12 Features users want from Windows 12

• Windows 12 is due to arrive at some point and we’ve made a list of things we would like to see Microsoft adding to their most popular operating system.
• Experts from various backgrounds have put together a list of the most wanted-for features for the next-gen Windows OS.
• Will these make it into Windows? Only time can tell, but we know at least some of the features were already hinted by Microsoft.

I’ll go straight on the record and say that Windows 11 is a very good OS. I’ve used it ever since it was in Beta, and I see no reason to go back to Windows 10.

That doesn’t mean I think it’s perfect. Far from that. There are plenty of things I don’t like about Windows 11. The push for less privacy, ads everywhere, and the shoving down my throat of all other Microsoft services are annoying, and that’s something I would prefer to see gone from Windows 12.

But enough with the intro and jump right into the story.

And that is a simple one: I have asked a couple of folks to weigh in on what is the most important feature they would like to see added to Windows 12. Here’s what they said:

1 – Built-In document comparison tool

For Windows 12, I’d like to see a document comparison tool built directly into the OS. Imagine you’re reviewing two versions of a contractor’s bond agreement, one from the client and one from the underwriter. It’s very hard to figure out if the two are the same, or if they’re not, what exactly was changed.

A tool that highlights discrepancies between the documents, even in scanned PDFs, would save hours and eliminate errors. It’s something my team would use daily, ensuring we catch small changes that could have major implications.

Michael Benoit, Founder and Insurance Expert, ContractorBond

2 – Universal repair toolkit for file corruption

The feature that I would like to see added to Windows 12 is a built-in universal repair toolkit for file corruption and data recovery. This feature would allow users to repair damaged files, recover accidentally deleted data, or even restore overwritten versions of important documents directly within the operating system.

It would be incredibly helpful, especially for people who don’t have the technical expertise to navigate third-party software or those who need quick solutions in high-stakes moments.

What makes this idea different is its potential to unify and simplify a process that currently involves multiple tools and services. Imagine being able to right-click on a corrupted file and select “Repair,” with the system automatically analyzing and fixing the issue.

Or having a native recovery dashboard that gives you access to deleted files, previous versions, and even a deep-scan mode to retrieve lost data. This could save countless hours and headaches, especially for small business owners or professionals who rely on their computers for daily operations.

Eli Itzhaki, CEO & Founder, Keyzoo

3 – Advanced AI-powered productivity assistant

One feature I would love to see added to Windows 12 is a more advanced AI-powered productivity assistant that seamlessly integrates with both native applications and third-party tools.

While Windows 10 and 11 have made strides in integrating AI with Cortana, the potential for a more intelligent assistant is vast now that AI advancements have finally reached the point where we can almost call AI “intelligent”.

This assistant could help streamline tasks like scheduling, prioritizing emails, managing projects, and even offering suggestions to improve workflow based on the user’s habits and preferences.

Imagine an AI that automatically organizes your files, suggests content based on your calendar, or intelligently reschedules meetings when conflicts arise. It could also integrate with applications like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Outlook, helping to optimize virtual collaboration. This would be incredibly useful for busy professionals, improving not only productivity but also work-life balance by reducing the need for constant manual intervention.

The integration with cloud services could take it further, allowing the assistant to access work across multiple devices, ensuring a unified experience no matter where you are.

Ultimately, adding a smarter, context-aware assistant would significantly enhance Windows 12’s ability to increase efficiency and simplify complex workflows in an increasingly hybrid and fast-paced world.

Fawad langah, Director General, Best Diplomats

Note: this is hardly a guess (like it was when I first wrote about Windows and AI) as Microsoft has made it clear the company future and AI are one and the same thing.

4 – Upgraded Windows Media Player, 5 – Unified Settings and Security

One feature I’d love to see added to Windows 12 is the ability to merge the Control Panel with Settings. It’s been 14 years since they were split, and it feels like a natural step to make everything simpler. Having all system settings in one place would make it much easier to control and manage.

Another improvement I’d suggest is combining the Security and Maintenance app with the Security Center. With security being a top priority, having a unified, easy-to-access area would help keep things simpler and more organized for users.

I’d also really appreciate an upgrade to Windows Media Player. It’s far behind the competition in terms of quality and features, and it would be great to see a fresh, modern version that could keep up with current media formats and playback demands.

I usually use VLC for media playback, but I shouldn’t have to install a third-party program for something as basic as video and audio playback.

Simon Brisk, Founder & SEO Strategist, Click Intelligence

Now it’s my turn to pick a few things I want to see from the next generation of Windows.

6 – Fix Windows update

This was a mess since Windows 10. It is about time it is fixed. What about background updates for everything that don’t require a full system restart, after annoying the user a little bit.

That might be hard to achieve, since not even Mac OS has that, but at least it doesn’t restart whenever you’re doing something important. Microsoft could learn a thing or two from Apple.

7 – More modularity aka bloatware you can choose

You shouldn’t need to rely on debloating tools to make Windows lightweight by disable certain modules.

I would like to see a more modular approach, where I can choose what to install at any time. Think of it like a supercharged Windows optional features.

8 – Seamless integration with other devices

Windows is still lacking in the phone integration department. Mac OS leads here and I would like to see this addressed in Windows 12. Also, wearables, and tablets should also be added to the list of integrations. This has to happen.

9 – Better backup options

You already know I’m a bit obsessed with backups and I would just like to see something that is user friendly and effective in backing up the entire Windows installation or just part of the user documents. Something like Backupper, but with tighter integration with Windows.

10 – Software hooks for partners

This is a bit hard to explain, but what if third-party hardware manufacturers could just add functionality to their products that shows up in all the usual Windows places, like the settings, the quick toggles menu, on the taskbar, in apps title bar.

Lets take for example my Logitech mouse: instead of installing another bloated manufacturer app, what if I could just control sensitivity and check the battery life from the Windows system tray or Action Center?

This is already happening with RGB lighting, so maybe more integrations are coming.

11 – Offline mode with no restrictions

This is another weird trend: Windows is connected to the point where a slow Internet connection will make everything feel slow. Too much information is being transferred at any given time, even without express user requests.

Either optimize this Microsoft, or even better, let’s go back to a less connected Windows. I surely miss the Windows 7 days.

12 – Respect for the user

Finally, this is probably the most important for me. I want to see Microsoft respecting my privacy and my user requests (not just mine, of course).

I’ve been a Windows user since Windows 3.1. I don’t think I’ll ever switch to another OS. Linux is too complicated for regular users and there’s less software that works under Linux, while Mac OS is just primitive and weird just because Apple wants to be different, not better.

So why does Microsoft wants to annoy me with ads in their OS, pushing for their other products, most of which I already use, and finally, why does it try to gather so much information about me?

Please stop. I already decided I will be using Windows 12, so don’t do these kind of things Microsoft. But maybe that’s the problem, the fact I’m willing to use Windows despite the wrong direction it’s headed for.

Ionuț-Alexandru Popa

I'm a writer and Editor-in-Chief at BinaryFork. I am passionate about technology, science, space exploration, and movies. I started writing about tech more than 20 years ago, after graduating in Computer Science.