Microsoft indicates that the upcoming operating system, 'Windows 12', will be able to understand user intentions, rather than relying on clicks.
Microsoft is set to revolutionize its Windows operating system, with plans to introduce an AI-integrated operating system, potentially named Windows 12. This new version of Windows is expected to be more ambient, multi-modal, and voice-centric, deeply integrating AI and contextual understanding into the OS.
According to Pavan Davuluri, the head of Windows, the future of the platform will see Windows becoming more pervasive and integrated into daily environments, working seamlessly across devices and form factors. This ambient computing approach will enable users to interact with Windows using multiple inputs, such as voice, writing, and typing, simultaneously.
One of the key features of the upcoming Windows release is the emphasis on voice as an input method. Voice is expected to become a more dominant interface modality, enhancing fluidity and natural interaction patterns. The OS is expected to semantically understand your intent to interact with it, allowing you to speak to your computer while writing, inking, or interacting with another person on Windows.
In addition to voice, the new Windows will also be context-aware. It will "look at your screen" and understand what you are doing, enabling smarter assistance based on the content and application context, not just commands. This context awareness is expected to be aided by the integration of cutting-edge AI, such as GPT-5, as part of Microsoft's Copilot, which will enable the OS to better understand natural language commands and user intent within workflows.
The use of voice on Windows is likely to make workflows easier, but it will not be necessary for completing tasks. A balance between local compute and cloud compute is expected to be necessary to make these experiences a reality. However, it remains to be seen how users will adapt to the idea of voice being a primary input method on a PC.
While there is no formal announcement of Windows 12 yet, speculation and insider previews suggest these AI-powered, ambient computing features will be central to the next major Windows release, aiming to move beyond Windows 11 in offering a more intelligent and seamless user experience.
Microsoft is encouraging users to move to either Windows 11 or wait for the next generation (Windows 12) that heavily focuses on AI experiences and ambient computing paradigms. With Windows 10 reaching end-of-life in October 2025, this transition is becoming increasingly important for users.
Interestingly, Apple is rumoured to be working on a similar feature for iOS 26, placing voice at the centre of the user experience. AI is expected to change the way we interact with computers, according to Davuluri.
In summary, Microsoft envisions Windows 12 or the next evolution of Windows as an AI-driven OS that seamlessly blends voice interaction, contextual awareness, and multiple input modes to create a highly intuitive and ambient user environment.
- Microsoft, with its planned Windows 12, aims to integrate artificial intelligence into the operating system, making it more ambient, multi-modal, and voice-centric.
- The upcoming release of Windows is expected to prioritize voice as a primary input method, enhancing the fluidity and natural interaction patterns.
- In addition to voice, the new Windows will also be context-aware, understanding user activities and providing smarter assistance based on content and application context.
- Matrixing with Apple's rumored iOS 26, AI is expected to revolutionize the way we interact with computers, according to Pavan Davuluri, the head of Windows, pushing the boundaries of technology and user experience.
