Ah, Windows enthusiasts, here’s a hot-off-the-press scoop swirling out of CES 2025. Microsoft has officially decided to leave the next iteration of its iconic operating system—presumably dubbed Windows 12—on the back burner. Instead, the Redmond giant is rolling up its sleeves to double down on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) features into Windows 11. Oh, and let's not forget, Windows 10 is on its last legs, with official support slated to end on October 14, 2025. If you're clutching onto your Windows 10 PC for dear life, it might be time to reconsider your options.
Let’s dive deep into what this means for users, AI enthusiasts, and why Microsoft might be betting big on this AI gamble.
To put it bluntly, Windows 10’s countdown clock has been ticking for quite some time now, and the final date is no longer a secret. Microsoft is encouraging users to hop aboard the Windows 11 train, which has been strategically infused with new AI-powered features.
Why retire Windows 10? Operating systems have a lifecycle for a reason. It becomes more challenging—and expensive—for Microsoft to patch vulnerabilities and ensure compatibility with modern hardware and software. After October 2025, support for security updates will only be extended for those willing to dig into their pockets for expensive extended support plans. For the average user? You’re better off upgrading.
And no, you can’t bank on an impending Windows 12 to rescue you anytime soon. You’ve got Windows 11 to deal with—and here’s why that might not be such a bad thing.
Microsoft isn’t just tinkering around. They’re diving headfirst into the AI revolution, packaging it into Windows 11 under the shiny banner of Copilot, its AI assistant suite. Think of it as Siri on steroids or Google Assistant's geekier cousin!
Here’s what’s on the lineup for Windows 11:
This sounds a bit like Google Lens, which uses image recognition to enhance search. But Microsoft is trumpeting ease and integration—letting you search by simply firing up the familiar Windows search bar.
However, curb your excitement unless you own a Copilot+ PC.
In essence, these machines are optimized for handling tasks like AI-enhanced searches, smart automation, and possibly even integrating third-party AI tools like ChatGPT directly into Windows applications. For everyone else using older hardware? You might be left out of some fun features—or worst case, you’ll notice performance hits when trying to enable resource-heavy AI functionalities.
Let’s face it—an operating system overhaul isn’t easy. It makes sense for Microsoft to refine the user experience in Windows 11 rather than prematurely chasing a complete reboot. Windows 11 is still relatively young and, according to Microsoft, has room to grow through iterative updates.
But let’s not ignore the elephant in the room either. Microsoft also wants to lure users into upgrading sooner rather than later. Sprinkling shiny AI-powered features into Windows 11 is one way of driving adoption. Genius marketing? Maybe.
Microsoft has effectively given users three roads:
This isn’t just about good ol’ Windows. It’s about the future of personal computing. Microsoft’s AI push, embodied by its Copilot ecosystem, signals a shift in how operating systems might work in the future: less manual searching, more recommending. It’s an OS that tries to “know you” or predict your needs.
Of course, this comes at a cost—privacy concerns creep in, proprietary AI systems mean limited flexibility, and older hardware may feel obsolete sooner than envisioned. So, while you’re drooling over the features, make sure you’re reading the fine print too.
AI is here to stay, and Microsoft is making sure Windows 11 becomes the testing ground for tomorrow’s computing. The lifespan of Windows 11 is undoubtedly being extended with these continuous feature rollouts, making it a platform that feels fresh and downright futuristic.
But skipping Windows 12 is also a bet—one with risks. Will endless AI features be enough for users who want “something new”? And does this strategy mean abandoning those on older hardware? Time will tell. For now, though, Windows 11 users, enjoy your Copilot ride. Windows 10 users—you’ve got decisions to make. And, Windows 12? You’ll just have to wait.
Keep discussing, keep exploring, and don’t forget to upgrade responsibly. Over to you—will you embrace the AI agenda or hold out for the next big thing?
Source: NDTV Profit Windows 12 On Backburner, Microsoft Pushes AI Innovations In Windows 11 Instead
Let’s dive deep into what this means for users, AI enthusiasts, and why Microsoft might be betting big on this AI gamble.
To put it bluntly, Windows 10’s countdown clock has been ticking for quite some time now, and the final date is no longer a secret. Microsoft is encouraging users to hop aboard the Windows 11 train, which has been strategically infused with new AI-powered features.Why retire Windows 10? Operating systems have a lifecycle for a reason. It becomes more challenging—and expensive—for Microsoft to patch vulnerabilities and ensure compatibility with modern hardware and software. After October 2025, support for security updates will only be extended for those willing to dig into their pockets for expensive extended support plans. For the average user? You’re better off upgrading.
And no, you can’t bank on an impending Windows 12 to rescue you anytime soon. You’ve got Windows 11 to deal with—and here’s why that might not be such a bad thing.
Microsoft isn’t just tinkering around. They’re diving headfirst into the AI revolution, packaging it into Windows 11 under the shiny banner of Copilot, its AI assistant suite. Think of it as Siri on steroids or Google Assistant's geekier cousin!Here’s what’s on the lineup for Windows 11:
1. AI-Powered Search: “Hey, I’ve lost my files!”
“Hey, where’s that photo from our trip to Yosemite?” Don’t worry—Windows 11’s AI search has got your back. Forget remembering file names or precise keywords. The AI-enhanced Windows Search feature is like having a detective in your PC. Misplaced files in OneDrive or your local drive? It’ll use smart contextual guessing to dig them up—whether they’re pictures, documents, or videos. Yusuf Mehdi from Microsoft describes it as "understanding your intent" rather than hitting you with the dreaded "No results found."This sounds a bit like Google Lens, which uses image recognition to enhance search. But Microsoft is trumpeting ease and integration—letting you search by simply firing up the familiar Windows search bar.
However, curb your excitement unless you own a Copilot+ PC.
2. What’s a Copilot+ PC Anyway?
The crown jewel of Microsoft’s new hardware push is its Copilot+ PCs. These specialized devices are designed with AI in mind, armed with processors featuring Neural Processing Units (NPUs) from Intel, Qualcomm, or AMD. Think of NPUs as your CPU's hyper-focused older sibling specializing in tasks like voice recognition, text prediction, and cognitive understanding.In essence, these machines are optimized for handling tasks like AI-enhanced searches, smart automation, and possibly even integrating third-party AI tools like ChatGPT directly into Windows applications. For everyone else using older hardware? You might be left out of some fun features—or worst case, you’ll notice performance hits when trying to enable resource-heavy AI functionalities.
3. Copilot AI Goes Beyond Search
The buzz doesn’t stop at a glorified search bar. Copilot promises a slew of improvements across the Windows ecosystem, ranging from:- Streamlined multitasking: Smart suggestions to prioritize tasks and windows.
- Personalized assistant functions: Automate frequent tasks and fine-tune settings in real-time.
- Enhanced accessibility tools: Better interaction for users relying on magnifiers, voice-input mechanisms, or alternative accessibility modes.
Let’s face it—an operating system overhaul isn’t easy. It makes sense for Microsoft to refine the user experience in Windows 11 rather than prematurely chasing a complete reboot. Windows 11 is still relatively young and, according to Microsoft, has room to grow through iterative updates.But let’s not ignore the elephant in the room either. Microsoft also wants to lure users into upgrading sooner rather than later. Sprinkling shiny AI-powered features into Windows 11 is one way of driving adoption. Genius marketing? Maybe.
Microsoft has effectively given users three roads:- Upgrade to Windows 11 for Free (If Eligible):
Many users can still upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 at no charge. As long as your hardware is compatible, this option is an absolute no-brainer. - Buy a Copilot+ PC:
If you’re into cutting-edge tech and want access to all the futuristic AI-powered tools Microsoft is offering, consider upgrading your hardware. Copilot+ PCs will deliver the full experience, thanks to their NPU-optimized processors. - Stick with Windows 10 and Brace for Change:
Hate Windows 11? Be ready to pay for extended security updates—or embrace the risk of being unsupported in a cyber-age that grows increasingly dangerous with time.
This isn’t just about good ol’ Windows. It’s about the future of personal computing. Microsoft’s AI push, embodied by its Copilot ecosystem, signals a shift in how operating systems might work in the future: less manual searching, more recommending. It’s an OS that tries to “know you” or predict your needs.Of course, this comes at a cost—privacy concerns creep in, proprietary AI systems mean limited flexibility, and older hardware may feel obsolete sooner than envisioned. So, while you’re drooling over the features, make sure you’re reading the fine print too.
AI is here to stay, and Microsoft is making sure Windows 11 becomes the testing ground for tomorrow’s computing. The lifespan of Windows 11 is undoubtedly being extended with these continuous feature rollouts, making it a platform that feels fresh and downright futuristic.But skipping Windows 12 is also a bet—one with risks. Will endless AI features be enough for users who want “something new”? And does this strategy mean abandoning those on older hardware? Time will tell. For now, though, Windows 11 users, enjoy your Copilot ride. Windows 10 users—you’ve got decisions to make. And, Windows 12? You’ll just have to wait.
Keep discussing, keep exploring, and don’t forget to upgrade responsibly. Over to you—will you embrace the AI agenda or hold out for the next big thing?
Source: NDTV Profit Windows 12 On Backburner, Microsoft Pushes AI Innovations In Windows 11 Instead