A Vision for Windows 12: Familiar Power Meets Modern Innovation
Dear Microsoft Windows Development Team and Community Hub, With the inevitable speculation around Windows 12, I wanted to share a comprehensive vision for the next iteration of Windows. The goal is to blend the best elements of past versions with modern needs, creating a truly powerful and personalizable operating system. Here’s what many users like myself are hoping to see: 1. A Revitalized Start Menu & Screen Fresh, Resizable Layout: A clearly divided Start Menu with dedicated zones: Account Area (top-left), Shortcut Area (far left for common folders), List Area (pinned, most-used, and suggested apps), and a Pinned Tiles Area (right side, four-column layout). It should be resizable by dragging its edges. Full-Screen Start Screen Option: A return of the full-screen Start that combines the easy-to-browse list from Windows 7 with the dynamic Windows 8.1-style Live Tiles, supporting both horizontal and vertical arrangements. Enhanced Tile Flexibility: Tiles in five sizes (small, medium, long, wide, large, tall) with smooth resizing animations. New customization options should include colorful, gradient, light, dark, transparent, and semi-transparent tones. Migration Friendly: When upgrading from Windows 7, 8.1, 10, or 11, all pinned apps and websites should automatically migrate. Copilot Integration: A dedicated, prominent Copilot Tile to highlight the AI assistant's role, perhaps with a new rainbow effect for visual flair. 2. A More Functional Taskbar & Search Comprehensive Taskbar: Featuring the Cortana icon, mobile devices, Start, Search, Task View, Chat, applications, and the system tray. Prominent Search Box: The search box should be more prominent, changing from a circle to a rectangular shape, serving as a stronger entry point. Flexible Search Menu: The search interface should be highly adjustable and consistent with the new Start menu's style. 3. Personalized User Experience Lock Screen Customization: Options for left or center-aligned date and time. New photo effects that highlight the main subject, allowing it to overlay the time. Windows Hello: Facial recognition that works while wearing a mask. Enhanced Widgets: Desktop Pinning: Widgets should be pinnable anywhere on the desktop, not just in a sidebar. Full-Screen Widgets Board: A full-screen mode with a widget panel on the left and news/feeds on the right, supporting up to six columns. New Widgets: Introduction of a 'Calendar', 'People', 'Microsoft Edge', 'Cortana Suggestions', and a dedicated 'Microsoft Store' widget. 4. Peak Productivity & Multitasking Task View & Virtual Desktops: A return to the mature Windows 10 experience, allowing windows to be dragged directly to other desktops in Task View. Timeline Returns: The Timeline feature should come back, including cross-device history. Classic Alt+Tab: The Windows 10 Alt+Tab window switcher experience should be restored. Supercharged Snap Assist: Enhanced Snap Layouts supporting up to 8 segments for large screens, with specific, intelligent layouts for ultrawide (21:9, 32:9) monitors. 5. Application & Ecosystem Evolution App Updates: New versions of Mail, Calendar, and People. The new Outlook app should fully support popular third-party email services like QQ, 163, and 126. A New Cortana: Multilingual support with the return of consumer skills (music control, smart home, third-party skills). It could be offered in two visual forms and power the 'Cortana Suggestions' widget. Screenshot Tool Upgrade: Should support full-screen recording. Media Player: The return of an appearance selector and support for live tiles. Microsoft Store Revamp: UWP Return: High-quality UWP and classic Metro apps should return to the store, with PWAs transitioning to UWP. Gaming Expansion: Addition of dedicated PlayStation and Nintendo Switch apps, including a Nintendo game section. 6. Visual & Nostalgic Enhancements Refined Aesthetics: Improved window transparency with a new glass effect, rounded rectangle system avatars, and a new top bar (weather, system tray, time). Dynamic wallpaper effects would be a welcome addition. Keep the Win11 Sound: The Windows 11 startup sound is great and should be retained. The "Bold Strategy" – Legacy Feature Return: To satisfy power users and nostalgia, consider the large-scale return of beloved features like MSN apps, Windows 7 Desktop Gadgets, Windows Media Center, Groove Music, HomeGroup, a significantly enhanced Tablet Mode, and Windows Ink Workspace. 7. Hardware, Compatibility & Core System Broad Controller Support: Native compatibility with DualShock 4/5, Joy-Con, and others. Android Subsystem (WSA) Return: WSA should return with a focus on fixing previous pain points, especially full-screen landscape app support. Separated Notification Center: The Notification Center and Calendar quick actions should be separated for a cleaner interface. "Next-Gen PC" Promise: Windows 12 should deliver on larger storage, longer battery life, more power, and enhanced security/stability. Enhanced Backup & Transfer: Windows Backup should expand to more regions and add support for backing up personal files and apps to external drives, including migration from old PCs or to new hard drives. 8. Core Versioning & Hardware Requirements A Fresh Start: Version 26H1, with an internal OS version reset to 12.0.0.0. Tiered Editions: Windows 12e (for education, 2GB RAM), Windows 12 (mainstream, 4GB RAM, removing strict TPM restrictions), and Windows 12 Ultra (flagship, 8GB RAM, unlocking all AI and performance features). Extensive Free Upgrade Path: A critical strategy, offering free upgrades from Windows 11 (including SE), Windows 10 (including S), Windows 8/8.1 (including RT), and Windows 7. Doubled Support Lifecycle: Home/Pro/Workstation: 24 months → 48 months. Enterprise/Education/IoT: 36 months → 72 months. In summary, we envision a Windows 12 that isn't afraid to learn from its rich history while pushing forward with modern innovation. It should be a system that respects user choice, empowers productivity, and welcomes everyone from legacy users to those with the latest hardware. If you like this vision and want to support it, you can upvote it here: https://aka.ms/AAylqhw Thank you for considering this feedback. Sincerely, A Passionate Windows User
Recovery BitLocker key on Win10 Pro
Hello, I've got Windows 10 Pro on my laptop. I have installed Windows myself & have used the same account till now, I haven't changed that. When I log into Microsoft account, I can find my device and the license which is linked to that laptop, but there are no BitLocker keys linked to that. That means, I'm trying to find my BitLocker key but it's not visible on Microsoft account which is linked to my Windows license. I can't access that encrypted SSD because my laptop is down so I can't check it in CMD. I'm trying to use that disc in another laptop but to access that I need a BitLocker key. Just for you to know, I believe I have studied all Microsoft instructions, tutorials etc related to BitLocker key recovering... Could anyone support me with recovering that key, please? I know Win10 is not supported anymore, but I don't believe that is the reason why I can't find my BitLocker key there. Kindly asking for help 🙏
Camera app not wirking
Hello, I am in the Relaese channel, 24H2. I have issues with my camera. Yesterday, Windows Hello and the camera app were not working but Zoom did. Today Windows Hello works but not the camera app. I get the message below. I tried ot unistall/reinstall the camera app and checked fir updates; I also tried to repair Windows with scc/scannow but it did not solve the issue. Would you have ideas? Thanks muchFeedback on Windows 11 & Vision for Windows 12
Dear Windows Team, As a loyal and long-time Windows user, I am writing to express my hope that Microsoft will take the opportunity with the next version of Windows (what the community calls "Windows 12") to address key usability feedback while making bold, innovative strides. While Windows 11 has made visual improvements, it still feels like a step back in user-friendliness and flexibility in several areas. My primary feedback is this: Please prioritize user control, customization, and a cohesive experience that respects the user's workflow. Based on the feature concepts and leaks circulating online, a "Windows 12" that incorporates the following principles would be a significant step in the right direction: Key Areas for Innovation & Improvement in a Future Windows Release 1. A Truly Flexible and Modern Start Menu The rumored "Windows 12" Start Menu concept is encouraging. Please deliver on this by: Bringing Back Flexibility: A resizable Start Menu/Screen that can function as a compact menu or a full-screen information hub is ideal. Enhanced Live Tiles: The concept of more dynamic and customizable tiles (with sizes, transparency, and animations) would be a welcome return of functionality many users loved. Clear Structure: A logically divided layout (Account, Shortcuts, App List, Pinned Tiles) would greatly improve usability over the current simplified design. 2. A Taskbar and Search That Empower the User Never Limit Functionality: Please restore the ability to never combine taskbar icons and to move the taskbar to other screen edges. User choice is paramount. Prominent, Powerful Search: A larger, rectangular search box that is highly customizable would be a clear improvement, making the primary search entry point more effective. 3. Superior Productivity & Multitasking Enhanced Snap Layouts: Supporting up to 8 snap groups and providing better layouts for ultrawide monitors is a must for power users. Revitalized Virtual Desktops: The ability to drag windows between desktops in Task View and the return of a robust Timeline feature for cross-device history would be a massive productivity win. 4. A Cohesive and Customizable Visual Experience Desktop Widgets: The ability to pin widgets directly to the desktop, rather than being locked to a sidebar, would make them far more useful and integrated into the workflow. Personalization: More lock screen customization (date alignment, photo effects) and the introduction of dynamic wallpapers and glass effects would make the OS feel more personal and modern. 5. Embrace Ecosystem and Compatibility Android Subsystem (WSA): Its return and improvement, especially full-screen landscape support, is critical. Please continue to invest in this. Expanded Controller Support: Native support for PlayStation and Nintendo controllers is a fantastic move for gaming accessibility. Relaxed Hardware Requirements: The rumored tiered approach for "Windows 12e" (low-spec) and mainstream versions without strict TPM mandates would be a welcome change, allowing more users to upgrade. 6. A Balanced Approach to "Classic" Features While the large-scale return of features like Windows Media Center and desktop gadgets is a bold concept, I urge caution. A future OS should look forward, not backward. Instead of re-integrating deprecated features, consider: Modern Replacements: Ensure that new apps (like the new Media Player and Mail/Calendar) are so good that users don't feel the need for old ones. Optional Installation: If classic features must return, make them available through the "Optional Features" menu or the Microsoft Store, keeping the base installation clean and performant. Conclusion My core message is this: We are eager for a version of Windows that feels both modern and powerfully familiar—one that doesn't remove features but enhances them. The concepts outlined for a potential "Windows 12" seem to understand this, aiming to combine the best of Windows 10's productivity with Windows 11's aesthetics, and then pushing further. I sincerely hope Microsoft listens to this feedback and builds a future Windows that is truly user-first, flexible, and a genuine joy to use. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, A Dedicated Windows User
Windows 11 upgrade failed
Hello, on some of our devices the upgrade from windows 10 to 11 is failing, with the message of Undoing Changes Made to Your Computer, i can see some log files created in a folder Rollback etc but i cannot understand what is wrong and what is causing this. Can i upload the logs somewhere so you can check it and let me know what would be the issue?
USB flash drive showing no media in disk management
I’m having a really frustrating issue with one of my USB flash drives. When I plug it into my computer, it shows up as a removable drive under “This PC.” But when I try to open it, it just says “Please insert a disk into USB drive”. So I went into disk management to check, and there it shows as “Removable” but with No Media. There’s no file system, no partition, nothing. It also shows 0 bytes capacity. Unfortunately, I have some important files on there that I really need. 😨 Does this mean the USB is dead? How to fix the “usb showing no media in disk management” issue?
How to recover deleted files from Recycle Bin after empty?
Is it possible to recover deleted files from Recycle Bin after empty? I really messed up and could use some help. Earlier today, I deleted a folder from my desktop thinking I didn’t need it anymore, and then emptied the Recycle Bin right after… only to realize a few minutes later that it had some super important work files and photos I hadn't backed up yet. Is there any way I can recover those files after the Recycle Bin has been emptied? I’ve heard that recovery is still possible in some cases, but I’m not sure where to start or which tools are safe to use. Thanks!How can I recover deleted files from SD card on Windows 10?
Hi everyone! I really need some help here. I just got back from a trip and was organizing my photos and videos from my SanDisk SD card on my Windows 10 laptop. While sorting through the files, I accidentally deleted a whole folder directly from the SD card. I immediately checked the Recycle Bin, but the deleted files weren’t there.😭 Has anyone successfully recovered files in a situation like this? Is there any free SD card recovery software for Windows 10 that actually works? I'm open to paid options too, as long as they’re trustworthy and have a decent success rate. Would really appreciate any advice or personal experiences. Thanks in advance!
