- Windows 12 could debut later in 2026, PC World suggests
- We’re told this is based on leaks and statements from hardware partners.
- The site gathers a number of additional rumors about a strong focus on AI and subscription elements to it, which has sparked a very negative reaction.
Windows 12 could arrive later this year, and Microsoft could focus heavily on artificial intelligence (and specifically subscription elements) with the next-generation operating system, where an NPU will likely be an even more crucial element.
PC World has given us what is essentially a summary of existing rumors about Windows 12 (if that’s the name of the operating system, and we’re far from sure about that) sprinkled with a few nuggets of new information.
In terms of the latter, the main argument is that a “wide release is expected later in 2026” for Windows 12, leaks, project references within Microsoft, and statements from hardware partners tell us.
It’s a nebulous claim, yes, but it can’t be dismissed as such, because there is a window (or should that be Windows?) of opportunity, PC World argues: October 2026. That’s when extended support for Windows 10 runs out, and with that operating system “out of the way” (at least officially), there could theoretically be room for another release.
As noted, PC World has mostly compiled a number of old rumors here. These include the idea that Windows 12 will be a modular operating system, meaning that it will be broken down into parts and that specific versions could remove certain parts.
This is called the CorePC project and there has been speculation about it for some years. In theory, it could lead to a highly optimized operating system if you have the right setup.
If you were hoping that AI would be one of the modular sections you can leave out with Windows 12, think again, because PC World reminds us that it will likely be integrated into the beating heart of the next-generation operating system. It would be a surprise if that it was not Frankly, that is the case at the moment.
On top of that, there is a suggestion that a powerful NPU (i.e. 40 TOPS or more, the rating for a Copilot+ (AI) PC) could be a more important aspect and requirement for more AI-based features. Again, that wouldn’t be a surprise.
For the interface, a previous leak is mentioned around a floating taskbar, as well as transparent glass elements for the user interface.
Finally, references to a (long-ago) ‘subscription status’ are touched on again, and PC World clarifies that this doesn’t mean Microsoft is planning to charge a monthly fee to use Windows 12. Rather, it could be exclusive (optional) AI features that you have to pay a subscription to use (perhaps including cloud-based AI functionality as well as on-device cheats).
Analysis: Windows AI
Personally, I think the most telling aspect here is the reaction to PC World’s rumor roundup. There’s been some pretty scathing outpouring on Reddit, as you can imagine.
One of my favorites is a simple, blunt statement: “It’s going to be a good year for Linux.”
Then there’s also this highly upvoted comment: “Man, there’s a lot of stuff I don’t want to pack into a single operating system.”
Or how about: “I’ve been using Windows since 3.1 and if this happens, I’ll finally be OUT.”
You’ll find variations of these scattered around Reddit. What you’ll have a hard time finding is anything resembling a positive comment. And yes, it’s true, complainers are quick to speak out and content users can remain happily silent most of the time, but the tumbleweed regarding any element of positivity is notable. And when it’s present, the positive comments are often tongue-in-cheek, like praising the idea of a two-tier Windows 12, with a subscription that locks AI features behind a paywall.
As one Redditor says: “I like the part where the AI features are hidden behind a subscription wall – the perfect place for it to rot.”
However, it’s fair to say that if Microsoft is going to go down the subscription route in a partial way like this, many people wouldn’t bat an eye at the prospect of AI’s powers being blocked.
As for PC World’s claim that Windows 12 could be scheduled for release in late 2026, I’m very skeptical about that. Remember, Microsoft has committed to fixing Windows 11 this year, in a major campaign to fix bugs and resolve fundamental issues with the operating system.
Now, I assume this will be a fairly resource-intensive operation for software engineers and other Microsoft staff. So is 2026 really the best time to launch an entirely new incarnation of Windows? No, it’s not. And if does If this happens, and Windows 12 debuts in October of this year or later, I’m going to say that Microsoft isn’t taking the campaign to ‘fix Windows 11’ seriously enough, and I won’t be the only one. The software giant surely knows this.
That’s a big reason why Windows 12 won’t arrive in 2026, and there’s another: I don’t think it’ll be Windows 12, but rather Windows AI, Windows Copilot, or some other different name to reflect what will surely be an increased focus on AI in many ways. This will be a big moment for Microsoft’s AI ambitions, and I think it will take time to properly establish AI agents (the next big piece of the puzzle) before they can be the centerpiece showpiece of the next generation of Windows.
Because that’s surely Microsoft’s plan here, and probably, as noted, a subscription element, perhaps even having AI agents as separate add-ons that can be purchased for a small monthly fee (more bundled plans with price reductions, naturally).
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