Windows 12 is coming soon. If the rumors are true, we will see it in two years. For starters, Windows 11 one released one year back. Latest reports suggest Microsoft will skip Windows 11 23H2 or 24H2 builds in the coming months.
Insiders say that Microsoft is no longer working on Windows 11 23H2 “Sun Valley 3” update. We now see Windows 12 under development, codenamed Next Valley at the moment.
Windows 12 Roadmap
Like Google, Microsoft is becoming more like Apple. Reports say that Microsoft is over with long development roadmaps. Instead, we will see more versions on Windows in the future. We say it will be a 2-3 years development cycle. It is a shift from the Microsofts Windows-as-a-service dream.
Right now, we will see a 3-year release cycle. Windows 11 was made official on 5th October 2021. We speculate the launch of Windows 12 at almost the same time frame in 2024.
What will be new with Windows 12 Update?
Windows 12 is not an official word from Microsoft. Instead, we are just speculating at this moment. We cannot say for sure, but we can see Microsoft experimenting with some features under the Windows Insider program and Dev channel. For instance, Search in the Taskbar received different visual treatments in 25158 (July 13).
Microsoft is also experimenting with notification badges for weather widgets and features to copy date, time, phone number, and suggested actions to complete a task. These are not Windows 12-specific features. We may see them on Windows 11 updates in the future.
An interesting take by Windows is annual updates for Windows 11. We can already see Windows 11 22H2 under the Preview channel. In fact, you can download it now. We suggest watching this guide from Digitaltrends.
In Windows 12, a new feature called “Moments” will be available. Over the year, it will bring new features. Microsoft’s Moments feature is similar to Google’s Pixel Feature Drop. We might see this feature with Microsoft Windows 11 by the end of 2023.
Windows 12: Hardware Requirements
Windows 12 will be massively similar to Windows 11. If we go by the trend, we can see the TPM requirements on Windows 12. Microsoft is concerned about the security of Windows. We do not see any point in Microsoft compromising on that requirement. If your current machine can run Windows 11, it can run on Windows 12. You can enable TPM 2.0 from these Microsoft instructions here.
You can read the official hardware requirements by Microsoft from here. Here is a brief on the requirements:
- A 64-bit processor or system on a chip (SoC) with two or more cores running at 1 gigahertz (GHz).
- A minimum of 4 gigabytes (GB) of RAM is required.
- It is necessary to have 64 GB – or more- of available storage in order to install Windows 11.
- Downloading updates and enabling specific features may require additional storage space.
- A WDDM 2.0 driver is required on graphics cards with DirectX 12 or later.
- System firmware must be UEFI, Secure Boot capable.
- TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0.
- The monitor must be a high definition (720p) display with at least 9 inches of screen size and 8 bits per color channel.
- Internet connection to perform updates and to download and use some features.
How much will Windows 12 cost?
If you already have an official copy of Windows 11, you will need to pay nothing for Windows 12. You can purchase Windows 11 Home for $139.00 from this Microsoft link. Windows 11 Pro retails for $199.99. It activates meaningful features like Hyper-V. Download Windows 11 Pro from here.
Do not expect Windows 12 to cost more than Windows 11. People who have a Windows 7/ Windows 10/ Windows 11 Licence may be able to update for free.
Do not forget to read our following Articles:
- How to enable Windows 11 Taskbar on Windows 10?
- How to enable Nearby Sharing on Windows 11 – AirDrop alternative for Windows users!