Going deeper than our general comparison into individual subsystems.
Kernel-Level Differences
Windows 11 uses a monolithic kernel updated as one unit. Windows 12's Project Cobalt enables independently updatable modules — a networking flaw can be patched without touching unrelated subsystems.
AI Subsystem
Windows 11's Copilot is a WebView2 chat overlay with no deep OS hooks. Windows 12's AI Runtime Layer is a genuine system service with a dedicated API any app can call.
Recall Architecture
Windows 11's original Recall stored data in a readable SQLite database. Windows 12's rebuild uses Secure Enclave 2.0, inaccessible even to admin-level processes without live Hello verification.
Compositor & Graphics
Windows 11 needs WDDM 2.0 for limited Mica sampling. Windows 12 needs WDDM 3.0 for full-surface Living Mica with sub-300ms update latency.
Emulation
Prism 2 (Win11): 60-70% native performance, single-threaded. Prism 3 (Win12): 88-95% native, multi-threaded, persistent caching.
Settings Search
Windows 11 uses literal keyword matching. Windows 12 uses the SLM-Win model for intent classification.
Summary Table
| Subsystem | Win 11 | Win 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Kernel | Monolithic | Modular |
| AI depth | UI overlay | OS-layer service |
| Recall protection | None | Secure Enclave 2.0 |
| ARM emulation | 60-70% | 88-95% |