- Windows 12 It will not arrive in 2025 and Microsoft will focus its development on Windows 11 25H2.
- Windows 12 aims to require hardware more advanced, especially for functions of IA .
- Two levels of requirements are planned: one basic and one recommended for AI.
- Microsoft could open the door to GPUs with AI cores, benefiting the gaming industry.
The arrival of Windows 12 has been one of the most talked about topics among technology users and enthusiasts over the past year. However, the latest official confirmations from Microsoft The rumors have been dispelled: there will be no Windows 12 release in 2025. The company has opted to continue strengthening Windows 11, especially with the upcoming 25H2 version. This move demonstrates the company's intention to prioritize stability and incremental improvement about an immediate generational leap.
Microsoft's strategy focuses on delivering cumulative updates and maintaining a smooth transition between versions. This way, new features will be gradually introduced into Windows 11 before considering a definitive release of its successor. This approach, already seen with version 24H2, allows more users keep your equipment up-to-date and secure without major interruptions and without the need to reinstall from scratch.
Why Windows 12 will be more demanding than its predecessor
One of the main new features that Windows 12 will bring, once its development is confirmed, will be the deep integration of Artificial Intelligence locallyThis commitment to advanced functions – which allow everything from intelligent assistants to automatic productivity tools – is accompanied by higher hardware demandsMany computers currently running Windows 11 might not be compatible, especially if you want to take full advantage of AI.
To adapt to different user profiles, Microsoft is studying two levels of technical requirements for Windows 12. The basic version, designed for those who don't need advanced AI, would allow you to continue using computers with similar or slightly higher specs than Windows 11. But the full experience, with built-in AI and Copilot+ offline features, would require more modern components.
Minimum and recommended requirements: what you'll need to make the jump
Following the line of leaks and estimates collected, these would be the expected requirements in both versions:
Minimum requirements (without local AI):
- 64 GHz dual-core 2-bit processor
- 8 GB of RAM
- Storage 64 GB (preferably) SSD)
- chip TPM 2.0 or equivalent (Intel PTT / AMD fTPM)
- DirectX 12 compatible graphics
Recommended requirements (with local AI – Copilot+):
- CPU with NPU of at least 40 TOPs
- Minimum 16GB RAM (24 or 32GB for optimal performance)
- 512GB SSD/UFS capacity
- TPM 2.0 or equivalent
- DirectX 12 compatible GPU
The main difference compared to Windows 11 is in the increased RAM requirement and the need for a processor with a dedicated NPU for those looking to take advantage of local artificial intelligence. In addition, the minimum storage It is also increased to ensure sufficient space for new functions and databases managed by AI.
What happens if your PC doesn't meet the requirements?
As was the case with Windows 11, alternative methods for installing Windows 12 on unofficially supported computers may emerge. However, Microsoft warns of the associated risks: without official support, without security updates and with possible performance issuesInstalling the operating system in these cases is only recommended for advanced and experimental users.
On computers that do not meet the new AI requirements, Advanced features are likely to remain disabledThe system would be limited to running its lightest and most traditional version, thus seeking to ensure that those without access to cutting-edge hardware are not left behind.
CorePC and modularity: customization and efficiency
Behind this approach is the architecture Core PC, a way of organizing Windows based on a common core to which modules can be added based on features or device type. This structure will allow Microsoft to deploy different versions of Windows 12 tailored to both portable basics such as gaming PCs or professional work environments, always optimizing resources based on the chosen configuration.
One of the most notable debates is the Support for artificial intelligence on modern graphics cards with dedicated cores (Tensor Cores), common in models such as the RTX from NVIDIAAlthough Microsoft is currently limiting the use of local AI to CPU NPUs, some experts suggest that opening up to GPUs would truly democratize artificial intelligence, especially benefiting gamers and power users who already have hardware prepared for these workloads.
The final decision will depend on Microsoft's progress and community pressure, but it is clear that the modularity and customization will be two key axes of the future Windows 12.
The outlook for Windows 12 is marked by the combination of cutting-edge technology and adaptation for different usersAs Microsoft refines its strategy, it's confirmed that the company prefers a gradual rollout of improvements and the consolidation of Windows 11 as a stable and functional foundation before launching the next major operating system. This way, those thinking about upgrading their devices will have time to prepare and decide when and how to make the jump to the next generation.
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