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 .
: 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 The phrase refers to early reports and rumors
While Microsoft has not officially named its next major version "Windows 12," The Origin of the "Windows 12" Rumors (2022) Late 2022 While Microsoft has not officially named
: Rumors emerged about a project called "CorePC," a modular version of Windows designed to be faster, more secure, and better equipped to compete with ChromeOS. Expected Features (Based on 2022–2024 Leaks) : Instead of waiting years for new features,
: Instead of a "Windows 12" launch in 2024, Microsoft focused on the Windows 11 2024 Update (24H2) . This version includes many of the "AI PC" features originally rumored for Windows 12.
: Instead of waiting years for new features, Microsoft introduced "Moments"—smaller, more frequent feature drops for Windows 11.