Copilot as the "Brain" and No Unnecessary Fluff: What Microsoft Has in Store with Windows 12

According to PCWorld, citing industry sources, the release of Windows 12 could happen as early as 2026. The article mentions its internal codename, Hudson Valley Next. If leaks are to be believed, the new OS version won't be just another update but an attempt to fundamentally rethink the system's architecture. The key feature is the modular CorePC structure, where core components become isolated, making it easy to tailor Windows for any device. Whether it's a foldable tablet, a thin ultrabook, or a powerful gaming rig, the OS would be able to load only the necessary modules as needed.

Based on the available information, the built-in Copilot assistant will cease to be just a button on the taskbar and will become the foundation of the entire system. Insiders claim that to get the full Windows 12 experience, a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) with a performance of at least 40 TOPS will be required. If this is confirmed, many older PCs, even those that run Windows 11 perfectly well, won't be able to access the full functionality of the new system.

As for visual changes, expect a redesigned interface optimized for both traditional mouse control and touch input. The system is said to become visually lighter, with a stronger focus on search and cloud service integration. Gamers will likely see further advancements in technologies like DirectStorage for instant game loading and potential AI integration for auto-tuning graphics. On the security front, the emphasis is on process isolation and cloud-based protection.

References to a "subscription status" have been found in the code of preview builds. This is fueling speculation that the base version of Windows 12 might remain a one-time purchase, while more demanding cloud features and advanced AI capabilities could shift to a monthly subscription model (similar to the enterprise-focused Windows 365).

Microsoft hasn't made any official announcement yet, so the exact dates, pricing, and even the final name (whether it will be Windows 12 or something like Windows 11 2026 Edition) are still under wraps.

Are you ready to upgrade your computer for a new operating system if it turns out that Windows 12 won't run properly without a powerful neural processor?