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Windows 12 release date in 2026 possible, with AI features that may force CPU upgrades
(www.notebookcheck.net)
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this post was submitted on 03 Mar 2026
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CPU NPU requirements will mean longer support necessity for Windows 11.
If they go ahead with subscriptions, demand will certainly add additional demand for that. But I guess subscriptions would be to cover copilot cost. Given Microsoft's interest in people upgrading to eventually reduce support surface, I have to assume it will be optional, for AI features. Following that reasoning, the NPU requirement may be optional too, only applicable to the AI features block.
But who knows, the whole thing is not driven by reasonable business decisions anyway.
Also, I had no idea there was a "gaming copilot". Even after following links to the introduction news, I don't get what it really does.
The idea that markets are driven by rational decision processes is the biggest con they teach in econ 101.
They won’t force everybody to replace their hardware in a time of memory shortage crisis.
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Or just shop around. Its free and its better than windows
Also a raspberry pi with raspian is a great place to start for cheap. https://www.raspberrypi.com/software/operating-systems/
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I'll have plenty of time to try it work, but I stop at 11 for personal use... long time coming but them putting a date on 12 means I now have my date to get off Windows altogether.