Windows 11 was released on October 5, 2021, more than six years after Windows 10 made its debut. And while Microsoft just released the first major update to the operating system (Windows 11 version 22H2), we’ve heard that Windows 12 could be next.
It seems that Microsoft it’s going to forego big annual updates and instead release a big new version of Windows every three years, similar to what used to happen before Windows 10.
Microsoft has not officially announced a new version of Windows. In fact, you have downplayed the reports we have heard about Windows 12. Officially, the company has committed to yearly updates and smaller feature updates for Windows 11.
Still, it’s never too early to start looking to the future, and there’s a good chance we’ll see a sequel to Windows 11 at some point in the future. Let’s take a closer look at what we expect for now.
When will Windows 12 be released?
The next major version of Windows will reportedly be released sometime in 2024, roughly three years after Windows 11 debuted. That’s all we know at the moment and it may be some time before we have more information.
If past releases are any indication, Windows 12 should arrive in the fall, or at least in the second half of the year. Microsoft has denied reports that it is working on Windows 12, but considering that its launch is still some time away, the company could simply be holding its cards.
Will Windows 12 be a free upgrade?
One of the big questions you’re probably asking yourself is whether you’ll have to pay to upgrade to Windows 12 when (and if) it’s released, but luckily, that’s unlikely.
Microsoft has been offering major Windows updates for free to existing users for several years, and it stands to reason that it continues to be so. Of course, Windows 12 will not be free and whoever does not have a Windows license will have to buy it.
Will they force me to upgrade?
The most likely answer is no. Microsoft has significantly eased its pressure to force users to install new versions of Windows.
Windows 11 is still an optional upgrade for Windows 10 users, and this approach will most likely continue in future versions.
Can my PC run Windows 12?
After Windows 11 significantly increased the minimum system requirements compared to Windows 10, this is another great question to ponder.
Will Windows 12 leave older computers behind again? It’s too early to tell, but there’s certainly a chance that some PCs won’t be compatible for one reason or another.
Windows 11 currently requires processors released after 2018, and while we don’t currently see a reason for the next version of Windows to require more than that, it’s possible that it will happen. Let’s hope Windows 12 lives up to it.
