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Will windows 12 be a free upgrade from windows 11

NigelGB 30 Reputation points
2025-08-30T17:08:22.46+00:00

I'm just looking at buying a Microsoft Surface Laptop because my old Laptop isn't capable of running Windows 11.

So now I search on the net and I find that Windows 11 24H2 end of life will be October 2026 and Windows 12 may be released in late 2025.

How can we be sure that Microsoft won't add some new hardware requirement for Windows 12 that won't work on my shiny new Surface Laptop?

Am I look at spending a lot of money for something I might need to replace in a year or two?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Licensing and activation

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  1. EmilyS726 222.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-08-30T17:44:40.25+00:00

    Hello

    Microsoft hasn’t confirmed a specific release date for Windows 12 yet. Everything else is rumor or speculation.

    There's also no official word yet from Microsoft on exact hardware requirements for Windows 12.

    That said, while future-proofing is wise, devices you purchase today could still put you in a good position. Even if Windows 12 introduces stricter requirements, your new Surface will likely last through vital support periods.

    10+ people found this answer helpful.

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  1. NigelGB 30 Reputation points
    2025-08-30T18:12:11.89+00:00

    Thanks Emily, I understand you don't work for Microsoft. Hopefully you understand that's not the answer I'm looking for.

    I'm already seriously annoyed that I have 3 perfectly good laptops that are all OVER specced for all of the requirements of Windows 11 with regard to Processor, RAM, SSD, etc. ... but they only have TPM 1.2.

    The fact that I have to replace them all just because of the TPM version is absolutely infuriating.

    In the past I have been able to rely on MS for at least 6 years of full OS support on any Laptop I've bought.

    I'd like some reassurance from someone at MS that I'll be able to rely on them similarly ... especially because this time I'm actually buying an MS Laptop.

    5 people found this answer helpful.
  2. Samuel Bowles 15 Reputation points
    2025-09-29T13:16:22.84+00:00

    Hello, Nigel!

    While none of us know what the requirements will be for Windows 12 when it arrives, or when it will for that matter, there's unfortunately just no way to know. However, if you have computers that are over-specced for Windows 11, and I am not sure if you have done this or not, but check the bios for your current computers. A lot of times, TPM 2.0 is disabled by default and it can absolutely be turned on, allowing your current PCs to meet the requirements for W11. I am not sure if you have already checked that or not, but JUST in case you haven't, I wanted to let you know that could be a possibility!

    3 people found this answer helpful.
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  3. Hasan 0 Reputation points
    2025-09-10T09:11:10.1933333+00:00

    i was waiting windows 11 25H2 so we dont have any news about windows 12 so we can see on windows sandbox it ... its will like windows 11 but the start will be as macbook on my normal old laptop its not support windows 12 yes ! becase its can be need AI laptops are we can know anything !

    2 people found this answer helpful.
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