2022---windows-12--new-operating-system-already-in-the-works-

: Microsoft may stick with the "Windows 11" branding longer to avoid further fragmenting the user base, given that many PCs still cannot officially run Windows 11 due to hardware requirements. Summary of Key Dates Early 2022 First reports of a three-year release cycle. Late 2022

Concept UI with a floating taskbar accidentally teased at Ignite.

As of late 2023 and early 2024, the narrative shifted slightly: : Microsoft may stick with the "Windows 11"

Major update (24H2) released; speculation continues for a 2025 Windows 12.

While Microsoft has not officially named its next major version "Windows 12," The Origin of the "Windows 12" Rumors (2022) As of late 2023 and early 2024, the

: Early design prototypes shown at Microsoft events sparked rumors of a "floating" taskbar and a search bar located at the top of the screen.

: Building on "Copilot," the OS would likely have AI baked into the kernel for system-level automation and search. The phrase refers to early reports and rumors

The phrase refers to early reports and rumors that surfaced around mid-2022 suggesting Microsoft had shifted its development cycle to a three-year release schedule, effectively putting Windows 12 on the roadmap for a potential 2024 or 2025 release .