Windows 12: why it's worth the wait

Windows 12 It is the next major update for the operating system of Microsoft and promises to bring some interesting new features and improvements. But when will it be released and what can we expect from it? Here are some reasons why Windows 12 is worth waiting for.

First of all, Windows 12 will introduce a new design language called Fluent Design, which will make the user interface more modern, elegant, and consistent across devices. Fluent Design will also add more animations, transparency and depth effects, as well as responsive layouts that adjust to different screen sizes and orientations. Windows 12 will also support dark mode and light mode, as well as a new color picker that lets you customize your system's accent color.

Secondly, Windows 12 will improve the performance and security of your PC. Windows 12 will use a new file system called ReFS, which stands for Resilient File System. ReFS is more reliable, resilient and efficient than the current NTFS file system, and can handle large volumes of data and prevent data corruption. Windows 12 will also include a new feature called Windows Sandbox, which will allow you to run untrusted applications in an isolated environment without affecting your main system.

Third, Windows 12 will offer more productivity and creativity tools to users. Windows 12 will be integrated with Microsoft 365, the cloud-based suite of office applications and services. You will be able to access your files, emails, calendars and contacts from any device, as well as collaborate with others in real time. Windows 12 will also support Windows Ink, allowing you to use a stylus or your finger to write, draw, and annotate on the screen. Windows 12 will also have a new app called Paint 3D, which will allow you to create and edit 3D models and scenes.

Finally, Windows 12 will improve the gaming experience for PC gamers. Windows 12 will support DirectX 12 Ultimate, the latest version of the graphics API that powers most games on Windows. DirectX 12 Ultimate will offer better graphics quality, performance and gaming support, as well as supporting new features such as ray tracing, variable rate shading and mesh shaders. Windows 12 will also have a new Xbox app that will allow you to access your Xbox game library, achievements, and friends list from your PC.

These are just some of the reasons why Windows 12 is worth waiting for. Of course, there are many more features and improvements that we don't know about yet, but we can expect Microsoft to reveal more details in the coming months. Windows 12 is expected to launch in late 2024 or early 2025, so we still have some time to prepare. But until then, we can look forward to Microsoft's next big thing.

Windows 10 was once touted as "the final version of Windows." However, this claim was proven false with the release of Windows 11, which went from speculation to official announcement in a matter of weeks. The cancellation of Windows 10X influenced Microsoft's decision, but the company had evidently been developing a new operating system for some time.

You may also find this article useful: How to install Windows 11 on old PCs and laptops

It now appears that the company is adopting a three-year cycle for major Windows releases, which would imply that Windows 12 will be introduced next year. Although Microsoft has not confirmed anything, there are many rumors. Here's what we know so far about this.

Is Windows 12 coming?

It seems. There was a six-year gap between the release of Windows 10 and Windows 11, but the latter is unlikely to be the last major Windows release.

A Windows Central report from July 2022 suggested that a successor to Windows 11 was in development, although it's unclear if it will be called Windows 12. A report from March 2023 listed some of the improvements you can expect. Both reports cite information from writer Zac Bowden, who is often accurate about Windows news.

In February 2023, VideoCardz.com reported on a now-deleted tweet from leaker @leaf_hobby that mentioned Windows 12 as one of the operating systems supported by an upcoming Intel Meteor Lake desktop CPU.

Shortly after, Yusuf Mehdi (Microsoft's director of consumer marketing) referred to "the development of future versions of Windows" in an interview with The Verge about AI features. That could mean a future update, but a major new version would make more sense.

Microsoft has announced a new addition to its Windows Insider program: Canary Channel. This is a fourth channel that will run alongside the existing Dev, Beta, and Release Preview channels. Canary Channel is designed for the most adventurous and curious Windows enthusiasts who want to glimpse the future of Windows.

Canary Channel will offer more experimental and cutting-edge versions than Dev Channel, which is already considered unstable and risky. Microsoft explains that the Canary Channel will be used to test more time-consuming platform changes before they are ready for general availability. This means that Canary Channel features and updates may not be released for months or even years, if ever.

An interesting detail is that Microsoft does not mention Windows 11 in its Canary Channel announcement. This could mean that the Canary Channel is reserved for testing certain aspects of Windows 12, the next major version of Windows rumored to be in development. Alternatively, it could mean that Microsoft plans to phase out the Windows 11 brand and move to a more continuous, incremental update model for Windows.

Either way, the Canary Islands Canal is not for the faint of heart. It is likely to have many bugs, crashes, compatibility issues, and performance issues. It may also require frequent clean installs or rollbacks to previous builds. Microsoft warns that users should not install Canary Channel on their primary devices or devices they rely on for work or school. Only users who are comfortable troubleshooting and restoring their devices should join the Canary Channel.

If you're interested in joining the Canary Channel, you'll need to sign up for the Windows Insider Program and select the Canary Channel option in the Settings app. You will also need to accept the terms and conditions and provide feedback to Microsoft. Canary Channel builds will be delivered via Windows Update, just like the other channels.

Canary Channel is an exciting opportunity for Windows fans who want to see what Microsoft is working on behind the scenes. It's also a valuable way for Microsoft to gather feedback and data from a small group of users who are willing to try Windows' more experimental features. However, it is also a risky and potentially frustrating experience that can lead to headaches and data loss. Therefore, only users who are fully aware of the risks and challenges should join the Canario Channel.