What You Need to Know
Recently, a concept designer unveiled a video offering an exciting glimpse into what Microsoft’s Windows 12 operating system might bring when it eventually launches. This next-generation OS is set to feature a fresh design and a streamlined user experience, highlighted by a centered taskbar and Start menu. The talk of the town, “Windows 12,” is also expected to introduce Windows AI, accommodating both text and image inputs to enhance user interactions.
It’s been over three years since Microsoft rolled out Windows 11. But despite the sunset date for Windows 10 approaching—October 14, 2025—the tech giant has yet to see a significant shift in its user base towards Windows 11. Microsoft has tried various strategies to boost adoption, from intrusive full-screen popup ads to promoting Windows 11 as a central hub for the latest celebrity gossip, stock updates, and weather forecasts.
Microsoft has kept a lid on any official announcements regarding the successor to Windows 11, possibly dubbed Windows 12. However, some information has trickled out. Senior Editor Zac Bowden compiled a comprehensive report covering all known details about what could be coming with Windows 12.
Related: There’s an illustration of Windows 12.1 out there featuring a minimalist Start menu—a dream feature many of us have hoped to see in Windows 11.
Adding to the intrigue, a designer known as Nepnus crafted a brief video envisioning how Windows 12 might look (via Beta News). The video showcases several familiar elements from Windows 11, but they come with a refreshed design language and a more polished user experience, including a taskbar in the center with rounded corners for a modern touch.
Nepnus’s design maintains Microsoft’s commitment to integrating AI within the Windows experience. The brief demonstration reveals ‘Windows AI,’ equipped with text and image support for a more interactive user journey. Nepnus could be onto something groundbreaking here.
Late last year, references to “Windows Intelligence” emerged in the developer builds of Windows 11. This hints that Microsoft may plan to rebrand its AI-driven features—like Windows Recall, Live Captions, and Windows Studio Effects—under this new banner.
The video also introduces a compact, floating bar for Start and Search positioned at the top. The redesigned Start menu appears more accessible and less cluttered. While the video didn’t confirm whether customization would be available for the Start menu, such a feature would undoubtedly be a welcome addition. Additionally, the concept showcases floating widgets and an update to the Settings app, streamlining modifications and navigation for users.
Although the concept video is brief, it tackles some major issues users have encountered with previous versions of Windows. It’s becoming clear that generative AI will continue to play a significant role in Microsoft’s operating system strategy.
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