Windows 12: 5 things we already know

News JVTech Windows 12: 5 things we already know

Windows 11: the balance

Before we talk about Windows 12, it is important to understand the turn Microsoft has taken with Windows 11.

The analysis service StatCounter has collected the number of users of each version of Windows, and the results are clear: Windows 11 is clearly not winning the hearts of users.

Only 15% of PC owners using Windows 11 are sticking around: 71% for Windows 10. The reasons are many, such as very high RAM consumption on Windows 11, which makes users, especially gamers, stay on their good old Windows 10.

Another important thing to take into account is simply Covid. You want to tell me what relationship? But the lack of electronic components did not allow brands to sell many machines running Windows 11. The numbers are therefore “distorted” by this unique event that we have experienced.

Although Windows 11 experienced a boost in popularity when it was released, especially thanks to the implementation of a free update, this version is still far below Windows 10. This explains the popularity of Windows 10, c It is also the fact that that this version allowed users to escape from Windows 8 and 8.1, which clearly did not understand the needs of the public, especially on the interface.

Windows 11 recently overtook the number of Windows 8 users, but that’s clearly not a victory for Microsoft. So, of course, the developers are already working on the future version of the operating system: Windows 12.

---

5 things to know about Windows 12

The new Windows 12 interface

Naturally, users of Windows 12 are waiting for the turn of its new interface. Microsoft has already released screenshots of prototypes during the Microsoft Keynote presented by CEO Satya Nadella.

Users on Windows 11 should obviously not be disturbed by these changes, but we can already notice that the taskbar will be slightly floating. Why ? It is easy to imagine that Widgets will be able to find their place there, or even place windows under it.

Finally, these images of Windows 12 show us an interface similar to that found on MacOS, with shortcuts still centered in the center of the taskbar and more streamlined windows.

Will Windows 12 be free?

Microsoft has every interest in letting users upgrade to Windows 12 for free. Windows 11 clearly failed to cover the costs invested in the project, and the company does not want to shoot itself in the foot by introducing a paid policy for this operating system.

Above all, Microsoft’s goal is to democratize their operating system, so apart from the reverse communication before the release: Windows 12 will be completely free.

Will updating to Windows 12 be mandatory?

Although Microsoft pushed Windows 10 users to upgrade to Windows 11, not everyone will upgrade.

Originally, Windows 11 was supposed to be available for free on all compatible PCs for 24 months, but the lack of popularity of the OS means that Microsoft is extending this period indefinitely.

So, in advance, the installation of Windows 12 will not be mandatory on your PC. But of course, as soon as the operating system is installed, all the machines sold in the market have this version.

Minimum requirements to install Windows 12

To install Windows 11, Microsoft requires 4 GB of RAM and a storage of at least 64 GB. Suffice it to say that the majority of configurations pass the exam with flying colors.

Windows 12 shouldn’t ask for much more, although RAM is becoming increasingly important for even the most common office tasks.

Windows 12 release date

Microsoft has not yet confirmed the information, but according to insiders, Windows 12 should see the light of day in 2024, 4 years after Windows 11. If all goes well, the first version of Windows 12 should land in the fall of 2024.

Windows 11 continues to receive regular updates, such as the one from last September, which fixes a lot of bugs and has made user navigation much smoother.

---