Microsoft Developing Chrome OS-Like Version of Windows 12: Report

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Chrome OS killer is reportedly coming from Microsoft.

Windows 10 laptop
(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Microsoft is prepping a web-focused version of Windows designed to challenge Chrome OS's dominance in the educational sector, according to WindowsLatest, citing multiple sources with knowledge of the matter. The web-centric operating system is not intended to replace the familiar Windows desktop environment but rather complement it.

The tech giant's rumored earlier venture into creating a lightweight operating system to counter Chrome OS, dubbed Windows 10X, never saw a commercial launch. Now, with a tailored version of Windows 12, Microsoft is reinvigorating its vision, emphasizing a contemporary, modular design for low-powered educational devices.

Internally, steps have been taken to steer the new vision by forming a specialized team named 'Windows and Web Experience.' This group will helm the evolution of Windows and associated web-based products. Furthermore, various job postings suggest a blend of client and cloud services.

Hints from Microsoft suggest that 2024 might be the year when this next generation of Windows sees the light of day. Artificial intelligence (AI) integration is notably central to this venture, with the company's browser, Microsoft Edge, expected to undergo an AI-driven transformation. The goal is to metamorphose Edge into an exceedingly savvy web browser, leveraging advanced machine learning for a nuanced understanding of online content and user patterns.

At the recent Build 2023 developer conference, Microsoft dropped teasers about the 'Next-gen of Windows,' affirming speculations of a substantial overhaul planned for 2024. Regarding aesthetics, Windows 12 is rumored to showcase a floating taskbar, and its core is anticipated to revolve heavily around AI functionalities.

The overarching aim with Windows 12 is evident: Microsoft wants to carve out a significant chunk of the educational sector, which Chrome OS presently occupies. While previous endeavors like Windows 10X might have faltered, there is hope that Windows 12 could herald a new era of innovative prowess.

Anton Shilov
Anton Shilov
Contributing Writer

Anton Shilov is a contributing writer at Tom’s Hardware. Over the past couple of decades, he has covered everything from CPUs and GPUs to supercomputers and from modern process technologies and latest fab tools to high-tech industry trends.

4 Comments Comment from the forums
  • edzieba
    A 'limited Windows' version has been available alongside mainline Windows for the last decade, starting with Windows 8 RT, often (but not always) being the ARM version.
    Since Windows is used by people because they want to continue using their Windows applications, a Windows version that limits or drops Windows application support has repeatedly crashed and burnt hard every time it is attempted. This trend is very likely to continue.
    Reply
  • dimar
    Don't bother it will be a failure. Instead, fire the person who came up with that idea.
    Reply
  • jp7189
    edzieba said:
    A 'limited Windows' version has been available alongside mainline Windows for the last decade, starting with Windows 8 RT, often (but not always) being the ARM version.
    Since Windows is used by people because they want to continue using their Windows applications, a Windows version that limits or drops Windows application support has repeatedly crashed and burnt hard every time it is attempted. This trend is very likely to continue.
    Agreed. They need to drop the Windows name if they will ever hope to get away from that expectation.
    Reply
  • CajunMoses
    Title contains an oxymoron.
    Reply