The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is an annual extravaganza of technological bombshells and futuristic aspirations. Yet, one major absence at CES 2025 has tech circles buzzing like bees around a hive: Microsoft did not utter a word about Windows 12. On the surface, this may seem perplexing, particularly if you've been following whispers of the next Windows OS supposedly being "just around the corner." However, this radio silence is a calculated—and dare we say brilliant—move on Microsoft's part. Let's dive into the details behind why withholding news about Windows 12 at CES 2025 was perhaps one of the smartest decisions the company could make.
Microsoft isn’t just sitting in a cozy armchair plotting the next operating system; they’ve doubled down on Windows 11, proclaiming 2025 as the "Year of the Windows 11 PC Refresh." The tech giant is determined to seal the deal on the adoption of Windows 11 before even entertaining the idea of moving on to Windows 12. This focus was on full display at CES 2025, where the spotlight was on Copilot+ PCs and enhancements central to Windows 11.
Why? Because there's a problem that can’t be ignored: a staggering number of users are still clinging to Windows 10. StatCounter reports that as of early 2025, Windows 10 retains an impressive 62% share of desktops worldwide, dwarfing Windows 11's 34%. Convincing users to leave their beloved Windows 10 behind seems akin to prying a favorite blankie from a toddler’s hands—daunting and loaded with tantrums.
Microsoft’s strategy, then, is crystal clear: don’t muddy the waters by prematurely announcing Windows 12. Instead, reinforce the value of their current product—Windows 11—and ensure people are convinced of its worth.
While the potential is huge, the reality is skeptical consumers. And until Copilot—and other AI-powered features—can truly deliver on their promises, the tech could become a liability if rushed. Microsoft would rather nail this innovation than throw it out hastily.
Rushing toward a new OS—without addressing current problems—could tarnish Microsoft’s credibility further. It would be akin to laying bricks for a new tower while the foundation is still sinking.
Ruminating about Windows 12, whether it drops in 2026 or later, is like yearning for dessert when you’re still trying to enjoy the main course. Microsoft knows this, and perhaps the best thing they can do right now is what many companies in tech fail at—patience.
Rest assured, when Windows 12 does make its debut, it won't be a rushed "me-too" product but something thoughtfully crafted to follow a more successful Windows 11. Until then, it’s all aboard the Windows 11 express, hopefully with fewer bugs at the next stop.
So, what do you think? Is Microsoft playing the smart game, or does the lack of talk about Windows 12 leave you feeling anxious about the future? Let us know in the forums below!
Source: PCWorld Windows 12 wasn't mentioned at CES 2025. That's a good thing
What’s Microsoft Up To? Keeping It All About Windows 11
Microsoft isn’t just sitting in a cozy armchair plotting the next operating system; they’ve doubled down on Windows 11, proclaiming 2025 as the "Year of the Windows 11 PC Refresh." The tech giant is determined to seal the deal on the adoption of Windows 11 before even entertaining the idea of moving on to Windows 12. This focus was on full display at CES 2025, where the spotlight was on Copilot+ PCs and enhancements central to Windows 11.Why? Because there's a problem that can’t be ignored: a staggering number of users are still clinging to Windows 10. StatCounter reports that as of early 2025, Windows 10 retains an impressive 62% share of desktops worldwide, dwarfing Windows 11's 34%. Convincing users to leave their beloved Windows 10 behind seems akin to prying a favorite blankie from a toddler’s hands—daunting and loaded with tantrums.
Microsoft’s strategy, then, is crystal clear: don’t muddy the waters by prematurely announcing Windows 12. Instead, reinforce the value of their current product—Windows 11—and ensure people are convinced of its worth.
Why Are Users Reluctant to Embrace Windows 11?
Microsoft’s uphill battle persuading users to migrate to Windows 11 boils down to three key reasons:1. High Hardware Requirements
Windows 11, sleek and modern as it is, places lofty demands on hardware. Its strict reliance on TPM (Trusted Platform Module) 2.0 and stringent processor requirements left many older systems in the digital dust. Users who invested in decent PCs just five or six years ago found themselves unable to upgrade, and naturally, irritation brewed.2. The Hard-to-Let-Go Factor: Familiarity of Windows 10
Windows 10 isn't just software—it’s a familiar friend. Its clean interface and predictable functionality make uprooting it for an unproven alternative emotionally, and in some cases logistically, taxing.3. Bugs and Glitches in Windows 11
Initially hailed as "the OS of the future," Windows 11 stumbled out of the gate with its 24H2 update in late 2024. This highly anticipated overhaul, which promised groundbreaking features, was riddled with bugs. Reports of crashes, freezing, and app incompatibility tarnished the reputation of Windows 11, discouraging skeptics from switching. For users sitting comfortably on Windows 10, such chaos only validated their reluctance.Could a premature Windows 12 announcement help?
Not a chance. Announcing Windows 12 while Windows 11 still struggles to prove its stability would only weaken Microsoft’s efforts. It could make current users feel like guinea pigs in a never-ending cycle of experimentation—hardly a good look.Windows 12 Isn’t the Focus Yet—and It Shouldn’t Be
If you’ve been hoping for a shiny, feature-packed Windows 12 anytime soon, the tea leaves suggest you’re in for a long wait. And Microsoft’s hesitance to accelerate development is not just rooted in Windows 11's adoption woes.1. AI and Copilot+ Local Processing Still Need Refinement
One of the standout themes from CES 2025 was Microsoft’s push to tie Windows 11 tightly to Copilot+ PCs, their flagship AI system. Integrating AI features like Windows Recall (and enabling them to run locally on your machine, no cloud dependency required) is ambitious but requires time.While the potential is huge, the reality is skeptical consumers. And until Copilot—and other AI-powered features—can truly deliver on their promises, the tech could become a liability if rushed. Microsoft would rather nail this innovation than throw it out hastily.
2. Development Resources Are Spread Thin
With Copilot PCs under heavy development, along with ongoing refinement of Windows 11, Microsoft simply can’t afford to split its attention. Refining existing systems is smarter than tossing resources at a brand-new project.Rushing toward a new OS—without addressing current problems—could tarnish Microsoft’s credibility further. It would be akin to laying bricks for a new tower while the foundation is still sinking.
3. Lessons Learned from Windows 8
Let’s not forget the awkward history lesson that is Windows 8. Released when public support for its predecessor (Windows 7) hadn’t yet waned, it stretched the company too thin, alienated users, and required a major course correction with the release of Windows 10. Microsoft seems determined not to repeat its mistakes.The Battle Ahead for Windows 11
With extended support for Windows 10 ending in October 2025, the urgency for users to switch will skyrocket. However, even that looming deadline isn't a silver bullet for Microsoft’s adoption woes. Here’s what the company must focus on:- Improve Stability: Frequent updates can cripple adoption if they introduce major bugs. Testing and quality assurance before deployment are critical.
- Ease the Upgrade Process: Reluctant users need more enticing incentives. Enhanced performance, smooth upgrades, and returning popular features will help.
- Win Over the Enterprise Crowd: Many businesses stick to older Windows versions for stability reasons. Convincing enterprises to transition will require bulletproof reliability.
Final Thoughts: Microsoft's Long Game
Skipping any mention of Windows 12 at CES 2025 wasn’t an accident. The decision fits neatly into Microsoft’s larger strategy: focus on refining Windows 11, make it indispensable, and build a strong AI ecosystem with Copilot+. Before painting the next masterpiece, the canvas needs to be clean.Ruminating about Windows 12, whether it drops in 2026 or later, is like yearning for dessert when you’re still trying to enjoy the main course. Microsoft knows this, and perhaps the best thing they can do right now is what many companies in tech fail at—patience.
Rest assured, when Windows 12 does make its debut, it won't be a rushed "me-too" product but something thoughtfully crafted to follow a more successful Windows 11. Until then, it’s all aboard the Windows 11 express, hopefully with fewer bugs at the next stop.
So, what do you think? Is Microsoft playing the smart game, or does the lack of talk about Windows 12 leave you feeling anxious about the future? Let us know in the forums below!
Source: PCWorld Windows 12 wasn't mentioned at CES 2025. That's a good thing
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