New Computer to Meet Windows 12 Hardware Specifications in Addition to Windows 11

Question

So, I currently cannot upgrade to Windows 11 because my CPU and TPM 2.0, and I cannot even enable the ESU for my copy of Windows 10. Therefore, I am being put into a position of having to purchase a new computer to at least meet the hardware requirements of Windows 11, but I understand Windows 12 is supposed to be released this year.

It is my understanding from various articles that, Windows 12 will have more demanding hardware specifications, and it will be released shortly. Furthermore, the cost of CPU's, RAM, Storage and GPU's are at a high at the moment, due to shortage issues.

Like others have mentioned, it is extremely difficult to future-proof any new system purchases for an imminent change in hardware specifications, without Microsoft releasing information on what the new OS will require. I may be like others in the fact that, I cannot afford to shell out the cash for an extremely expensive ($~4000 CDN for me) replacement computer (that meets my application requirements) that will become obsolete, within the next few months.

I and others are not asking Microsoft to release Windows 12 immediately but, we are asking they release the hardware and other requirements, so the purchases we have to make om a forced upgrade to Windows 11 will also meet the forthcoming Windows 12.

If Microsoft is not willing to do this minor thing then, I believe Microsoft will find consumers switching over to Apple computers - where they are stable and supported for the next several years. I understand AI plays a big role these days but, lets not ram it down peoples throats, with mandatory required OS and related hardware upgrades.

Perhaps, there is a cost-effective solution for the typical consumer to make informed decisions on systems now, that will not become obsolete within the next few months. As such, Microsoft please release the system hardware and other specifications, so I can make an informed decision immediately.

I'm sure there are many of us out there that are now in this predicament given that the ESU for Windows 10 ends in October 2026. I need a replacement computer now - to address the security concerns, and other requirements of my current system - not in an indeterminant time when Windows 12 will be released.

Answer 1

Hi there,

Thank you for posting your question here!

Microsoft has not officially announced Windows 12 or its hardware requirements so buying a PC right now feels risky. The most practical and low risk option is to buy a system that fully supports Windows 11 since any future Windows version is very likely to support the same hardware for several years. A PC with a modern Intel or AMD CPU TPM 2.0 Secure Boot 16 GB of RAM and an SSD will not become obsolete in a few months and will meet security needs today without overspending.

Let me know if you need further assistance, feel free to ask me by clicking "Add Comment" or "Add Answer" if you cannot add comment so your response will be visible. Thank you and I appreciate your effort.

Regards,

Angelique P.

Answer 2

Microsoft has not announced Windows 12, any release date for it, or any official hardware requirements. All information online about “Windows 12” specifications is rumor and is not supported by any official documentation.

What is known and supported today is:

1. Windows 10 support status
   • Windows 10 support ends on October 14, 2025. After that, Windows 10 will continue to function but will no longer receive technical support, software updates, or security updates. This increases security risk over time.
   • Because of this, upgrading to a supported version of Windows is recommended.
2. Windows 11 hardware requirements
   Windows 11 has published, fixed minimum hardware requirements. Key points include:
   • CPU: 1 GHz or faster, 2 or more cores, on a compatible 64‑bit processor or SoC, and on the official list of approved CPUs.
   • TPM: Trusted Platform Module 2.0.
   • RAM: At least 4 GB.
   • Storage: 64 GB or larger storage device.
   • Graphics: DirectX 12–compatible GPU with WDDM 2.0 driver.
   • Devices that do not meet these requirements cannot be upgraded to Windows 11.
3. Cost and process to move to Windows 11
   • For eligible Windows 10 PCs (running Windows 10 version 22H2 and meeting the hardware requirements), the upgrade to Windows 11 is free via Windows Update.
   • To check eligibility on a given PC, use Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates. Windows Update will indicate whether the device is ready to upgrade and provide installation steps.
   • If a PC is not eligible, the supported path is to purchase a new device that meets Windows 11 requirements. Microsoft recommends considering a new PC that can run Windows 11 for a smoother and more secure experience.
4. Future-proofing for a possible successor to Windows 11
   • There is no official statement from Microsoft that a “Windows 12” exists, will be released, or what its hardware requirements would be.
   • Moderator guidance on Microsoft Q&A explicitly states:
     • “There is no suggestion there will be Windows 12 and Microsoft certainly haven't made any statement about it.”
     • “There is no info from Microsoft about Windows 12. Windows 11 will continue to be updated and version 25H2 is now released with 26H2 for next year. Most you read on the internet is rumour.”
     • “Microsoft has not as much as mentioned the development of a Windows 12. At present no one knows when or if there will be a successor to Windows 11.”
   • Because no official information exists, Microsoft cannot publish hardware requirements for a non‑announced product, and no reliable guidance can be given beyond the current Windows 11 requirements.
5. Practical path for a new purchase today
   Based on official information available now, the most concrete way to avoid near‑term obsolescence is:
   • Ensure any new PC fully meets Windows 11’s minimum system requirements (CPU on the approved list, TPM 2.0, 4 GB+ RAM, 64 GB+ storage, DirectX 12 GPU with WDDM 2.0).
   • Prefer a device that ships with Windows 11 preinstalled or is explicitly marketed as Windows 11 compatible.
   • Windows 11 feature updates are on a once‑per‑year cadence, with long servicing timelines (e.g., 24–36 months per version depending on edition), so a new Windows 11 device purchased now is expected to receive updates and support for years.

At this time, there is no official, cost‑effective way to “target Windows 12” hardware, because such requirements do not exist in any published Microsoft documentation. Decisions today can only be based on the current, documented Windows 11 requirements and the known Windows 10 end‑of‑support date.

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References:

• Lifecycle FAQ - Windows
• Compatibility for Windows 11
• Windows 11 System Requirements
• Making the transition to a new era of computing
• Windows 10 support has ended on October 14, 2025
• Will windows 12 be a free upgrade from windows 11 - Microsoft Q&A
• When is Windows 12 coming out.? - Microsoft Q&A
• I want windows 12 in my laptop - Microsoft Q&A
• When is Windows 12 gonna be released? - Microsoft Q&A
• win 12 release date - Microsoft Q&A