According to the latest WC report, it is almost certain that Windows 12 is in production and is expected to be released next fall, when Microsoft will place all bets on artificial intelligence.
It is reported that Windows 12 is codenamed “Hudson Valley” (Hudson Valley). Microsoft has been testing its early code and platform work in the Windows Insider Canary channel.
We know that the new version of Windows will be available in April 2024 RTM version, which will not be fully confirmed until August. Push a massive update to WIndows 11 users in September or October.
The focus of Windows 12 is on the next generation of AI experiences, which will introduce AI-driven Windows Shell core components and be enhanced by an “advanced co-driver” Copilot AI assistant that can continuously run in the background to enhance search, quickly launch applications or workflows, understand context, and more.
As we all know, when Windows 11 was introduced, Microsoft significantly increased the system requirements, so that many Windows 10 computers can not be upgraded.
Windows 12 is focused on upgrading the next generation of AI experiences, and it’s all about AI. AI will be “woven and integrated” throughout the operating system, most of which will require new NPU hardware to run, and the demand for computer hardware will increase dramatically.
That said, some features (mainly artificial intelligence) are limited to AI PCS with NPU, not all computers can get the full experience, and for some older computers may not be friendly.
Currently, Windows 10 has about 1 billion users and Windows 11 has about 400 million users. How to get a large number of users to upgrade Windows 12 will be the most important issue for Microsoft to consider.