Another expensive upgrade operational system among the Microsoft OS would be windows 12. According to a new report, the AI-dominated OS will need AMD and Intel CPUs that have dedicated NPU. The sequel to Windows 11 might also be subscription-based that could come out in late 2026
Microsoft was also accused of blocking the upgrade of some older PCs to its new OS. The new OS can be in the market by the time Windows 10 has expired in October 2026. PCWorld anticipates that windows 12 will be released later this year. Regrettably, it may need another new PC or CPU because of its reliance on AI.
The site further spread rumors and leaks by manufacturers and disclosed more information. Windows 12 has come to be known as Hudson Valley Next. The CorePC architecture could be made more flexible to enable very customizable installations. The software is a modular one and is guaranteed to optimize a broad spectrum of targets including desktops to mobile phones.
Microsoft is next to launch its next OS that appears to be prepared to exploit AI advancements in full after spending enormous funds on Copilot. Machine learning would be an essential part, replacing the use of power to activate the optional features. It can be expected to track activity so that it can make recommendations and accelerate searches. An advanced Gaming Copilot is another support that should be expected by the fans of Xbox.
Why would windows 12 limit CPUs?
Windows 11 came with numerous AI functions in a simplified manner. Further and more recent processors, however, have specific Neural Processing Unit (NPUs), which take the load off the cloud servers and GPUs. Consequently, PCWorld feels that CPUs such as Intel Core Ultra, the AMD Ryzen AI chips capable of supporting 40 TOPS or higher will become a mandatory requirement.
Whether or not Windows 12 will be friendly to other processors other than NPU is yet to be seen. More probably, PCs that do not satisfy its system requirements will not have all their functions. Microsoft will find it hard to stimulate early adoption after customers have invested in Windows 11 PCs. It is not driven by security aspects anymore but instead by the requirement of previously optional AI-based features.
There are also rumored subscription based plans of the OS that may not be received by the consumers. Nevertheless, the report indicates that there are other expenses associated with a better Windows 365 cloud-based service. When windows 12 is released, a slimmed down Home version may be released as a free upgrade.
