- Microsoft may plan to increase memory requirements for Windows 12.
- Windows 12 seems that will require a minimum of 8GB of RAM.
- Aside from the memory increase, the previous requirements are likely to remain the same.
Although Windows 11 is expected to receive a few additional minor and major updates, Microsoft seems to be already working on the next version of the operating system, which is known by the “Hudson Valley” codename, and it may carry the “Windows 12” branding.
It’s yet unclear the new features that will roll out with the next version, but some new details about upcoming changes to the system requirements have been brought to light.
Similar to its predecessor, Windows 12 will continue to require the TPM (Trusted Platform Module) chip and Secure Boot, but there will be changes in the memory requirements. According to Deskmodder, Microsoft is expected to increase the requirement from 4GB to 8GB.
One of the reasons for the hardware requirement change is to accommodate the “Cloud PC” service. Cloud PC is a service from the company that allows companies to connect seamlessly to a virtual machine in the cloud. Although this information isn’t official, a recent preview build of Windows 11 shipped with some hidden features for the Cloud PC service.
Aside from the memory increase, it appears that Windows 12 will continue with the processor requirements as Windows 11, including a minimum of a dual-core 64-bit processor.
Microsoft was also rumored to make its Pluton security chip a requirement to install Windows 12, but the chip is still not widely adopted, indicating that this won’t be a requirement.
Although the software giant made some significant hardware requirement changes to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11, it seems this won’t be the case for Windows 11 to 12, which means that most devices already running Windows 11 will likely support Windows 12.
If the memory requirement ends up changing, upgrading the memory could resolve the problem. The only issue would be for low-end devices featuring soldered memory modules making the upgrade impossible.
If you’re in the market for a new laptop, it’s recommended to choose a configuration that features 8GB of memory or more. If the modules are soldered, you should consider spending a little more in a configuration with at least 16GB of RAM.
In addition to increasing the memory requirements, the company also seems to be planning even bigger changes for Windows 12 with the CorePC project, which according to reports, will make the system modular to bring faster updates, better security, and improved AI capabilities.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].