Microsoft Windows 12: release date, download, beta, update

Windows 12 is set to be the next big release for the Windows operating system, following on from Windows 11 and the 22h2 update. In this article we will look at everything that is known about Windows 12 so far.

When will Windows 12 be released?

Whilst there has yet to be an official confirmation from Microsoft, it is rumoured to have a release date in 2024, 3 years after Windows 11 was released. If Windows 12 follows the trend that it has set will new releases every 3 years: Windows 7 (2009), Windows 8 (2012), Windows 10 (2015), Windows 11 (2021), Windows 12 should be released towards the end of 2024. There could well be another Windows 11 update in 2023 before a further update to Windows 12 in 2024. Members of the Windows Insider Program may even see new updates that Microsoft are working on for Windows 12. 

What's new in Windows 12?

• CorePC: this is the latest and most noteworthy novelty that is known. According to a report from the specialized site Windows Central, Microsoft would be designing a more customizable and adjustable operating system, whose structure depends on the device and the use given to it. What does this translate into? We tell you in the following news.
• Modules: the manufacturer's idea is to start from a simplified OS "skeleton" to which modules and complexity can be added depending on the device used and, therefore, the user's needs. For example, if you want a computer that basically serves you to browse the internet and as a text editor, you can make a lighter and more agile installation than if you needed a gaming computer or for photo and video editing.
• Separation of states: this would be the other major change within the CorePC concept. It implies that the OS will treat the different tasks and processes in a compartmentalized and sealed way. Certain compartments will also be private and inaccessible to third-party apps and even to the user himself. Thanks to all this, on the one hand the system will update faster, and on the other, it will be much more secure.​​​​
• AI integration: in accordance with what was advanced by Windows Central, the new version will bet heavily on artificial intelligence. Microsoft's search engine, Bing, is already testing the GPT-4 model of Open AI in its searches, so, coming out of Windows 12, it is expected to appear integrated into the Edge browser directly on the desktop. On the other hand, it also seems that the new Windows could include AI that analyzes the content and actions on our screen to offer us contextual indications and help us with our projects. Finally, the integrated AI will be able to search for text and elements in images and will allow you to 'cut and paste' elements between different programs.
• New interface design: This is one of the new features that seems safer, since it comes out of a Microsoft Keynote. The new version of Windows would for the first time have a floating bottom taskbar, similar to that of Macs, while other elements -such as the icons of the pinned programs, the time and date, the quick settings, the function of search and widgets—etc., would move to the top of the screen.
• Dynamic screen with different animated backgrounds: it is suggested that the Windows 12 screen could change depending on the widgets you use to show you the elements in a more comfortable and intuitive way. At the moment, this idea has been raised by some experts but it is far from being written in stone. However, as we say, a lot could change between now and launch.
• Improvements in the Your Phone app: that allows you to control Android devices from your computer. It is rumored that this tool, already included in Windows 10 and 11, and whose interface has already been renewed, will incorporate even greater improvements in the new version of Windows.
• Native podcast and streaming apps: It's said that Redmond's could include native tools for two market trends that are going to stay, podcasts and live streaming.
• Unified Skype and Teams: There are rumors that after years of overlap between the two Microsoft video calling apps, they could finally be merged into a single program. And there are even those who are betting on the name it will have, in a nod to the past: MSN Messenger 12.
• Free and optional download: finally, it is said that the new version of Windows will be free, as is the case with the current version of the operating system, and the update will also continue to be optional.
• Subscription services: there is talk, however, of the possibility of Microsoft expanding its catalog of payment options, as is the current case of Game Pass and Office 365, yes, reserved above all for functions of business interest (not both for home offices).

Will Windows 12 be a free upgrade?

If you are a current Windows 11 user, it is fairly certain that the next major Windows upgrade will be free, much like the last upgrade. Microsoft typically offers major updates to their OS for free. This may not necessarily apply if you don't already have Windows 11, you will need to purchase it. 

The cost of Windows 12 should be similar to that of Windows 11: 

• Windows 12 Home: $139.99
• Windows 12 Pro: $199.99

Will you need to upgrade?

Ultimately it will be up to you. If the new features on offer, the potential for improved performance and improved user interaction appeal to you, then you can upgrade when Windows 12 becomes available. If you want to be one of the first users to upgrade then it is recommend that you sign up to the Windows Insider program and keep an eye out for any news. 

Windows 12 system requirements

The Windows 11 requirements were as follows:

• Processor 1GHz single-core processor.
• Memory: 4 GB RAM memory.
• Storage: 64 GB free disk space.
• Graphic Card: DirectX 12 compatible.

We can expect the Windows 12 requirements to be similar, but also slightly more advanced. For example a requirement of 8GB of RAM instead of 4GB. It is more than likely that if your computer can currently comfortably run Windows 11, then it won't have any problems running Windows 12.