Windows 12 Leaks: Is Microsoft Planning a Monthly Subscription?
Windows 11 has been... fine. It works. But Microsoft is ready to move on. The next generation of the world's most popular OS, codenamed "Hudson Valley," is expected to launch in late 2026.
The interface looks beautiful (think "Floating Taskbar"), but one specific rumor has the internet panicking: The death of the "Lifetime License."
🚨 The Scary Rumor
Code discovered in the latest config files references an "active subscription status" for the OS. Could Windows 12 be the first version you have to "rent" like Netflix?
Why Would Microsoft Do This?
Two words: Cloud PC.
Microsoft wants Windows 12 to be heavily integrated with AI and the Cloud. Since running AI (like Copilot) costs Microsoft money every time you use it, they might argue that a "Free" version of Windows is no longer sustainable.
The theory is that there will be two versions:
- Windows 12 Home (Free): Limited AI, ads in the Start Menu.
- Windows 12 Pro (Subscription): Full AI power, zero ads, cloud storage included.
The New Design: macOS Killer?
Putting the price aside, the leaks about the design are stunning. Windows 12 is rumored to feature a "Floating Taskbar" that hovers slightly above the bottom of the screen, with rounded corners everywhere.
| Feature | Windows 11 | Windows 12 (Rumored) |
|---|---|---|
| Taskbar | Fixed to bottom | Floating / Detached |
| AI Integration | Copilot App | Baked into the Core OS |
| Hardware | TPM 2.0 | NPU (Neural Processing Unit) Required? |
Will Your PC Even Run It?
This is the second controversy. Windows 12 might require an NPU (Neural Processing Unit) to handle the AI features. If you have an older PC (pre-2024), you might be stuck on Windows 11 forever.
The Big Question
Would you pay $10/month for Windows if it was faster and smarter?
Or would you finally switch to Linux or Mac?
👇 Tell us in the comments!
