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Windows 12: everything we know about Microsoft’s next operating system. Expected release date, rumoured features, system requirements and how to prepare for the upgrade. We will have your Windows 12 licence ready with instant delivery as soon as Microsoft launches the final version. In the meantime, Windows 11 Pro is the smartest buy to keep your device protected and secure the free upgrade to Windows 12 when it becomes available.
Expected launch: late 2026 or 2027 Instant delivery at launch Lifetime guarantee
Recommendation: Don’t wait for Windows 12. Buy Windows 11 Pro at 40% off now and upgrade for free when Windows 12 launches. Also available in a bundle with Office 2024 at 30% off.
Page updated February 2026 · Registered European company · Select your currency: GBP, KES, NGN, IDR, MYR, USD and more.
Important (February 2026): Microsoft has not officially announced Windows 12 yet. This page compiles all available information based on reliable sources, Windows Insider programme leaks and industry analysis. We will update the content as official news emerges. In the meantime, Windows 11 Pro is the recommended purchase to keep your device up to date and ready.
Windows 12: release date
As of February 2026, Microsoft has not officially confirmed either the name or the release date of Windows 12. The company has focused on evolving Windows 11 through major updates such as 24H2 and 25H2, integrating artificial intelligence features, Copilot and optimisations for new NPU-equipped processors.
According to leading industry analysts, the most likely launch window is late 2026 or early 2027. This estimate is based on Microsoft’s usual cycle (Windows 10 in 2015, Windows 11 in 2021) and on evidence found in Windows Insider programme builds (Canary and Dev channels), where interface elements and architectural features associated with the codename “Hudson Valley” have been detected.
| Milestone | Estimated date | Status (Feb. 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Official Microsoft announcement | Pending | Not announced |
| Test builds (Insider Preview) | First half of 2026 | Indicators in Canary/Dev channel |
| Public launch | Late 2026 – early 2027 | Analyst estimate |
| Windows 10 end of support | 14 October 2025 | Support ended |
| Windows 11 24H2 (end of support) | October 2026 | Active, fully supported |
Expected Windows 12 features
Based on Windows Insider programme leaks, registered Microsoft patents and industry analysis, these are the main features expected in Windows 12:
| Feature | What it means | Likelihood |
|---|---|---|
| System-wide AI integration | Copilot will move from a sidebar assistant to the core of the OS: contextual suggestions, task automation, intelligent search and content generation directly from the desktop | Very likely |
| Mandatory NPU for advanced features | The most powerful AI functions (real-time translation, semantic indexing, Recall) will require a processor with an NPU delivering at least 40 TOPS. Basic system functions will still work without an NPU | Very likely |
| Redesigned interface with floating taskbar | Complete visual redesign with a floating taskbar, redesigned widgets separate from the taskbar, and interactive animated wallpapers. Evolved Fluent design language | Likely |
| Modular architecture (CorePC) | New modular kernel design allowing faster updates, better security through component isolation and less bloatware. Similar to the macOS model | Likely |
| True ARM – x86 parity | Improved emulation so ARM processors (Qualcomm Snapdragon X) run x86 applications with near-native performance. Ending the compatibility limitations of Windows 11 on ARM | Likely |
| Local and offline AI | Many AI functions will work without an internet connection, using the local NPU instead of the cloud. Greater privacy and lower latency | Very likely |
Expected system requirements for Windows 12
Microsoft has not published official requirements. Based on Windows 11 trends and Copilot+ PC specifications, here is what industry analysts expect:
| Component | Windows 11 (current) | Windows 12 (estimated) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | 1 GHz, 2 cores, 64-bit | 1 GHz, 2+ cores, 64-bit (Intel 8th gen / AMD Ryzen 3000+) |
| RAM | 4 GB minimum | 8 GB minimum (16 GB recommended for AI features) |
| Storage | 64 GB | 64 GB (SSD possibly mandatory) |
| TPM | TPM 2.0 | TPM 2.0 |
| NPU | Not required | 40+ TOPS for advanced Copilot+ features (not for basic functions) |
| UEFI / Secure Boot | Required | Required |
Important note: These requirements are estimates based on industry trends, not official specifications. If your device runs Windows 11 smoothly, it will very likely run Windows 12 in its basic version. Advanced AI features may require newer hardware with an NPU.
Windows 12 vs. Windows 11: comparison
| Aspect | Windows 11 | Windows 12 (estimated) |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial intelligence | Copilot as sidebar panel, basic AI features | AI integrated across the entire system, Copilot as OS core, local AI without cloud |
| Interface | Centred taskbar, Fluent design, sidebar widgets | Floating taskbar, independent widgets, interactive animated wallpapers |
| Architecture | Traditional NT kernel, periodic updates | Modular CorePC, faster and lighter updates |
| ARM support | Limited emulation, some incompatible apps | Full ARM-x86 parity, improved emulation |
| Minimum RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB (16 GB recommended) |
| Availability | Available now | Not yet available |
| Free upgrade | — | Very likely for Windows 11 users |
What to buy now — don’t wait for Windows 12
The unanimous recommendation from industry experts is clear: do not wait for Windows 12 to update your device. Windows 11 continues to receive major updates, has Microsoft support until at least 2031, and when Windows 12 launches, licensed Windows 11 users should receive the upgrade for free (as happened from Windows 10 to Windows 11). If you are still on Windows 10, your system has not received security updates since October 2025.
| Recommended product | Why buy now | Discount | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows 11 Pro | Best value. Includes BitLocker, Remote Desktop, Hyper-V. Ready to upgrade free to Windows 12 | -40% | See price |
| Windows 11 Pro + Office 2024 Pro Plus | Operating system + full office suite in one payment. Our best seller | -30% vs individual | See price |
| Windows 12 Pro | Pre-order available. Original Product Key ready for activation when Microsoft releases the final version | Discounted | See price |
| Windows 12 Home | Pre-order available. Basic edition for home use | Discounted | See price |
| Windows 11 Enterprise 2024 LTSC | For businesses needing maximum stability. 10 years of support until 2034, no bloatware | Discounted | See price |
As soon as Microsoft launches Windows 12, we will have your licence ready with instant delivery. If you already have Windows 11 Pro, the upgrade to Windows 12 will most likely be free through Windows Update, just as the Windows 10 to Windows 11 transition was. In the meantime, don’t leave your device without an up-to-date operating system: buy Windows 11 Pro at a discount now.
How to prepare your device for Windows 12
Although Windows 12 does not have a confirmed release date, you can prepare your device now to ensure a smooth transition when it becomes available:
| Step | Action | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Upgrade to Windows 11 Pro if you are still on Windows 10 | Windows 10 no longer receives security updates. The Windows 12 upgrade will likely only be available from Windows 11 |
| 2 | Verify that TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot are enabled in BIOS | These will be definite Windows 12 requirements, as they already are for Windows 11 |
| 3 | If buying a new device, choose one with at least 16 GB RAM and an NPU-equipped processor | Ensures full compatibility with Windows 12’s advanced AI features |
| 4 | Keep Windows 11 updated to the latest version (25H2 or later) | The latest Windows 11 versions already include AI advances that will serve as the foundation for Windows 12 |
Windows 12 for businesses and resellers
IT departments and system administrators: there is no urgency to wait for Windows 12. Windows 11 has support until at least 2031 and the Enterprise LTSC 2024 edition has support until 2034. Equip your workstations now with Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise LTSC at up to 40% off. When Windows 12 becomes available, the transition will be gradual and controlled by your IT department.
Are you an IT company, computer shop or reseller? Our reseller programme offers up to 20% off Windows licences and 30% off Windows Server, SQL Server and RDS. When Windows 12 launches, resellers will have priority access to the new licences. Apply to the reseller programme
Frequently asked questions about Windows 12
When is Windows 12 coming out?
Microsoft has not announced an official date. As of February 2026, industry analysts estimate that Windows 12 could launch in late 2026 or early 2027. Microsoft has been adding many of the features expected from Windows 12 (Copilot, AI, NPU optimisations) directly to Windows 11 through the 24H2 and 25H2 updates, which could delay or change the format of the launch.
Will the Windows 12 upgrade be free?
Very likely. Microsoft offered a free upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 for compatible devices, and the same model is expected. If you have a valid Windows 11 Pro licence, you should be able to upgrade to Windows 12 Pro at no additional cost when it becomes available.
Will my current device be compatible with Windows 12?
If your device runs Windows 11 smoothly, it will very likely run Windows 12 in its basic functions. However, advanced AI features (real-time translation, Recall, local content generation) may require a processor with an NPU delivering at least 40 TOPS and 16 GB of RAM. If you are buying a new device, look for Intel Core Ultra, AMD Ryzen AI or Qualcomm Snapdragon X processors.
What if I am still on Windows 10?
Windows 10 stopped receiving security updates in October 2025. Your device works but is vulnerable to security threats. The recommendation is to upgrade now to Windows 11 Pro to stay protected and ready for the future free upgrade to Windows 12.
What is an NPU and why does it matter for Windows 12?
An NPU (Neural Processing Unit) is a chip specialised in running artificial intelligence tasks efficiently. Unlike the CPU (which handles everything) or the GPU (optimised for graphics), the NPU is designed specifically for AI models. Windows 12 will need it for features like real-time translation, semantic file search, contextual suggestions and offline content generation. Intel Core Ultra, AMD Ryzen AI and Qualcomm Snapdragon X processors already include NPUs.
Will Windows 12 be genuinely different from Windows 11 or just an update?
According to leaks, Windows 12 would represent a significant architectural shift from Windows 11. A new modular architecture called CorePC is expected to replace the traditional NT kernel, enabling faster updates and a cleaner system. However, Microsoft may also opt for a continuous update model (similar to macOS) rather than a single launch event. In either scenario, the role of licences remains the same.
Can I buy Windows 12 from La Tienda de las Licencias?
Yes. As soon as Microsoft launches the final version of Windows 12, we will have licences available with an original Product Key, instant email delivery, one-time payment with no subscription, lifetime guarantee and a discount on the official price. We also have Windows 12 Pro and Windows 12 Home available for pre-order. Delivery to the United Kingdom, Kenya, Nigeria, Indonesia, Malaysia and worldwide.
How much will Windows 12 cost?
Microsoft has not announced pricing. Based on history, the official retail price for Windows 12 Pro will likely fall between £220 and £340, similar to Windows 11 Pro. At La Tienda de las Licencias, when available, we will offer it at a significant discount on that official price, as we do with all our licences.
Should I wait for Windows 12 or buy Windows 11 now?
Don’t wait. Windows 12 has no confirmed release date and may not arrive until 2027. Meanwhile, Windows 11 Pro is a complete, secure operating system with support until at least 2031. If you buy Windows 11 Pro now at 40% off, your device will be protected and up to date, and when Windows 12 launches, the upgrade should be free.
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