs and tablets. Other than that, they have integrated with multiple platforms, which consist of social networks and Microsoft services. 

2. Windows 8.1:

Windows 8.1 is the successor of Windows 8. Microsoft on October 17, 2013 has officially launched the operating system. It consists of various advanced features, such as more improvements in the integration of OneDrive. 

3. Windows 10:

Microsoft has made the announcement that they are going to launch the OS on September 30, 2014, and they released it on July 29, 2015. This operating system is mostly used by multiple users and permits them to resize their windows as per the urgency during that time. Concisely, the window can be comfortably opened in a minimized state, a maximized state, or a vertical or horizontal state, as your need is.

4. Windows 11:

Windows 11, which is one of the commonly used Operating systems, was announced in June 24, 2021. After a while, Microsoft gave us access to use this Windows on October 5, 2021. The version is compatible with other gaming technologies of the Series S and Xbox Series X. Additionally, it also makes Microsoft Edge a default web browser. 

Basic Overview 

Have a look at the real-time analysis for all four Windows OS. 

 Note: There is no confirmed information about when Windows 12 is going to be announced and when we will be able to use this Operating System. So, you can imagine that Windows 12 is an imaginary concept. 

Expected Features and Upgrades

Most of the sources claim that Windows 12 will be a fully AI-integrated operating system. Here are the most expected features that can be included under Windows 12. 

• Deep AI Integration: With the help of AI, Windows 12 will become a more agentic and ambient operating system. Besides this, Microsoft just wants a system that should be familiar with users’ intentions and context. 
• Multi-modal Interaction: Instead of understanding the traditional inputs, AI will be there to respond to voice commands more effectively. Moreover, there are chances that it will make a natural language, a primary interaction approach. 
• Enhanced Productivity Tools: AI will be integrated with spreadsheets and documents with the help of Copilot prompts. 
• User interface (UI) redesign: According to the speculation websites, Microsoft will be going to design the user interface as a floating taskbar and may have Mac OS-like elements. 
• Potential Subscription Model (for Enterprise):  Microsoft may provide a subscription plan for those users who are interested in taking the enterprise membership, such as Windows 365 Cloud PC. 

Windows 12 Expected Price and Upgrade Options

Let us look over the price list and upgrade options of what we can expect when Microsoft will launch Windows 12. 

Expected price

• Free Upgrade: Users who are using Windows 11 will get the free upgrade to Windows 12. 

• New License: The price will be the same as Windows 11 is offering you. 
  • Home: Approximately ($139)  
  • Pro: Approximately ($199.99) 
• Subscription: However, it is not certain that Windows 12 will take charge of using its advanced features. But speculation and other sources state that Windows 12 may have a subscription plan. 

Upgrade options

• Windows 11: It is a free, supplementary upgrade that is similar to the older versions of Windows.
• Windows 10: There is a probability that Windows 10 may provide you a free upgrade. But it may cost you to take the standalone OS. 
• New devices: It is predicted that new computers will come with Windows 12 in place.
• Standalone license: It will probably be available to buy an independent license for a new PC or when a user will not upgrade using the free version.

What to do now

• Use Current Windows: If your existing hardware is not compatible with the new one, it is highly recommended that you use your current Windows. 
• Check Hardware Compatibility: While upgrading your system, remember one thing that your hardware should support Windows 12. However, there is a possibility that it may require an efficient CPU in this modern world with 8 GB of RAM and a TPM 2.0 chip.

How Windows 12 Differs from Windows 11

We will assist you in knowing that Windows 12 will be coming, but in the meantime, there is no official news of the same. Go through the table below, which precisely describes to you the differences between Windows 12 and Windows 11. 

Common Questions and Their Answers 

For those who are looking for direct answers, our frequently asked questions section will help you to learn about it. 

Q1. Is Windows 12 really coming soon?

Ans. NO! Windows 12 will not come out in 2025. Microsoft has, however, announced that Windows 11 will be updated and improved in the year 2025.  

Q2. Will Windows 12 be better than Windows 11?

Yes, the latest version may be far better compared to the previous version. However, we can say it exactly because no official updates have been released yet about its features, but the AI feature will surely be implemented as per the various trusted sources.

Q3. How much will Windows 12 cost?

Ans. As Windows is launching its newest version with AI integration, it is obvious that it would be costlier than previous versions. If we see the previous scenarios, then it has also been seen that newer version of Windows is always considered better than the previous one, and the license of the products is also more expensive than the current version.

Q4. Will Windows 12 be backwards compatible?

 Ans. This is doubtful since if Windows 11 cannot work across all the Windows 10-powered devices, then how can one work on all Windows 12 devices? In addition, the backward compatibility is entirely reliant on the AI-oriented hardware demands. 

Q5. What specs will Windows 12 require? 

Ans. There is no official information about Windows 12, but here is some leaked and speculated data. These are as follows: 

• 64-bit CPU
• 8GB+ RAM
• 64GB+ storage (SSD recommended)
• DirectX 12 graphics
• TPM 2.0 module
• Intel 12th Gen or AMD Ryzen 5000+

Q6. Should I upgrade to Windows 11 or wait for Windows 12?

Ans. You can wait for some time if you are eagerly interested to learn all the advanced AI-powered features by taking Windows 12. Otherwise, you can enjoy the features of Windows 11 for the time being. 

Q7. Will Windows 12 improve gaming performance?

Ans. Probably yes. Microsoft plans advanced GPU scheduling in their upcoming versions. You can expect to get a DirectX 13+ with AI-driven optimizations. However, Actual gains will depend on your hardware.

Q8. What is Windows 12 going to look like?

Ans. There is no official news, but multiple websites are stating that it looks like a more modular design, a severe focus on integrated AI features, and a possible user interface that has been shifted with a floating taskbar and top-of-screen system icons. 

Q9. Will Windows 12 be a subscription?

Ans. Probably not. Microsoft hasn’t confirmed any subscription model. It is only expected that the user can get a one-time license upgrade. Ongoing updates will come via Windows as a service.

Q10. How to Get Windows 12 Early? 

Ans. Unfortunately, it will not be possible for you to get Windows 12 early. However, Microsoft has not even launched it. Moreover, don’t click on any third-party sources that claim Windows 12 is available. 

Final Words! 

Still looking for your answer on whether the Windows 12 release date has been announced or not? Note that Microsoft has decided to make Windows 11 much better by updating itself through 25H2. And by 2025, they have slim prospects of having a plan to issue Windows 12. This operating system is expected to be around in mid-2026 or at the starting of 2027. 

Reference Links:-

https://www.reddit.com/r/windows/comments/1i2mw9j/im_tiredhate_win11_when_is_windows_1213_coming_out/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Windows#Windows_8_and_8.1