Rumors about Windows 12 regularly resurface online, but current signals suggest that Microsoft is not planning to release the next major version of Windows this year. Instead, the company appears to be concentrating its efforts on improving Windows 11.

Windows 11 will soon celebrate its fifth anniversary, and its market share continues to grow, especially as the end of support for Windows 10 approaches. Microsoft has also hinted that future Windows releases may follow a slower cadence than in the past.

In that context, 2026 looks more like a year of consolidation for Windows 11 rather than a transition to Windows 12.

Is Windows 11 Finally Mature?

If recent months have taught anything, it’s that Windows 11 still hasn’t fully convinced every user.

Several aspects of the operating system have drawn criticism, including:

• strict hardware requirements
• controversial design decisions
• removal of some familiar features

For many long-time Windows users, the system feels less flexible than previous versions.

Microsoft seems aware of these concerns. Many updates planned for 2026 appear aimed at addressing some of the most common complaints reported by users.

There is also hope that larger improvements are being considered behind the scenes, including:

• better interface consistency
• improved update stability
• refinements to core elements such as the taskbar and Start menu

Less Copilot, More User Control

One of the most common criticisms surrounding modern Windows versions is the growing presence of artificial intelligence features.

The integration of Microsoft Copilot has become the symbol of this strategy. In theory, an AI assistant designed to help users across the operating system sounds promising.

In practice, however, many users feel that the integration has become too aggressive or unnecessary.

This is likely one of the areas Microsoft will need to reconsider if it wants the next generation of Windows to succeed. The demand from users is not necessarily for more AI—but rather for AI that is better integrated, less intrusive, and more optional.

A future Windows 12 could benefit from giving users greater control over whether and how AI features are enabled.

The Need for Greater Personalization

Another major topic frequently raised by Windows users is customization.

Since the launch of Windows 11, many users have pointed out that the system feels more restricted, with fewer built-in options for adapting the interface to personal preferences.

Future versions of Windows—whether Windows 11 updates or a potential Windows 12—could introduce more flexibility in areas such as:

• Start menu layout
• File Explorer organization
• taskbar positioning and behavior
• interface themes and visual customization

These requests are far from marginal—they represent long-standing expectations from the Windows community.

The Ongoing Debate Around the Start Menu and Taskbar

It’s impossible to talk about the future of Windows without mentioning the Start menu, one of the most iconic elements of the platform.

In Windows 11, the Start menu has been criticized for:

• performance issues
• limited customization
• a design that many users find less efficient

Even recent tweaks introduced by Microsoft have not completely solved the problem.

The taskbar has also been a frequent source of frustration. However, Microsoft has already promised to restore some missing capabilities, including options to:

• reposition the taskbar
• adjust its size and behavior

These changes could help address one of the most persistent complaints about Windows 11.

Cleaning Up Windows’ Interface Complexity

Another long-standing criticism concerns the overall consistency of the Windows interface.

Over the years, the operating system has accumulated multiple layers of design frameworks, leading to a mix of old and new interfaces that sometimes feel disorganized.

Even former Microsoft engineers have pointed out this issue.

Many users hope that the next evolution of Windows will focus on:

• a cleaner interface design
• removing unnecessary advertisements and recommendations
• simplifying legacy components
• reducing consumer-oriented “gadget” features

A more streamlined system could significantly improve the user experience.

Will Windows 12 Be the Answer?

Even if Windows 12 does not arrive in the near future, it is almost certain that a successor to Windows 11 will eventually appear.

When that happens, Microsoft will likely need to do more than introduce a new name or emphasize artificial intelligence.

The next major version of Windows will need to address several long-standing expectations:

• better customization options
• improved stability
• clearer interface design
• fewer forced features

If Microsoft manages to deliver on those points, the next generation of Windows could finally resolve many of the criticisms that have followed Windows 11 since its launch.