Every few months a fresh batch of leaks claims Windows 12 is imminent, complete with screenshots and supposed AI hardware requirements. As of mid-2026, none of it is official. Microsoft has not announced a Windows 12 product, has not set a release date, and has actually gone on record clarifying that its upcoming announcements do not include a new operating system version. The rumours are real; the product, so far, is not.

Quick Answer

There is no confirmed Windows 12. Microsoft has not announced it, given it a release date, or published system requirements, and in mid-2026 a company leader stated upcoming reveals do not feature a new OS version. Windows 11 remains the only supported upgrade path, with version 25H2 carrying support through October 2027. Treat every "Windows 12 spec leak" as unverified until Microsoft says otherwise.

What is actually confirmed

The confirmed picture is straightforward. Microsoft has continued to develop Windows 11 through feature updates rather than launching a successor, shipping servicing versions such as 25H2 and adding Copilot and Copilot+ PC features along the way. There was no Windows 12 reveal at the major start-of-year industry events, and Microsoft itself pushed back on the rumours, framing its plans as the next chapter of Windows 11 rather than a version-number jump.

Support timelines back this up. Windows 11 25H2 is supported with updates into October 2027, which is also when Windows 10 support has wound down. That gives a clear, official runway on Windows 11 with no gap that a sudden Windows 12 would need to fill this year.

What is only rumour

The juicier claims, leaked AI feature lists, mandatory neural-processing-unit requirements, a 2026 launch date, all sit in the rumour column. Some come from early test builds, some from analyst guesswork based on Windows's historical roughly six-year cadence, which would point to something around 2027 rather than now. None are commitments. Mandatory hardware specs in particular are the kind of detail that shifts repeatedly in testing and means nothing until a final announcement, so buying hardware today to "be ready for Windows 12" is buying for a product that does not officially exist.

What this means for buyers right now

The practical advice is calm. Do not delay a needed PC purchase waiting for Windows 12, and do not let a leaked spec sheet scare you into thinking your current machine is about to be stranded. A modern Windows 11 PC is supported into October 2027 and will, on past form, get a clear and lengthy upgrade path when a true successor eventually lands. If you want something compact and current for general use or a media setup, the mini PC range at Evetech ships with supported Windows 11 today.

For South African buyers the takeaway is to ignore the noise and buy on present-day needs in Rand. Specs that matter, a capable processor, enough RAM, an SSD, will carry you comfortably regardless of what Microsoft eventually badges the next release. The current best selling PCs at Evetech are a good gauge of sensible, future-proof configurations right now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Windows 12 confirmed for 2026?

No. Microsoft has not announced Windows 12 or any release date, and has indicated its near-term reveals do not include a new OS version. Any 2026 launch claim is speculation.

Should I wait for Windows 12 before buying a PC?

No. There is nothing official to wait for, and Windows 11 is supported into October 2027. Buy on current needs; a modern machine will handle whatever comes next.

Are the leaked Windows 12 AI requirements real?

They are unverified leaks, often from test builds or analyst guesses. Hardware requirements routinely change during development and mean nothing until Microsoft publishes final specs.

Will my Windows 11 PC still get updates?

Yes. Windows 11 continues to receive feature and security updates, with version 25H2 supported through October 2027, so a current PC is well covered.

When might a real Windows successor arrive?

Some analysts point to around 2027 based on Windows's historical release cadence, but this is informed guesswork, not an announcement. Watch for an official Microsoft statement rather than leaks.

Do not let a rumour stall a purchase you need. Browse the mini PC range at Evetech for compact, supported Windows 11 machines you can buy in Rand today.