Desired Features for Windows 12: What Users Hope to See
It’s been three years since the launch of Windows 11, and with the rise of AI, we have an opportunity to enhance the operating system significantly. The time is ripe for Windows to evolve and incorporate the features that users desire. While predicting specific innovations can be tricky, here are several enhancements I hope to see in the upcoming Windows 12.
Anticipated Features in Windows 12
1] AI Integration Features
The importance of AI in our daily lives is undeniable, and leveraging it within Windows would be a game-changer. While Microsoft Copilot has made strides in Windows 11, its full integration within the OS remains a gap.
A personal AI assistant capable of understanding my routine could provide valuable suggestions—like opening certain applications or documents at designated times—and improve my file organization and search capabilities.
Additionally, summarizing extensive documents, emails, and web pages within Windows would enhance productivity greatly.
- Context-Aware AI: An assistant that anticipates user requirements based on their behaviors (like launching work apps in the morning or adjusting brightness at night).
- Voice-Activated Desktop: An expanded use of voice commands for managing files, opening applications, and adjusting settings.
- AI-Driven Gaming: Dynamic game configuration optimizations in real-time based on hardware performance.
2] Enhanced Productivity Tools
Introducing integrated productivity features would be beneficial for users. Native tools that facilitate collaboration—such as built-in screen sharing or whiteboarding—would eliminate the need for relying on external software.
A dedicated app allowing screen sharing with the flexibility to share either the entire screen or specific applications, along with automation features, could significantly enhance teamwork. Including a whiteboarding application with templates designed for brainstorming and project planning would be advantageous.
This application should also integrate voice and chat functionalities, along with seamless file sharing capabilities, promoting collaboration directly within Windows.
3] Refined User Interface and Customization Options
Improving the user interface with more robust customization options would empower users to tailor Windows to their individual preferences. The ability to apply various themes and icon packs could create a more personalized environment.
Additionally, introducing a smarter snap layout that adjusts suggestions based on active tasks would improve multi-screen window management significantly.
Here are some additional ideas that come to mind:
- Dynamic 3D Wallpapers: Interactive, animated, or AI-generated wallpapers that reflect user preferences.
- Fully Customizable Taskbar and Start Menu: Provide options for redesigning the taskbar and Start Menu layout for added flexibility.
- Auto Dark Mode: Intelligent theme switching between light and dark modes, dependent on time of day and surrounding light conditions to enhance visual comfort.
4] Improved Windows Backup System
Enhancements in the backup process would greatly benefit Windows users. Introducing a dedicated backup application to simplify the process of storing files, settings, credentials, and apps directly to OneDrive would be a step forward. Currently, Windows Backup lacks restoration capabilities.
Moreover, automatic restoration of settings and applications upon reinstalling or resetting Windows using a Microsoft Account would significantly streamline the setup of new devices.
5] Advanced File Search System
Instead of the conventional keyword-based search, a new feature leveraging AI to interpret natural language queries would refine the search experience. For example, users could easily search for documents by typing or speaking commands like “Find the PDF I worked on last Friday”or “Show me images from my last vacation.”AI-generated filters would enable instant narrowing down of results based on type, date, size, creator, or tags.
Furthermore, Smart Search Filters could seamlessly interface with cloud platforms and third-party services, allowing users to locate files across OneDrive, Google Drive, and Dropbox from one unified search interface.
6] Modular Operating System Design
Although it may sound ambitious, a modular OS that allows users to install only the features they need (such as gaming or work modes) would promote a more efficient and speedy performance. Additionally, enabling cloud-based installation of modules without the need for complete installations or system restarts would be a fantastic improvement.
7] Improved Uninstallation Process
Removing applications from Windows often leads to residual files that clutter the system. A more effective uninstallation method would involve tracking every installation’s modifications, including registry changes and file locations.
Windows should take control of this process, ensuring that when an application is uninstalled, all associated files and settings are also removed—an enhancement already executed by certain third-party solutions.
8] Native Password Manager
While Windows does offer a built-in password manager, its outdated interface prompts many users to rely on third-party options. An upgraded native password manager with features such as auto-fill, password generation, and alerts for compromised accounts would significantly enhance user experience and security.
This manager should offer integration with browsers and the Microsoft Authenticator app for easy access to passwords on the go.
9] Additional Enhancements
- Functionality to enable WiFi Hotspot without an internet connection via WiFi Direct.
- A split System Tray for Audio, Network, Battery, and the central Control tray.
- An improved media player. While Windows Media Player has limitations, Windows 11 lacks a decent replacement.
- A compact, fast image viewer since Microsoft Photos often falls short of user needs.
Here’s to hoping for a significant upgrade to Windows that addresses these suggestions soon!
Leave a Reply