One was to rewrite the NT kernel in order to modernize and futureproof it. Windows 12 showed that the NT kernel was so old and outdated that there were only two ways to keep releasing updates and versions of Windows. The idea of replacing the NT kernel has been around since the launch of Windows 12 in 2024. HFD (High-Efficacy Drive) is a new file system that uses up much less of the drive and allows faster performance in an SSD.

File Explorer has been heavily updated to become more efficient.This caused lots of controversy and anger, especially from businesses, and caused support to be added back in the next week. 32-bit apps no longer run in Windows and are no longer supported, and as such, most of SysWOW64 has been moved to System32 and some removed until they added 32 bit apps back, while Program Files x86 has been removed until support was re-added.

Many new widgets have been added to make widgets more multipurpose.

Many new apps have been added, while legacy apps have either been rewritten or revamped.

'About Windows' now informs the user of the amount of system RAM, returning a feature not seen since Windows 7 build 6519.

All legacy systems have either been revamped or removed due to the all-new kernel.

An all new setup experience that has been redesigned from the ground up.

A redesigned UI based on Fluent II design.

Windows 12 pc