Windows 12 may debut in 2026, as millions of PCs approach a support deadline.
With Windows 10 extended security update ending in October 2026, millions of users will face a forced decision: upgrade or risk using an unsupported, insecure device. Although Microsoft has not yet announced a successor to the remaining fully supported OS — Windows 11, reports from several sources cite internal leaks suggesting Microsoft has begun work on Windows 12.
Reportedly codenamed “Hudson Valley Next,” internal leaks cited by PCWorld reveal that AI will play a central role in shaping its architecture. The speculation is driven not only by the Windows upgrade timeline and recent internal leaks, but also by the current trend among Original Equipment Manufacturers to build new PCs specifically designed to run efficient AI tasks.
What’s most likely to be seen on Windows 12
ZDNet suggests the new Windows version will finally resolve several known weaknesses of the current operating system. Regardless of final confirmation, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have clearly embraced the shift: they are now building more stable, AI-efficient PCs that directly align with the specifications Microsoft is expected to favor.
Below are some of the rumored features for Windows 12:
Copilot takes center stage
Copilot has remained largely underused by Windows users since it replaced Cortana. Now, Microsoft is making the AI assistant indispensable.
PCWorld reports that with the expected Windows 12, Copilot will become mandatory for every AI function, powered by the required NPUs. The integration, alongside Microsoft’s ongoing updates to give Copilot more agentic capabilities, will enable the AI to manage the device in unprecedented ways.
PCMag suggests that a deep machine-learning integration could enable Copilot to anticipate users’ next actions.
A new upgrade benchmark and local AI powered with NPUs
For Windows 11, the defining benchmark was the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0; for Windows 12, the threshold is up. Eligible PCs are expected to have an NPU with a minimum TOPS speed of 40.
The new specification is among the most consistent findings reported by various sources. Consequently, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are already releasing more NPU-enabled devices. These NPUs grant Windows 12 devices local AI processing capabilities while simultaneously optimizing for power usage.
Isolated architecture, with improved security, as usual
NPU-equipped devices enable local AI processing, significantly boosting Windows 12’s privacy by shifting tasks from the cloud to on-device processing. PCWorld also indicates that with Windows 12, devices will get a more isolated system, significantly increasing their fault tolerance. Additionally, Microsoft will implement enterprise-style zero-trust policies, ultimately enhancing user security across the OS.
The road ahead
Other speculation ranges from minor tweaks, such as an AI-enhanced gaming experience, to a broader redesign of the Windows experience. For example, PCMag notes a rumor that Windows 12, especially the Pro versions, could become subscription-based, with an option for a free version with Ads.
There have also been uncertainties with pricing and rollout. If AI hardware becomes a non-negotiable requirement, millions of users may be stuck on Windows 11. That means, they’d have to purchase newer PCs with built-in AI hardware at higher prices.
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