Rumour that Microsoft plans Windows 12 this year is retracted

PCWorld has said the post referenced here "was written in a way that suggested it was original reporting" but "is not." The publication updated its article with sources, yet said the reporting still does not meet its standards. Windows Central's sources say "there is no plan to ship a Windows 12 this year." Earlier coverage collected leaks and rumours that described a more modular Windows with a 2026 launch and deeper AI integration.

Proposed interface changes included a "floating" taskbar with rounded corners and glass effects, the system tray and clock moved to the top-right, a Copilot-powered search bar at the top centre, and better touch support. The OS was also said to foreground AI, with Copilot+ described as having "OS-wide integration" and semantic search to find files without exact names.

Previous leaks suggested a potential "voice-controlled chatbot," though that is less emphasised in the latest round-up.

microsoft, windows 12, windows central, pcworld, copilot+, ai integration, modular windows, floating taskbar, system tray, semantic search