Gaming: Rumor That Microsoft Plans To Launch A 'modular' Windows 12 This...

Microsoft does not plan to ship a Windows 12 this year, according to sources reacting to a now-retracted PCWorld article.

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Update: The PCWorld post referenced by this article "was written in a way that suggested it was original reporting" but "is not," the publication has subsequently stated. PCWorld has updated its article with sources, but says that the reporting still does not meet its publication standards. According to Windows Central's sources, "there is no plan to ship a Windows 12 this year." Our original article follows.

New versions of Microsoft's Windows OS don't come along very often. But it's looking increasingly like 2026 will be the year of Windows 12. A new story from PCWorld summarises all the latest leaks and rumours, which point to Windows 12 being a much more configurable and modular OS with a fancy new interface and a 2026 launch date. And, yes, it will inevitably be shot through with much deeper AI integration.

First up, the "modular" thing. It's said Windows 12 will have a new architecture known as "CorePC". The idea here is the ability to build or scale different versions of Windows for specific applications. Think desktop, mobile, tablet and, yes, gaming, including Xbox. This modular approach will also, apparently, enable Microsoft to better support a so-called hybrid mix of local and cloud computing.

The look and feel of Windows 12 is also expected to be substantially different and new. One of the most dramatic interface changes is reportedly a new "floating" taskbar with rounded corners and transparent glass visual effects. Superficially, it sounds a lot like the Dock in Apple's MacOS, at least in terms of looks if not so much in functionality.

It's also said that the system tray and clock move to the top-right corner of the display, with a Copilot-powered search bar located centrally at the top of the screen. Better support for touch control is also said to be a significant feature in the new interface.

Of course, the other major focus for Windows 12 from the get-go will be AI. Instead of an optional add-on, as in Windows 11, AI is said to be foundational with "OS-wide integration" of Copilot+ for Windows 12.

While it's tempting to view this as a worrying or negative development, especially given how hit-and-miss Microsoft's Copilot+ implementation in Windows 11 has been, there could be some very useful features if AI is im

Source: PC Gamer