It hasn’t even been a year since Windows 11 was launched on October 12, 2021; almost over six years after Windows 10’s debut, the release of Windows 12 is already making rounds. As per reports, Microsoft intends to move to a new Windows development cycle where with new features to the in-market versions up to four times a year starting from 2023 called “Moments.”
Read on as we dive into the probably Windows 12 release date, the rumored features and hardware requirements, and various other aspects in this post.
Windows 12 – Release Date, Features & Pricing
A Little About The Development Cycle
The 3-year development cycle is not new for Windows. Since Windows Vista and until Windows 10, Microsoft released major versions over a gap of 3 years – Windows 7 was released in 2009, followed by Windows 8 in 2012, and then Windows 10 in 2015. However, it broke the cycle with Windows 11 and released it after a 6-year break prioritizing the idea of Windows-as-a-service.
When Is Windows 12 Most Likely To Release
Going by Microsoft’s apparent three-year development cycle, we can expect that Windows 12 will be released in 2024. However, nothing more can be said as of this point. What’s currently on the cards is a major Windows 11 update in the form of 22H2 that will bring new features like Start menu improvements, gestures, and much more. As for a probable date – it is expected to arrive in September or October 2022. If you have the Windows 11 Release Preview channel, you can install this update right now and explore its various features.
Suppose you have enrolled in Windows Insider Program. In that case, you will gradually be able to see Windows 12 features which Microsoft will label as Windows 11 features till it reaches closer to Windows 12 release date.
Will The Hardware Requirements Differ?
When Windows 11 was released, some older Windows 10 PCs couldn’t make the cut and, in simple terms, couldn’t run Windows 11. For instance, Windows 11 requires processors released around 2018 and have TPM enabled, which some PCs didn’t have.
But, from what can be predicted for Windows 12, Microsoft won’t make it more difficult for older PCs to run Windows 12. And, since it is too early to say anything, we can at least go by the assumption that Windows 12 will more or less require the same hardware requirements as Windows 11. The TPM requirement will prevail and so do others, such as a minimum of 4 GB RAM, 64 GB storage space, 1GHz or faster processor, 720 p HD display, and many others that we have already discussed in this post where we have detailed minimum system requirements to run Windows 11.
What Features Are Expected In Windows 12?
We still cannot say anything about the features because it is too early to predict anything. Also, there have been no feature leaks. Yet, we can see that different features are being tested in the insider builds, especially in the Dev channel (For instance, in Windows 11 22H2). Some features we can expect this year include a different Taskbar and the ability to copy time, phone number, date, and notification badges for the weather widget.
Will The Upgrade To Windows 12 Be Free or Paid?
From what we can infer from the past, an upgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 12 will be free, as was in the case of an upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11. For Windows 10 users, the upgrade will be free of cost, provided their PC meets the hardware requirements required to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 12. But, alone, Windows 12 might not be free, i.e., you will have to purchase the retail license if you are using a custom-built PC that would likely cost you close to Windows 10 – approx. $139.
Wrapping Up – Until We Get To Know More
We’ll keep you updated as and when new information is released about Windows 12 – new features, leaks, hardware requirements, and other aspects. And, not just Windows 12, you can hit us up for interesting, engaging, and informative bits on Windows, Android, iOS, Mac, and everything tech that matters to you. Follow us on social media – Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
