Windows 12 News and Rumors: Release Date, Features, and System Requirements

Regarding the latest operating system of Microsoft Windows, there are still many speculations about Windows 12. In this post, we are here to explore more about Windows 12 news and rumors with sharing something you are most concerned about: the release date, features, system requirements, and other aspects you may be interested in.

When is Windows 12 coming out?

So far, we can see that Windows 11 has been released after three 3 years, and computer users begin to expect newer OS, particularly those who have been frustrated with the buggy Windows 11 updates: they plagued by update errors like KB5026446. Therefore, more and more rumors are circulating about the release date of Microsoft's Windows 12. Although Microsoft has not officially announced when is Windows 12 come out, we can still make an educated guess based on the history of Windows OS release cycles:

Apart from the 5-year interval between Windows XP (2001) and Vista (2006), Microsoft Windows has regularly released a new OS approximately every 3 years since Windows 7 (2009).

Some bloggers even estimate more accurately: Windows 12 will launch in the second half of 2024, putting the release date around July-October 2024, aligning with Microsoft's traditional launch windows.

However, according to Windows Central, the situation may be different. Microsoft is not likely to release Windows 12. Instead, Microsoft will retain the Windows 11 naming and keep updating it with new features. That's why some people also call the potential Windows 12 as Windows 11 24H2. If so, some Windows 12 (Windows 11 24H2) features have been in testing and are expected to come out in this year, 2024.

What’s new on Windows 12?

Users from Reddit discuss about this: This year's Windows 12 might just be nothing more than a large update for Windows 11, rather than a whole new operating system.

While some rumors also hold this idea, it is still possible that Windows 12 could introduce brand new features or major updates to existing ones. Here we compiled some heated speculations about Windows 12 features: AI integration, enhanced UI design, and others.

Stronger AI features

AI has been a big deal in society for the past year or so. In newer versions of Windows 11, Copilot has gotten a lot better, with more contextual help being one of the biggest changes. When you copy text, for example, the Copilot icon will change to show you what you can do with that text, such as explain it, summarize it, or just send it to the Copilot chat. This can set you free from tedious documents or presentations. By the way, you can even use Copilot to create those files. In Windows 12, Copilot will be stronger as well as other AI features.

From this, it's clear that AI could be the next development goal at Microsoft and even other technology companies. Because of this, we can guess the Copilot may be equipped with more advanced features (this also be recognized by Windows Central). So far as we know, the AI Explorer is said to be a feature that will help Copilot in Windows 12 (Windows 11 24H2) better understand how you work. Like Windows 10's Timeline feature (been removed now), AI Explorer can put what's happening on your screen in context and help you get back to work by giving you searchable moments. This is different because it can work with any app and remember what you were doing by looking at what you're looking at.

Besides, Windows 11 will have gaming features like "Super Resolution," which can use AI to improve the graphics quality of games. This AI feature is on top of those.

A "Super Resolution" feature that improves the quality of videos and games you play on your PC is another AI feature that has been seen in Insider builds, though it is not yet functional. There's also a Voice Clarity feature that was only available on some Surface devices but is now open to all. This AI-powered feature runs on the CPU, so any PC can use it. It can clear up your microphone of background noise so the other person on the call can hear you better. This part is already being tested.

Microsoft's billions of dollar investment in OpenAI has already changed everything about the company and even the society. AI is likely to have an even bigger impact on every part of Windows 12 than it did on Windows 11. Intel Core Ultra and Snapdragon X Elite chips with a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) are likely to come with the new waves of Surface PCs. It's possible that Windows 12 will focus on AI and how these devices can use the NPU to help them with everyday tasks.

Enhanced UI designs

It is said that Microsoft accidentally shared the new UI design at the Ignite 2022 conference, and Next Valley may be the code name.

As we can see now, Windows 11 gave Microsoft's OS a much-needed makeover: It looks and feels a lot more modern and sleek thanks to its rounded corners, centred taskbar, and new icons everywhere. These features could be further improved in Windows 12 if Microsoft releases it.

Rumors about Windows 12 new UI designs including the following points:

Transferring widgets tab and notification areas to top left and right of the screen.

Transitioning taskbar into a hovering taskbar with desktop background spilling over edges.

The search bar not entirely detached from taskbar, and moving search icon/bar to top middle, freeing space for more icons.

Plans for new lock screen and notification center.

A new Start menu, Windows Messenger built-in messaging client, redesigned volume hub, and some desktop widgets.

More personalization options available.

New File Explorer designs.

Other UI elements from MacOS and AI-featured widgets.

A picture of what looks like Windows 12 was shared by users. It's unsure whether they will be added to Windows 12, but it does look fresh.

CorePC

CorePC is based on a fully enabled desktop version of Windows that only uses the most basic features of the OS. It is said to be a new lightweight version of Windows. Microsoft tried that before with Windows 10X, but it didn't have the parts that would make the operating system easier to use. After that, Microsoft dropped Windows 10X, but they kept the user interface for Windows 11.

Basically said, Microsoft's major goal with CorePC is to make a new version of Windows that can be fully customised to fit the needs of different system apps or device forms. You can turn it on or off depending on your needs.

State Separation is what the CorePC does that gets the most attention. This concept hasn't been officially explained, but it's thought to divide the operating system into several partitions. That is to say, the OS, system files, and user data are all split into different partitions. In theory, this would make it easier and faster to update the Windows OS. It will also be safer, since some parts of the OS will live on read-only partitions.

Removing the legacy Control Panel

There are also speculations about the disappearance of the legacy Control Panel. Based on the clue that Windows Updates haven't been available through the Control Panel since the beginning of Windows 8, this is what users guess. Moreover, as Windows 8 introduced the Settings app, which is also regarded as a replacement for the Control Panel, the speculation seems to make sense.

In Windows 11, the hints are more apparently. It made some changes to the Settings earlier this year, and the company has started testing even more ways to replace the Control Panel this month. It’s hard to say that whether Windows 12 may move all Control Panel applets to the Settings utility.

Others: animated wallpapers, Android APK installs, and returned MSN messenger

● Animated wallpapers: Windows built-in wallpapers has always been static. But now, Windows 12 is rumored to Live Wallpapers is possible. If its true, you don’t have to purchase other wallpaper engines for animated wallpapers anymore.

● Android APK installs support: Windows 11 already lets you get Android apps, but you can only get them from the designated Appstore, so you can only use the apps that come from that store. Fortunately, this could be better in Windows 12 if we could install Android apps through their APK files. These files are available at several online stores. In the fresh system, you do not need to use assistants or other third-party apps to run them.

● Returned MSN Messenger: That Teams and Skype will merge into a new MSN Messenger is another rumor about Windows 12. MSN Messenger was a Microsoft instant messaging client, and it was first seen on TechRadar. This was launched around in the early 2000s, but stopped in 2013. In earlier years, it was really popular and way ahead of its time. Windows already has messaging apps like Skype, but they haven't caught on like WhatsApp or Apple's iMessage.

Microsoft may instead use this chance to make a new version of MSN Messenger the main messaging app for Windows 12 and make it available on as many platforms as possible.

What are the Windows 12 system requirements?

As of now, there is no any official information on Windows 12 hardware requirements. But it is said Microsoft is adding a CPU cut-off to Windows 11 24H2 that will stop much older PCs from starting up this build. About others, they are likely to be similar, or a little bit higher to minimum system requirements for Windows 11. This means that if your computer can run Windows 11, it's likely that it can also run Windows 12. But until Microsoft makes this clear, no one knows for sure.

● TPM 2.0: Windows 11 requires a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) to be enabled on your PC, and Windows 12 may keep that. However, there are some tricks that can help you bypass the TPM 2.0 if you don’t worry much about the security.

● Strict CPU requirements: As the new Windows 12 will bring more AI-powered features, the CPU requirements may be more strict than before. Users will probably need at least a 1 GHz CPU, a 64-bit processor with 2 or more cores, and at least 6 to 8 GB of RAM, but preferably 16 GB or more.

● Same storage requirements: The minimum required available disk capacity for Windows 11 is 64GB and above. If you want to directly upgrade from old versions to Windows 12, it is advisable to ensure that the free space of C drive is greater than 30GB.

Note: 
✍ You can click here to learn how to fix Windows update not enough space if your device doesn't have enough capacity for system installing.

● Demanding graphics: Compatible with DirectX 12 or later, with a WDDM 2.0 driver.

● Unchanged system firmware: Is UEFI still required for Windows 12? Yes, it is, and it also contains the requirement of Secure Boot.

Will the Windows 12 be a free upgrade?

Regarding the price of Windows 12, this is likely to happen: Windows 12 is predicted to be available as a free update for people who already have Windows 11 or maybe even Windows 10. If you need a new license, Microsoft will probably charge the same amount as it did for Windows 11.

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

Make preparations for Windows 12 installing and running

If you want to install Windows 12 and enjoy its fresh features, it is necessary to make some preparations.

Preparation 1. Convert MBR to GPT without data loss

If Windows 12 needs the same system firmware as Windows 11, you need to convert the MBR system disk to GPT before changing Legacy to UEFI. To convert it without delete anything and losing data, it is recommended to use AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional. Its Convert to GPT function has already helped many users of older Windows versions that used MBR type successfully upgrade to Windows 11.

● Note: To know how to check if it’s UEFI or BIOS on your PC, you can click to read and follow the guide.

AOMEI Partition Assistant

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Step 1. Install and launch AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional. Right-click the system disk and choose “Convert to GPT”.

Step 2. Click “OK” to confirm your operation.

Step 3. Click on “Apply” to commit the pending operation.

And then the computer will finish the operation in WinPreOS mode. After successfully converting MBR to GPT, please change BIOS to UEFI.

Step 1. Start your computer and press the functional key (generally, it is F1, F2, F3, F10, or F12, ESC) to enter the firmware interface when you see the first screen. The functional key is different from computer to computer. If you cannot access here, please refer to how to open BIOS in Windows 11.

Step 2. Under the BOOT tab, choose the UEFI/BIOS Boot Mode, and change the Legacy to UEFI. Then save and exit the firmware interface.

When all is done, you can upgrade your Windows 11 to Windows 12.

Preparation 2. Create enough storage space for Windows 12

Since the system drive requires at least 64GB for Windows 12 installation, it's advisable to allocate extra space for system upgrades. The 64GB requirement is theoretical, and the actual needs could be higher. To successfully install Windows 12 and run it without sluggish or slow performance, it is better to keep enough space than the minimum requirement.

If your PC has free space on another drive, AOMEI Partition Assistant allows you allocate that space to the system drive without requiring unallocated space directly behind the C drive.

Step 1.  Open AOMEI Partition Assistant. The interface will show you the basic information about your disks. Right-click the drive which has free space, select “Allocated Free Space”.

Step 2. In the pop window, you can allocate free space from D drive to C drive. After setting up, click "OK".

Step 3. Click "Apply" and "Proceed" to execute the progress.

This multifunctional software also offers you other options when other drives have free space. If your disk has unallocated space that isn't directly behind the C drive, you can run the Merge Partitions of AOMEI Partition Assistant. It helps combine non-contiguous unallocated space with the drive you need to extend.

For users who only want to extend drive space without making changes to their existing setup for other drives, the tool also allows you to move installed programs to another drive without losing data.

Preparation 3. Upgrade your disk

To maximize the benefits and efficiency of Windows 12 and fully leverage its advanced features, like AI enhancements, it's advisable to upgrade to a better and larger disk. For example, a 256GB M.2 NVMe SSD and set the NVMe as boot drive. AOMEI software gives you a Clone Disk option for effective disk upgrade. With it, you don’t need to reinstall anything.

You can easily transfer the installed programs, downloaded files, or any other on the original disk to the new one. Even if you've already installed Windows 12 on the old disk and later decide you should have upgraded sooner, the software supports migrating only OS. 

Step 1. Click the "Clone" main tab and select "Clone Disk". (You can also right-click the Disk you want to clone and select the "Clone Disk" tool to run disk clone.)

Step 2. Choose the hard disk that you need to clone as the source disk and click "Next".  Then select the destination disk to put the data of the source disk on, and then click "Next".

Step 3. Afterward, you will enter the Confirm interface where you can check the source and destination disk. After all is set, you can click the "Confirm" button to continue.

In lower left corner of the window, you can click the "Settings" button to adjust the partition size on the destination disc.  After finishing the adjustment, please click "Save".

Notes:

You can tick "4k Alignment" option next to the Settings to improve the reading and writing speed of SSD if the selected destination disk is an SSD storage.

All data on this selected destination disk will be wiped out after you save the operation to physical disk. If there is important data on the destination drive, please make a backup in advance.

If you clone to a smaller SSD, the first option (Clone without resizing partitions) is greyed out. If you select Sector-by-Sector Clone, it is unable to adjust the size on the destination disk.

Step 4. You can preview the disk cloning operating by viewing the "Pending Operations". To commit the "Pending Operations", please click "Apply" and "Proceed".

Summary

From this Windows 12 news and rumors, we can see it is still worth anticipating as it may bring attractive innovations like new UI designs and AI enhancements. Fortunately, the system requirements are not expected to differ significantly from Windows 11. As long as you make full preparations with AOMEI Partition Assistant, it will be easy to install the new system and enjoy it.

If your device cannot meet the minimum system requirements, AOMEI software also can help you create a Windows To Go USB. For Windows Server users, it offers AOMEI Partition Assistant Server edition. We will continue to provide updates regarding Windows 12 as information is released.