Windows 11 is going strong, but with Microsoft shuttering support for Windows 10, the countdown for a new operating system is on.
So whether you’ve been using Windows 11 since its launch back in 2021 and are hoping for a software update or your Windows 10 PC has run its course and you’re debating holding out for Windows 12, we’ve got you covered.
We explain everything we know about the rumoured Windows 12 operating system, including when it’s expected to launch and new features.
Windows 10 end of support
In case you missed it, Microsoft officially ended its support for Windows 10 on October 14th, 2025. Essentially, this means that all Windows 10 PCs are no longer eligible for new features nor security updates, and will result in your Windows 10 device becoming slower and more susceptible to malware or cybersecurity attacks.
If you’re still sporting Windows 10, then it’s strongly recommended that you upgrade to Windows 11 as soon as possible, to avoid risking viruses. Windows 11 is free to download for eligible computers, with the easiest way to check your compatibility being the PC Health Check App via the Microsoft Store.
Advertisement
Windows 10 homepage
We’ve also listed the full system requirements for Windows 11 in our Windows 10 support ending guide.
If your device doesn’t quite meet the system requirements for Windows 11, then we’d advise upgrading to a new Windows 11 computer to keep your files safe. In the meantime, Microsoft is offering a year-long programme to reduce the risk of security and malware attacks.
Known as Windows 10 Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU), the programme is free to sign up to and, while it doesn’t offer users features updates or improvements, it does provide critical security updates. This programme will run until October 13 2026, which buys you a bit more time to buy a Windows 11 PC. And who knows, maybe we’ll know more about Windows 12 by then too.
When is Windows 12 coming out?
At the time of writing, Microsoft has yet to confirm when the successor to Windows 11 is expected to launch. We could roughly estimate that Windows 12 might appear in 2027, given that Windows 11 launched six years after the release of Windows 10. However, this is pure speculation at this point.
Plus, as reported by Tom’s Hardware, Microsoft started rolling out the Windows 11 25H2 update to compatible devices back in the summer, suggesting that a Windows 12 release is not currently a priority for the company.
Advertisement
What could Windows 12 look like?
Although Microsoft hasn’t officially confirmed Windows 12 at the time of writing, that hasn’t stopped rumours from circulating on the internet. In fact, there are a handful of leaked features doing the rounds, from rumours of a subscription plan to more built-in AI capabilities, but these are far from confirmed.
Of course, we’ll have to wait until Microsoft finally unveils its plans for Windows 12 to confirm any rumours.
Will Windows 12 be free to upgrade?
As Microsoft is yet to confirm any details about Windows 12, whether or not the upgrade will be free is pure speculation. Having said that, considering Windows 11 was a free upgrade for compatible devices, we’re hopeful that Windows 12 will be free to download too.
Even so, remember that there will be system requirements for Windows 12 to keep in mind, and we annoyingly won’t know what those exact specifications will be until Microsoft lifts the lid on the operating system.
