A single comprehensive starting point covering what Windows 12 is and how all the leaked pieces fit together.
What Windows 12 Is
Codenamed "Hudson Valley," built around a modular kernel, a unified AI Runtime Layer, and Secure Enclave 2.0 security.
Strategic Goals
Accelerate cadence — moving from 6-year to 3-4 year release cycles.
Make AI a platform capability — shared infrastructure, not per-app bolt-ons.
Repair Recall without abandoning it — rearchitecting security, not scrapping the concept.
Modernize update delivery — targeting restart-required updates directly.
Architecture Layer by Layer
Modular kernel (Project Cobalt) at the foundation, the AI Runtime Layer above it mediating NPU access, then Win32/WinRT apps, topped by the Fluent UI 3 visual layer.
How the Pieces Connect
The AI Runtime Layer needs Secure Enclave 2.0 for safe Recall storage; the modular kernel enables faster iteration on the compositor needed for Living Mica.
Where to Go Deeper
See our dedicated articles on kernel architecture, AI features, and hardware requirements.