Microsoft is already working on the next generation of Windows, named Windows 12, codenamed “Next Valley.” The company claims it will be a fusion of a local operating system and a cloud-based one, incorporating many AI-enhanced experiences. According to the currently available information, Windows 12 could be unveiled to the public in the second half of next year, approximately three years after the introduction of Windows 11.
Little is known about the new OS at this time, but occasional pieces of information surface suggesting that the project is well underway. One such piece of information recently emerged in the media, originating from the German portal Deskmodder, which delved into the development builds of Windows and discovered some indications of hardware requirements that the new Microsoft OS will impose on users.
According to Deskmodder findings, the requirement for a security chip with TPM 2.0 support is expected to remain in Windows 12, and also the processor-related requirements should not change. However, it is likely that the amount of required RAM will increase. Instead of 4 GB which is the minimum requirement for Windows 11 operating system, Windows 12 might demand a minimum of 8 GB of RAM.
Furthermore, the same portal revealed a concept for the desktop environment that Windows 12 (or an upcoming upgrade of Windows 11) could potentially adopt. It showcases a “floating” taskbar resembling the familiar “dock” from macOS, as well as a search field located on the desktop at the top of the screen. It is important to note that none of these elements are official as this is an early stage of development, and there is no guarantee that they will appear in the final version.