Skip to main content

This Windows 12 concept makes me excited for a full redesign

As Microsoft users anticipate Windows 12, an enthusiast has drafted up ideas of a dream concept for the upcoming operating system — and I have to admit, it gets me excited for the possibilities.

Meet Windows 12 (Concept)

YouTuber Addy Visuals recently shared a concept video showcasing what Windows 12 could look like with some features that many users might prefer to see on the operating system. The concept video shows Windows 12 with a new dock-like taskbar similar to macOS, with separate sections for widgets, pins, and quick settings, according to Neowin.net.

Recommended Videos

The video goes on to detail a Windows 12 system that allows you to switch between default, joined, classic, or compact views, giving you several options for UI styles. For functionality, the design proposes how you can create folders on the taskbar, as well as an easier way to collect and organize apps into folders and groups within File Explorer.

A concept design of Windows 12.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

File Explorer itself is completely redesigned, with a more open layout and a temporary Drop Zone for files and folders that haven’t found their final home on your desktop.

Please enable Javascript to view this content

In contrast, some of the current rumors circulating about Windows 12 suggest that it might be developed to be more modular and customizable. The operating system, code-named, “Next Valley,” already has a number of prospective system requirements in place that PCs will need for compatibility, including 8GB of RAM.

TechRadar notes that seeing the possibility of what Windows 12 could be through concepts is challenging because it can lead to disappointment when the features don’t come to fruition on the final release. Details suggest Microsoft has been working on the software since February 2022 and that a final version might roll out to the general public in the second half of 2024.

Twitter leaker XenoPanther suggests that Microsoft might soon begin testing the operating system on its Canary channel, the publication added. So, while Windows 12 likely won’t resemble this concept, it may not be long until we see what Microsoft has been working on.

Fionna Agomuoh
Fionna Agomuoh is a Computing Writer at Digital Trends. She covers a range of topics in the computing space, including…
Windows 12 could repeat Windows 11’s big mistake
surface laptop studio 2 review 07

The first details about Windows 12 are starting to take shape, and the rumored OS could repeat the biggest mistake of Windows 11. As we've heard previously, the new OS will likely have a big focus on AI features. Now, we're hearing that many of those features will require a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU), as reported by Windows Central.

It's hard to forget the fumble Microsoft made with Windows 11 and its requirement of a Trusted Platform Module (TPM). This security chip isn't included, at least in hardware, on the majority of off-the-shelf PC components, leading many to believe their PC wasn't compatible with Windows 11 when it really was.

Read more
Hear me out — Windows on ARM could actually work this time
A laptop and a camera on a table with a Qualcomm logo on the screen.

It's happening. No, really, for real this time. And yes, I know this has been said every year for the past decade. And that there are plenty of reasons to be skeptical that ARM-powered Windows machines will ever go mainstream.

But this week, a few really important announcements reports came to light that are clearing the path for a transition to ARM that is more than just overambitious hype. This time, it really could work.
Qualcomm is finally stepping up

Read more
Intel may have accidentally leaked the release date for Windows 12
Someone typing on the Surface Laptop Studio 2's touchscreen.

Did we just get a confirmation about the release time frame for Windows 12 -- and from Intel, of all sources? It seems that way. Intel spoke about its predictions for 2024, indicating that it expects 2024 to be a good year for client processors. That's huge for Intel because the next generation of its top processors, Meteor Lake, is set to come out in 2024. However, if Intel is right, it might be a big year for Microsoft, too.

The information comes from a transcript of the Citi 2023 Global Technology Conference. Most of it wasn't too exciting -- fireside chats aren't often that interesting to the masses -- but there's a little comment in there that piqued our interest.

Read more