Microsoft shouldn’t ignore this ‘Brilliant’ Windows 12 concept — featuring a consistent dark mode and improved AI search that leaves Windows 11 in the dust

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Some users are still holding back from upgrading to Windows 11 despite the fact that Windows 10 will reach its end-of-life on October 14, 2025. This hesitancy might be attributed to certain design issues in Windows 11 and its more demanding minimum system requirements, which some users may find challenging to meet.

More recently, there has been an increase in options that alleviate some user issues, such as Tiny11 – a tool designed to create a leaner version of Windows 11 suitable for older or unsupported computers. In fact, Tiny11 underwent a significant upgrade and now supports Windows 11 version 25H2. This update also eliminates Microsoft applications like the latest Outlook and Copilot.

It’s been announced that starting in September and continuing into October, users will start receiving updates for Microsoft’s Windows 11 version 25H2. But there won’t be any brand-new features included with this update. Additionally, Microsoft hasn’t officially said much about the development of a possible Windows 11 follow-up, though whispers about Windows 12 have emerged over time.

Avid Windows users and enthusiasts, such as concept designer Abdi (AR 4789 on YouTube), continue to envision new possibilities. You may recall him from my previous article about the elegant “next evolution” concept design for Windows 12.2, which outperformed Windows 11 in terms of style. In this design, Microsoft’s ambitious Copilot AI campaign took a step back, giving way to nostalgic elements from Windows 7 to flourish.

Indeed, it’s worth noting that a new concept video titled “Brilliant Windows 12” has surfaced, showcasing innovative ideas rather than simply updating the design of Windows 11. Among the novel features is “Collectzone”, which enables users to organize multiple wallpapers into collections for enhanced accessibility (as reported by Beta News).

The designer integrates the Control Panel into the system settings, enhancing the user experience by allowing individuals to customize the interface according to their personal tastes and needs more effectively.

In simpler terms, the innovative design for Windows 12 includes Quick Settings that make it easy to switch to dark mode (a gentle nudge to Windows 11 as well). These Quick Settings also offer a screenshot button, which can either show your recent screenshots or capture new ones immediately.

The Copilot AI was prominently featured in the design video, demonstrating its advanced search functions. Lastly, the concept provides greater flexibility for personalization, enabling users to arrange widgets freely throughout the system.

Microsoft’s vision for an operating system surpassing the fame of Windows 11 remains uncertain, but it’s intriguing to speculate whether the company might incorporate some of these innovative concepts in their future designs. Recently, Microsoft Corporate Vice President and head of Windows, Pavan Davuluri, gave us a glimpse into what the future of Windows might hold.

The next version of Windows 11, powered by AI, will offer a groundbreaking, immersive, and versatile interaction experience, revolutionizing the way we interact with computers.

What’s next for Microsoft’s ecosystem after Windows 10 reaches end-of-life?

Currently, there’s a lot happening within Microsoft’s Windows environment, particularly as we approach the one-month mark until the end of support for Windows 10. Despite Microsoft introducing its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for additional security assistance past the October 14, 2025, deadline, users have expressed strong criticism towards this decision.

Instead of opting for synchronizing your PC settings to the cloud through a Microsoft account, using 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points, or purchasing extended security updates (ESU) at $30 per device, Microsoft strongly advises users to consider upgrading Windows 11 directly. This approach offers a smoother experience and may even support up to 10 devices.

In the past, Microsoft has emphasized its confidence in Windows 11 by saying that Windows 11 PCs can be up to twice as fast as those running Windows 10. This marketing strategy has led some users to criticize the end of support for Windows 10, suggesting it’s a deliberate move to boost sales of Copilot+ PCs, making it seem like planned obsolescence.

A public advocacy organization known as PIRG expressed dissatisfaction with Microsoft’s decision to cease support for Windows 10, stating that this move could result in an unprecedented increase in discarded computers. Although Microsoft has introduced its Extended Security Updates (ESU) program as a potential remedy, the organization argues that it is not a practical solution for the approximately 400 million PCs unable to upgrade to Windows 11. They further noted, “It’s clear users are displeased and feel they are being led astray.

It’s worth noting that about half of today’s computers are currently using Windows 10, a situation which might expose millions of users to potential cyber threats. On the other hand, Microsoft stands to generate over $7 billion in their Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for enterprise clients during the first year following Windows 10’s end-of-life.

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2025-09-10 14:40