Microsoft has now officially released the initial preview build of Windows 12 to Windows Insiders, a major milestone in the next generation of the world's favorite desktop operating system. The long-awaited release debuts a range of AI-enhanced features revolving around an overhauled digital assistant, an indication of Microsoft's focus on deeply embedding artificial intelligence into the Windows experience.

AI at the Core of Windows 12

The highlight of Windows 12 is the updated AI assistant, which provides tighter integration across the operating system than ever before. Unlike in its predecessors, the assistant can be context-aware between applications, and users can engage with their computers in a more natural way. Microsoft asserts the new assistant has the ability to execute advanced tasks such as summarizing documents, creating creative material, and delivering personalized suggestions depending on user activities.

"Windows 12 is our vision for the future of personal computing, where AI not only helps you but also knows what you need before you do," said Microsoft's Windows development team. "This preview build is just the start of what we hope will be a revolutionary experience for our users."

Redesigned User Interface

Windows 12 comes with a new, updated design language that refines the Fluent Design principles with enhanced customization features. The taskbar and Start menu have been rebuilt for easier usage, with an optional floating dock-like layout that can adapt depending on your working style. There is also a new "Spaces" feature with which users can arrange apps and windows into configurable workspaces which can be shifted between easily or using voice commands.

Performance Enhancements and System Requirements

Initial tests indicate that Windows 12 provides noticeable performance enhancements over Windows 11, especially when it comes to startup time, memory usage, and power management. The requirements have, however, been boosted to support the new AI functionality. Microsoft suggests a minimum of 16GB of RAM and a processor that has dedicated AI processing capabilities to provide the best experience.

The preview build, as it stands, supports the following minimum requirements:

  • Processor: 8-core CPU with AI acceleration
  • RAM: 16GB minimum, 32GB recommended
  • Storage: 256GB SSD
  • Graphics: DirectX 12 with hardware ray tracing support
  • TPM: Version 2.0
  • Internet connection: Required for setup and periodic updates

Enhanced Privacy Controls

Recognizing anxiety over AI and data privacy, Microsoft has rolled out new transparency features that place greater control with users regarding what their data is used for by the AI assistant. A standalone Privacy Dashboard lets users see specifically what data is being gathered and offers detailed controls for each AI feature. Users can choose to process certain AI functions locally on their device, as opposed to in the cloud, though that will have the effect of degrading performance on more sophisticated activities.

Developer Tools and App Ecosystem

For developers, Windows 12 provides an enriched collection of AI-oriented APIs and development tools for more easily building intelligent features into apps. The Windows App SDK has been modified to support new frameworks for collaboration with the AI assistant, natural language processing, and computer vision capabilities. Developers are being prompted by Microsoft to begin testing out these tools in order to make their apps compatible with the eventual release of Windows 12.

How to Get the Preview Build

At the moment, the preview build for Windows 12 is available only to Windows Insider Program Dev Channel members. Microsoft says it is planning to make wider availability across the Beta Channel in the next few months as stability increases. Interested users can test the preview by joining the Windows Insider Program from the Settings app on a suitable Windows 11 PC.

Microsoft warns that this early preview build includes known issues and must not be installed on production machines. Microsoft is targeting releasing Windows 12 to the masses during the second half of 2025, with more features added along the way based on feedback from users.

Looking Ahead

With this preview build, Microsoft is setting the stage for what looks to be one of the biggest Windows updates in years. The emphasis on AI integration is a strategic move that could revolutionize how people interact with their computers over the next decade, perhaps opening up new avenues for productivity, creativity, and accessibility.

As Windows Insiders start to dig into this new version of Windows, the tech world will be paying close attention to how Microsoft's vision for AI comes to life in real-world advantages for consumers. We'll have more to come as we continue to dig into the Windows 12 preview and its changing feature set.