I was curious about Windows 12 so I did some googling.

This article is based on rumors but it still made me laugh. I think this is the funniest bit: "a free, ad-supported version of Windows 12 might be available."

What to Expect in Windows 12: Leaks, Rumors, and More | PCMag

Will Windows 12 Require a Subscription?

Eagle-eyed code watchers have noticed references to "subscription edition," "subscription type," and "subscription status" in the code for a Windows Insider build in the Canary channel (the earliest release channel). These references have led to speculation that Microsoft will require a subscription for the OS in the future—and perhaps PC prices will be lower as a result. Further speculation has it that a free, ad-supported version of Windows 12 might be available as well.

Another possibility is that these references to subscriptions might be just for business users, similar to the already available Windows 365 Cloud PC option.

A subscription requirement would surely result in outrage from longtime Windows users. That's what happened when Adobe Photoshop first moved to a subscription model, only for many users to eventually pay up, boosting Adobe's profits and enabling the company to develop impressive new features for the imaging software.

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Let’s be clear from the start: Microsoft hasn’t officially commented on whether it's developing Windows 12. But credible leaks, rumors, and other indicators strongly suggest we'll get a Windows 12 in 2024—much quicker than the move from Windows 10 to Windows 11.