If you are searching when will Windows 12 come out, there is one important fact to know first: Microsoft has not officially announced a Windows 12 release date as of September 2026.
There have been years of rumors about Microsoft’s next major Windows release, including speculation about a new operating system, major artificial intelligence features, redesigned interfaces, and new hardware requirements. However, Microsoft has continued developing and supporting Windows 11 rather than officially announcing a product called Windows 12.
That makes the question when will Windows 12 come out more complicated than simply looking for a rumored month or year. There is currently no confirmed launch date from Microsoft.
Microsoft’s official Windows documentation currently lists Windows 11 versions including 25H2 and 26H1, while Microsoft has also published information about Windows 11 version 26H2 for the second half of 2026.
Table of Contents
- When Will Windows 12 Come Out?
- Has Microsoft Announced Windows 12?
- Why Are People Asking When Windows 12 Will Come Out?
- What Is Microsoft Doing With Windows 11?
- Could Windows 12 Come Out in 2026?
- What Features Could Windows 12 Have?
- Will Windows 12 Require New Hardware?
- Will Windows 12 Be Free?
- What Happens to Windows 11?
- Should You Wait for Windows 12?
- How Microsoft Could Change Windows in the Future
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
When Will Windows 12 Come Out?
So, when will Windows 12 come out?
As of September 2026, there is no official Windows 12 release date.
Microsoft has not published an official announcement confirming that Windows 12 will launch in 2026, 2027, or another specific year. Microsoft Q&A discussions from 2026 also note that Microsoft has not officially announced Windows 12 or its release date.
This is important because many websites publish estimated Windows 12 dates based on rumors, leaked information, alleged internal roadmaps, or assumptions about Microsoft’s previous release patterns.
Those reports can be interesting, but they should not be confused with an official release schedule.
For now, the safest answer to when will Windows 12 come out is: Microsoft has not announced a date.
Has Microsoft Announced Windows 12?
No official Windows 12 announcement or release date is currently listed by Microsoft.
Microsoft’s official Windows website continues to promote Windows 11 and its current ecosystem rather than presenting a new operating system called Windows 12.
This also explains why searches for when will Windows 12 come out often produce conflicting answers.
One website might claim that Windows 12 is coming soon, while another might predict a completely different year. Without an official Microsoft announcement, those dates remain speculation.
Microsoft has previously used major Windows version numbers, but its modern development model has also emphasized regular Windows 11 feature and servicing updates.
That means a major collection of new features does not necessarily require Microsoft to release a completely new Windows version number.
Why Are People Asking When Windows 12 Will Come Out?
Interest in when will Windows 12 come out has been driven by several factors.
Windows 11 was released in 2021, and many users expected Microsoft to eventually move to Windows 12 based on the historical pattern of major Windows releases.
There has also been increasing attention around artificial intelligence.
Microsoft has invested heavily in Copilot, Copilot+ PCs, AI-powered Windows experiences, and hardware capable of running AI workloads locally. This has led some users and technology publications to speculate that a future Windows release could be built around AI more deeply.
Another reason is Microsoft’s hardware requirements for Windows 11.
Windows 11 introduced requirements such as TPM 2.0 and supported processor restrictions. This caused some older PCs to become officially unsupported.
As a result, people searching when will Windows 12 come out are also interested in whether the next Windows version will introduce even stricter hardware requirements.
What Is Microsoft Doing With Windows 11?
One of the biggest clues about the current situation is Microsoft’s continued development of Windows 11.
Windows 11 version 25H2 became generally available in September 2025. Microsoft’s release information lists support for Windows 11 25H2 through October 2027 for Home and Pro editions, while Enterprise and Education editions have a longer servicing period.
Microsoft also released Windows 11 version 26H1 in February 2026 for new devices using selected newer silicon.
Microsoft specifically states that Windows 11 26H1 is intended for new devices and is not offered as an in-place update from Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2 on existing PCs.
Microsoft has also published information about Windows 11 version 26H2, which uses the company’s current servicing model and is planned for the second half of 2026.
This current development activity matters when considering when will Windows 12 come out because Microsoft is clearly continuing to invest in Windows 11.
Could Windows 12 Come Out in 2026?
There is currently no official evidence confirming a Windows 12 launch in 2026.
Because Microsoft is continuing to release Windows 11 updates, including version 26H2, claims that Windows 12 is definitely launching in 2026 should be treated as unconfirmed.
The important distinction is between:
- Confirmed Microsoft announcements
- Official Windows documentation
- Industry reporting
- Unverified leaks
- Community speculation
If you see a headline claiming to know exactly when will Windows 12 come out, check whether the article cites an official Microsoft announcement.
If it does not, the date should be treated as an estimate rather than a confirmed release date.
What Features Could Windows 12 Have?
Another major part of the when will Windows 12 come out discussion involves potential features.
Because Microsoft has not officially announced Windows 12, there is no confirmed feature list.
However, several areas of Windows development provide clues about technologies Microsoft is currently investing in.
More AI Features
Artificial intelligence is already an important part of Microsoft’s Windows strategy.
Microsoft has introduced Copilot and Copilot+ PC experiences, while newer Windows devices are increasingly designed around dedicated neural processing capabilities.
A future major Windows release could potentially expand AI features further.
Possible areas could include:
- More advanced local AI processing
- Smarter Windows Search
- AI-assisted settings
- Improved accessibility tools
- More natural voice interaction
- Automated system assistance
- Deeper integration with productivity applications
However, these should be considered potential directions rather than confirmed Windows 12 features.
A More Modern Interface
Windows has received several interface updates over the years.
A future major version could potentially introduce changes to areas such as the Start menu, taskbar, notifications, Settings, File Explorer, and system animations.
But again, there is no official Windows 12 design that Microsoft has confirmed publicly.
Better AI PC Integration
Newer PCs increasingly include dedicated NPUs for local AI processing.
Microsoft’s Windows 11 strategy already includes specific experiences designed around newer AI-capable hardware.
A future Windows generation could potentially make these capabilities even more central to the operating system.
Will Windows 12 Require New Hardware?
This is one of the biggest questions people have when searching when will Windows 12 come out.
At the moment, Microsoft has not published official Windows 12 hardware requirements.
Therefore, claims about specific Windows 12 requirements should not be treated as confirmed.
It is possible that a future Windows release could require newer processors or AI-capable hardware, but there is currently no official specification confirming exactly what would be required.
Windows 11 already established stricter hardware requirements than previous Windows versions, including TPM 2.0 and supported CPUs.
Microsoft’s current Windows 11 hardware ecosystem is also becoming increasingly focused on newer processors and AI-capable PCs.
For example, Windows 11 version 26H1 is specifically associated with new devices and selected new silicon.
That does not prove that Windows 12 will require an NPU or a specific processor generation.
It simply means users should wait for Microsoft’s official requirements before deciding whether a current PC will support a future operating system.
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/release-health/windows11-release-information
Will Windows 12 Be Free?
There is also no official pricing information for Windows 12 because Microsoft has not announced the product.
If Microsoft eventually introduces Windows 12, the upgrade policy could depend on factors such as existing Windows licenses, device eligibility, edition, and Microsoft’s commercial strategy at that time.
Windows 11 upgrades have generally been tied to eligible licensed Windows devices rather than requiring every existing Windows user to purchase a completely separate operating system.
However, it would be premature to assume that Windows 12 would follow exactly the same policy.
Until Microsoft announces the operating system, claims about a free Windows 12 upgrade should be treated as unconfirmed.
What Happens to Windows 11?
If you are wondering when will Windows 12 come out because you are currently using Windows 11, there is no reason to assume your PC will suddenly become unsupported when a future Windows version is announced.
Windows 11 continues to receive security updates and feature updates.
For example, Microsoft’s release information shows that Windows 11 25H2 is a supported release, while Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro reaches the end of support in October 2026.
This means Windows 11 users should pay attention to the version installed on their PC rather than simply waiting for a rumored Windows 12 launch.
If your computer is running an older Windows 11 release, updating to a supported version may be more relevant than waiting for an operating system that Microsoft has not announced.
Should You Wait for Windows 12?
The answer depends on what you need from your computer.
If your current PC works properly and receives supported Windows 11 updates, there is no official Windows 12 release date that you need to wait for.
If you are buying a new computer, it makes more sense to evaluate the hardware based on current Windows 11 requirements and the tasks you actually perform.
For gaming, productivity, creative work, programming, or AI workloads, processor performance, RAM, storage, GPU capability, display quality, and battery life can matter more than trying to predict a future operating system release.
If Microsoft eventually announces Windows 12, official hardware requirements can then be compared with your existing PC.
How Microsoft Could Change Windows in the Future
The question when will Windows 12 come out assumes that Microsoft’s next major change will necessarily use the Windows 12 name.
That is not guaranteed.
Microsoft could continue evolving Windows 11 through feature updates rather than introducing a new version number.
The company’s current Windows servicing approach demonstrates how substantial changes can be delivered without necessarily replacing the entire operating system.
Windows 11 26H2, for example, is being delivered using an enablement-package approach for supported devices already running recent Windows 11 releases. Microsoft describes this as part of its familiar annual servicing model.
This means the future could involve either a new Windows version or continued evolution of Windows 11.
Only Microsoft can confirm which approach it will ultimately take.
Windows 12 vs Windows 11
| Feature | Windows 11 | Windows 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Officially announced | Yes | No |
| Current support | Yes | Not applicable |
| Official release date | Existing releases available | Not announced |
| Hardware requirements | Published | Not published |
| AI features | Available in supported experiences | Unknown |
| Passkeys/security features | Supported | Unknown |
| Future updates | Ongoing | Unknown |
| Upgrade price | Depends on license/device | Unknown |
The comparison shows why the question when will Windows 12 come out cannot currently be answered with a confirmed date.
Windows 11 is a real, supported Microsoft product with published release information. Windows 12 remains an unannounced product name.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Windows 12 come out?
Microsoft has not officially announced when Windows 12 will come out. As of September 2026, there is no confirmed public release date for Windows 12.
Is Windows 12 coming in 2026?
There is no official Microsoft announcement confirming a Windows 12 launch in 2026. Microsoft is currently continuing development and servicing of Windows 11, including version 26H2.
When will Windows 12 come out according to Microsoft?
Microsoft has not provided an official Windows 12 release date. Current Microsoft documentation continues to focus on Windows 11 releases and servicing.
Will Windows 12 replace Windows 11?
If Microsoft eventually releases an operating system called Windows 12, it could eventually succeed Windows 11, but Microsoft has not announced such a transition.
Will Windows 12 be free for Windows 11 users?
There is no official Windows 12 upgrade pricing or eligibility policy because Microsoft has not announced Windows 12.
What will Windows 12 requirements be?
Microsoft has not published official Windows 12 system requirements. Any specific CPU, RAM, TPM, NPU, or storage requirements currently circulating online should be treated as unconfirmed unless Microsoft officially publishes them.
Should I buy a PC now or wait for Windows 12?
If you need a PC now, evaluate currently available hardware based on your workload and Windows 11 compatibility rather than an unconfirmed Windows 12 release date. If you do not need a new computer immediately, waiting can always provide access to newer hardware, but there is no confirmed Windows 12 date to plan around.
Conclusion
So, when will Windows 12 come out?
As of September 2026, Microsoft has not officially announced a Windows 12 release date. There is also no official confirmation of Windows 12 hardware requirements, pricing, or a final feature list.
What Microsoft has confirmed is continued development of Windows 11. Windows 11 25H2 remains a supported release, Windows 11 26H1 was introduced for selected new devices, and Microsoft has published information about Windows 11 26H2 for the second half of 2026.
That makes it important to separate confirmed information from online speculation.
If you are searching when will Windows 12 come out, the most accurate answer right now is that there is no official date.
When Microsoft eventually announces a new Windows version, the most useful things to check will be its official release date, supported processors, hardware requirements, upgrade eligibility, major features, and support lifecycle.
Until then, Windows 11 remains Microsoft’s current mainstream Windows platform, and users should base upgrade decisions on the supported versions and hardware available today rather than an unconfirmed Windows 12 schedule.
