Windows 12 could arrive this year with rumored heavy AI focus — and the hate is strong already | Tech Radar

Overview

Windows 12 could arrive this year with rumored heavy AI focus — and the hate is strong already

I'm skeptical about the possibility of a release this year, though

Details

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Windows 12 could debut later in 2026, PC World suggests

That's based on leaks and statements from hardware partners, we're told

The site rounds up a bunch of further rumors about a heavy AI focus, and subscription elements therein — which has provoked a very negative reaction

Windows 12 could be here later this year, and Microsoft might focus heavily on AI — and specifically subscription elements therein — with the next-gen OS, where an NPU is likely to be an even more crucial element.

PC World has furnished us with what's essentially a roundup of existing rumors about Windows 12 — if indeed that is the name of the OS, and we're far from sure of that — sprinkled with a few nuggets of new info.

In terms of the latter, the main contention is that a "broad release in the course of 2026" is expected for Windows 12, based on leaks, project references within Microsoft, and statements from hardware partners, we're told.

Microsoft rumored to be cutting back AI ambitions in bid to save Windows 11

New Windows 11 preview provides more details on how AI agents will work

It's a nebulous assertion, yes, but not one that can be ruled out 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 so with that operating system 'out of the way' (at least officially), there could theoretically be room for another launch.

As noted, PC World has mostly compiled a host of old rumors here. These include the idea that Windows 12 will be a modular operating system, meaning it'll be broken up into chunks, and specific versions could drop certain pieces.

This is called the Core PC project, and speculation has been kicking around about it for a few years now. In theory, it could lead to a highly streamlined OS given the right configuration.

If you were hoping AI might be one of the modular sections that you can toss aside with Windows 12, think again, because PC World reminds us that it's likely to be baked into the beating heart of the next-gen OS. It'd be a surprise if that wasn't the case at this point, frankly.

On top of that comes a suggestion that a powerful NPU — meaning 40 TOPS or more, the qualification for a Copilot+ (AI) PC — could be a more important aspect, and a requirement for more AI-based features. Again, that wouldn't be a surprise.

For the interface, a previous leak around a floating taskbar is mentioned, as well as transparent glass elements for the UI.

Finally, references to a 'subscription status' (from a long way back) are touched on again, with PC World clarifying that this doesn't mean Microsoft is planning to charge a monthly fee to use Windows 12. Rather, this could be exclusive (optional) AI features that you need to pay a subscription to use (perhaps including cloud-based AI functionality, as well as on-device tricks).

Microsoft rumored to be cutting back AI ambitions in bid to save Windows 11

New Windows 11 preview provides more details on how AI agents will work

Personally, I think the most telling aspect here is the reaction to PC World's rumor roundup. There's been quite the vitriolic outpouring on Reddit, as you might guess.

One of my favorites is a simple and cutting statement: "It's going to be a good year for Linux."

Then there's also this hugely upvoted comment: "Man, that's a lot of things I don't want at all packed into one operating system."

Or how about: "I've been using Windows since 3.1 and if this happens I am finally OUT."

You'll find variations of these scattered around Reddit. What you'll struggle to find is anything like a positive comment. And yes, granted, complainers are quick to be vocal, and content users may stay happily quiet more often than not, but the tumbleweeds regarding any element of positivity are notable. And when it is present, positive commentary is often tongue-in-cheek — such as praising the idea of a two-tier Windows 12, with a subscription locking away the AI features behind a paywall.

As one Redditor puts it: "I like the part about AI features being hidden behind a subscription wall — perfect place for it to rot."

It's a fair point, though, that if Microsoft is going to tread the subscription path in a partial manner like this, a lot of folks wouldn't bat an eyelid about AI powers getting walled off.

As to PC World's assertion that the launch of Windows 12 could be set for late in 2026, I'm very skeptical about that. Remember, Microsoft has vowed to fix Windows 11 this year, in a major campaign to smooth over bugs and resolve fundamental issues with the operating system.

Now, I'm guessing that's going to be a pretty resource-intensive operation for Microsoft's software engineers and other staff — so is 2026 really the best time to launch an entirely new incarnation of Windows? No, it isn't. And if it does happen, and Windows 12 debuts in or after October this year, I'm going to call it 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 one major reason for Windows 12 not to arrive in 2026, and there's another — I don't think it will be Windows 12, but rather Windows AI, or Windows Copilot, or some other different name to reflect what will surely be a heavier focus on AI in many ways. This is going to be a big moment for Microsoft's AI ambitions, and I think it's going to take time to properly establish AI agents — the next big piece of the puzzle — before they can be the showcase centerpiece for next-gen Windows.

Because that's surely Microsoft's plan here — and likely, as indicated, a subscription element, perhaps even having AI agents as separate add-ons that can be bought for a small monthly fee (plus bundle plans with price reductions, naturally).

➡️ Read our full guide to the best laptops

1. Best overall: Apple Mac Book Air 13-inch M4
2. Best budget: Asus Chromebook CM14
3. Best Windows 11 laptop Microsoft Surface Laptop 13-inch
4. Best gaming: Razer Blade 16
5. Best for pros Mac Book Pro 16-inch (M4 Pro)

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Darren is a freelancer writing news and features for Tech Radar (and occasionally T3) across a broad range of computing topics including CPUs, GPUs, various other hardware, VPNs, antivirus and more. He has written about tech for the best part of three decades, and writes books in his spare time (his debut novel - 'I Know What You Did Last Supper' - was published by Hachette UK in 2013).

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Key Takeaways

• Windows 12 could arrive this year with rumored heavy AI focus — and the hate is strong already

• I'm skeptical about the possibility of a release this year, though

• When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission

• Windows 12 could debut later in 2026, PC World suggests

• That's based on leaks and statements from hardware partners, we're told