14 DAY TRIAL // People familiar with the matter revealed not a long time ago that Windows 11 wouldn’t be Microsoft’s last operating system, as the development of Windows 12 has already started at the Redmond headquarters.
And while further specifics weren’t disclosed, a screenshot that the company itself showcased at Ignite might actually represent an early look at Windows 12.
As we told you earlier this week, the screenshot presents a floating taskbar, and according to a report from WindowsCentral, this is actually a UI design prototype for the next version of Windows. In other words, these are ideas that Microsoft is currently experimenting with, though it’s obviously too early to tell if this is what Windows 12 is going to look when it starts rolling out.
However, the UI overall looks a lot more modern, and in addition to the floating taskbar, this prototype also moved the system tray icons and the desktop clock to the top of the screen in an approach that reminds even more of macOS. The taskbar weather is now displayed in the top left corner.
The cited source claims Windows 12 could see the daylight at some point in 2024, as Microsoft is once again using a three-year development cycle for the operating system. But of course, no confirmation exists from Microsoft, as the work on Windows 12 still appears to be in an early stage.
Codenamed Next Valley, Windows 12 would continue Microsoft’s push for a modern Windows experience, with the focus to increase on touch. This is something that makes perfect sense, especially as the company has been working on this front ever since the Windows 8 days.
Keep in mind that everything is currently in the rumor stage, so you’d better not hold your breath for a confirmation on the Windows 12 front for the time being.