According to rumors, Windows 12 will begin rolling out by the end of next year, and with it will come new features like a floating taskbar.

Windows 12 has been announced… in its own way

We have heard many rumors about Windows 12 this year. Although Microsoft has not officially confirmed its existence, there have been several hints indicating its development.

One of the hints came at the Build 2023 developer conference in the form of a video screenshot referencing a “next generation” of Windows. It is presumed to be referring to Windows 12 and, hopefully, not a completely cloud-based Windows 11.

Microsoft has also referred to a “Next Valley Prototype Design,” which is rumored to be a codename for the next generation of Windows.

Windows Latest points out that Microsoft accidentally teased a version of its operating system with a floating taskbar at the company’s Ignite 2023 conference. It is believed to be part of internal testing exploring new design changes for the upcoming Windows.

According to speculation, Microsoft intends to release Windows 12 in the third quarter of 2024, followed by a broader rollout in 2025, similar to what they did with Windows 11 in 2021.

As early as March, it was reported that Intel, and likely AMD, are collaborating with Microsoft to provide advanced artificial intelligence capabilities to Windows. This is not surprising considering the direction the industry is taking.

Ironically, we are discussing Windows 12 at a time when Windows 11 is starting to gain traction among PC users. Last month, its global market share reached a record high of nearly 24%, although Windows 10 still maintains a lead with 71%.