Hello
Microsoft hasn’t confirmed a specific release date for Windows 12 yet. Everything else is rumor or speculation.
There's also no official word yet from Microsoft on exact hardware requirements for Windows 12.
That said, while future-proofing is wise, devices you purchase today could still put you in a good position. Even if Windows 12 introduces stricter requirements, your new Surface will likely last through vital support periods.
Answer from EmilyS726 on learn.microsoft.comWhen Is Windows 12 Coming?
Since Microsoft moved to an annual feature update cadence for its desktop OS, the next logical time for Windows 12 to arrive will be around September or October 2025, tidily corresponding with the end of life for Windows 10. But given the aforementioned blog post, that now seems unlikely. If we drew a parallel with the Windows 10 lifespan, we'd get Windows 12 in 2027. Yeah, let's go with that!
Despite not getting a new major version number, the 24H2 Update of Windows 11 is based on a platform codenamed Germanium, which powers the artificial intelligence features in the new Copilot+ PCs. In fact, who's to say that Windows 12 won't require a Copilot+ PC equipped with a neural processing unit (NPU)?
In a September 2023 interview, Intel's chief financial officer predicted a boost in PC sales due to the "Windows refresh" in 2024. Qualcomm, too, released statements pointing to Windows 12 in 2024. But, in retrospect, those must have been referring to the Copilot+ version of Windows 11 24H2.
One wildcard in all this talk of Windows 12 was the departure of longtime Windows boss Panos Panay, which resulted in a restructuring of the Windows version-numbering schedule. It seems that the new team wants to wait to put its stamp on a future release.
Another consideration is that Windows 11 has only about 43% of the worldwide market share among Windows versions (according to StatCounter). Windows 10 is still ahead of it, with about 53%. Introducing another version would split up the pie further, especially considering the glacial pace at which many people upgrade.
I think I know what's coming in Windows 12, and you're not going to like it - Software & Applications - Spiceworks Community
Windows 12 Release Date?
Windows 12 release is pushed back at least another year as Microsoft announces Windows 11 version 25H2
What Do We Want From Windows 12? - Software & Applications - Spiceworks Community
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Hello
Microsoft hasn’t confirmed a specific release date for Windows 12 yet. Everything else is rumor or speculation.
There's also no official word yet from Microsoft on exact hardware requirements for Windows 12.
That said, while future-proofing is wise, devices you purchase today could still put you in a good position. Even if Windows 12 introduces stricter requirements, your new Surface will likely last through vital support periods.
Thanks Emily, I understand you don't work for Microsoft. Hopefully you understand that's not the answer I'm looking for.
I'm already seriously annoyed that I have 3 perfectly good laptops that are all OVER specced for all of the requirements of Windows 11 with regard to Processor, RAM, SSD, etc. ... but they only have TPM 1.2.
The fact that I have to replace them all just because of the TPM version is absolutely infuriating.
In the past I have been able to rely on MS for at least 6 years of full OS support on any Laptop I've bought.
I'd like some reassurance from someone at MS that I'll be able to rely on them similarly ... especially because this time I'm actually buying an MS Laptop.