Microsoft hosted an event last year called Ignite Keynote 2022. While the event primarily focused on Microsoft 365, an intriguing revelation occurred inadvertently. During the opening speech, a screenshot was shared via the Microsoft Teams app. However, this screenshot depicted an OS that didn’t correspond to any existing OS in the market. So, this screenshot wasn’t from Windows 11 or Windows 10. What could this OS be? Did they mistakenly show Windows 12? Today, let’s take a closer look at this OS, which we believe might be Windows 12.
How Will Windows 12 Be? This is the screenshot mistakenly shown in the event, albeit blurry due to decreased image quality. The image is reconstructed to represent the blurred state, providing us a glimpse of the operating system. Upon closer inspection, the first noticeable aspect is the taskbar below.
A floating taskbar is evident, implying it isn’t constrained to the bottom of the screen. Microsoft seems to be moving away from the fixed taskbar seen in Windows 11, 10, and previous versions. Besides the taskbar, significant changes are seen at the top. Similar to smartphones, a notification section on the top right displays the time, date, and battery level.
The weather is situated on the top left. Though our resources to review Windows 12 iso are limited, it appears to bear a resemblance to the MacOS interface. Windows seems to be adopting a more MacOS-like appearance. Some may like or dislike it, but there’s an observable increase in button size and the edges become more oval. We’re moving toward softer window frames rather than the sharp ones found in Windows 10. Windows seems to be aiming for a more touchscreen-oriented user interface, albeit gradually. However, considering that the majority of Windows users utilize a mouse and keyboard, a sudden shift to a touchscreen interface isn’t feasible.
This new design seems to facilitate a transition to a touchscreen interface without feeling too unfamiliar. Why do we need this transition rather than simply using the touchscreen interface? Allow me to explain: Microsoft attempted a rapid transition before, which failed—recall Windows 8. With Windows 8, Microsoft introduced a revamped start menu with touch elements, resulting in a disaster. Every Windows version after Windows 95 had a similar start menu, and users couldn’t adapt to the new start menu with giant buttons in Windows 8. Most people reverted from Windows 8 to Windows 7, showing the vast disparity in success between the two. Microsoft rectified these issues, developing Windows 8.1, released a year after Windows 8. This illustrates how seemingly small innovations can cause significant problems, and Microsoft seems to be learning from this mistake. This supposed Windows 12 image, potentially shown in error, might also serve as a means for Microsoft to gauge public opinion about the new operating system. Microsoft might be trying to understand people’s opinions with this image. As mentioned, Windows appears to resemble MacOS.
Since it’s becoming more like MacOS, there are some desirable MacOS features that users, including myself, would like to see integrated into Windows. One such feature is ‘live screensaver wallpapers.’ While these live wallpapers are available in MacOS, applying them to Windows requires third-party programs, raising trust issues. Windows Vista’s highest version, Ultimate, released in 2007, had this feature known as ‘Dreamscene.’ However, this feature was removed in Windows 7 due to resource consumption and increased workload issues. However, considering the advancements in processors, RAM, and graphic cards over the past 16 years, reintroducing this feature in Windows 12 seems feasible. Another feature that should accompany Windows 12 is Desktop Widgets. These widgets existed in Windows 7 but were removed in Windows 8. However, the recent widgets in macOS Sonoma, similar to those on iPhones, offer enhanced functionality compared to Windows 7. Reports suggest that Microsoft is already working on incorporating similar widgets seen in Windows 7 back into Windows 12. These widgets are expected to be pinned to the desktop, enhancing the modern look of Windows 12.
Another feature that should be in Windows 12 is resolving a persistent issue – Windows settings complexity. For example, the Control Panel remains separate, adding to the complexity. It should be integrated into the existing settings window rather than remaining a separate entity, simplifying the interface for new computer users. Of course, it doesn’t mean that all these features and details will debut with Windows 12. Moreover, we’re not even certain whether the name will be Windows 12. This is merely an assumption based on previous version numbering. This presentation is a prototype, and the design could change significantly in the coming months and years. Similar speculations occurred before the launch of Windows 8, claiming that Windows 8 was leaked and would be a certain way. None of those claims came true. While the source here is directly linked to Microsoft, the final product might diverge significantly. So, when will Windows 12 be released? According to online information, not confirmed, Windows 12 is anticipated to be released in 2024 or 2025 under the name ‘Next Valley.’
Given historical release patterns, 2024 seems more plausible. Recall Windows 7 in 2009, Windows 8 in 2012, and Windows 10 in 2015—each approximately three years apart. Windows 11’s release in 2021 indicates a potential return to this earlier cadence, suggesting a 2024 launch for Windows 12. However, these projections remain speculative, awaiting concrete information. While Windows 12 presents intriguing features like the floating taskbar and other developments, we need to wait for exact information.
