Is Microsoft giving us a sneak peek of Windows 12 UI?

At its recent Ignite conference, Microsoft shared a screenshot of an unnamed Windows user interface. The image caught the attention of many, as it might have shown a preview of the upcoming Windows 12 UI. Although the Redmond company launched its new Surface PC lineup at the Ignite conference, this image showcasing a variant of the company’s flagship OS that the users were still unaware of is what grabbed headlines.

Breaking news regarding the upcoming release of Windows is usually announced by Windows Central, who examined the image in question, which was in use to illustrate the Microsoft Teams application during the presentation. After saying that Windows 12 might launch in 2024, the website designed a model to accurately demonstrate what they saw, due to the image’s poor quality.

The illustration shows a new UI that does not look like the Windows user interface that is currently familiar to us. The floating taskbar is located in the lower portion of the screen, while system icons are located in the right corner. The floating search field is available in the top center, and the weather appears in the upper left corner of the image. Windows Central re-drew the design, as they had already seen an internal presentation of a similar Windows 12 interface prototype with a similar layout. Therefore, while the image above may not be an exact representation of the new UI, it does serve as a statement of what Microsoft teams hope to accomplish with the upcoming release, which has the codename “NextValley.”

Microsoft has been working to make the Windows UI as user-friendly as possible for both touch controls and keyboard and mouse input for a number of years. Finding the right balance can be a challenge as Windows is available in so many different formats, including tablets, computers, and hybrids like folding-screen PCs.

Although it’s unclear how such an image ended up in the middle of a Microsoft conference, it’s likely not the most recent build of Windows 12. This example, at least, has the advantage of providing a general idea, showing the potential direction that Microsoft’s operating system could go in.

After a Windows 8 that was overly focused on touch, a Windows 10 that made peace with the keyboard and mouse, and a Windows 11 that didn’t change the game, Microsoft needs to consider the future without alienating its current user base. The company needs to find a way to balance the needs of touch users and keyboard and mouse users while also considering the wide range of devices that Windows supports.

In conclusion, while we are excited about the possibility of a new Windows 12 UI, we need to keep in mind that this is just speculation at this point. Microsoft is known for being tight-lipped about their upcoming releases until they are ready to make an announcement. However, it’s always fun to speculate and imagine what the future of Windows could look like. How do you feel about the potential new UI?