Sleek Windows 12.2 concept video has fans dreaming of the future

A concept creator has imagined what "Windows 12.2" would look like, with an increased focus on transparency effects, transition animations, and a redesigned notification center.

Screenshot from a concept video of Windows 122

At the start of the year, prolific concept creator AR 4789 revealed his vision of what Windows 12 could look like, and self-described it as "revolutionary". In the past, the YouTuber has designed similar concepts for Windows 12 Mobile, Windows Classic Remastered (CR), a revamped Windows XP, and more. Now, they have published a concept for "Windows 12.2", calling it the "next evolution".

In case you are wondering why the concept is dubbed Windows 12.2, it's because the YouTuber has already published his versions of Windows 12 Lite and Windows 12.1 Pro. The latest version, 12.2, is contained in a 9-minute video on the creator's YouTube channel, with the first three minutes walking you through the installation process. It's nothing to write home about, but transparency effects are the highlight in this section.

As the desktop launches, we get a version of Windows that seems very similar to Windows 11, with one key difference. Everything seems to be organized in containers, including the desktop icons. This seems to be a design choice, as single applications seem to have borders around them too. Of course, this is all a matter of preference, but the Start menu does look a bit cleaner, and is closer to Windows 10 than it is to Windows 11.

The File Explorer has been redesigned too, with an increased focus on transparency effects, and container-like UX objects. There are also animation transitions as you move from one window to another.

Other Windows elements which have received a facelift include the Settings app (which looks quite similar to File Explorer in terms of UI), the notification center, Windows Search, the Microsoft Store, and various skins. You can check out the video in full below:

Unlike other concept videos, this video hasn't receive a significantly divisive response. Commenters have praised the design aesthetics and similarities to KDE Plasma, also wishing that Microsoft would hire the designer. While the concept is arguably sleek, it is important to note that just because something looks pretty doesn't mean that it's also functionally good. Microsoft hasn't even confirmed a "Windows 12", there's no harm in dreaming, though.