Microsoft Build 2026 is set to take place on June 2 and 3 at the Fort Mason Center in San Francisco, marking a return to the city after a seven-year hiatus. The event will be inaugurated by CEO Satya Nadella, who will deliver a keynote address. This year’s conference is positioned as a focused, hands-on experience for AI developers, technical leaders, and enterprise teams, with Microsoft emphasizing a “no fluff” approach. Attendees can secure in-person tickets for ,099, while the keynote and select sessions will be streamed live at no cost.
As speculation surrounding Windows 12 intensifies, despite a lack of official confirmation from Microsoft, Build 2026 is anticipated to be a pivotal event. Historically, Microsoft has used developer conferences to lay the groundwork for future consumer operating systems, often revealing platform directions, new developer APIs, and architectural insights that shape upcoming releases. For developers and IT teams, identifying these early signals is often the primary motivation for attending.
Windows 12: What we know so far
While Microsoft has not officially announced Windows 12, the most recent public commentary came from EVP Yusuf Mehdi at CES, where he indicated that 2025 would be “the year of the Windows 11 PC refresh,” suggesting that a new major OS is not imminent. Nonetheless, speculation has surged, particularly following an article from PCWorld in early March 2026, which claimed that Windows 12, codenamed “Hudson Valley Next,” was on track for release later this year. The article suggested that it would be built on a modular CorePC architecture and require a neural processing unit (NPU) with at least 40 TOPS of performance for full functionality. However, PCWorld’s executive editor later clarified that many of these assertions were unverified and unfounded.
Further scrutiny from Windows Central’s Zac Bowden debunked the claims, stating that there are currently no plans to release Windows 12 in 2026, and the “Hudson Valley” codename was tied to Windows 11 planning rather than a new operating system. Bowden indicated that 2027 might be the earliest realistic window for any announcement regarding Windows 12. Additionally, rumors suggesting that Windows 12 would operate on a subscription model have been dismissed as “AI hallucinations,” originating from AI-generated content that was misrepresented as original reporting.
In terms of what Microsoft is focusing on with Windows in 2026, reports indicate an internal initiative dubbed Windows K2, which aims to address major complaints about Windows 11, such as performance and reliability. This initiative is not a new OS release but an ongoing effort to enhance the current operating system, including a revamped Start menu and improved File Explorer functionality.
Why is Build 2026 important for Windows 12?
Build has historically served as a platform for Microsoft to unveil significant shifts in its operating systems, providing developers with early insights before public announcements. Notable past reveals include the Windows 8 Developer Preview in 2011 and Windows 10’s Universal Windows Platform in 2015. Although the focus of Build has shifted towards Azure, AI tooling, and Microsoft 365 in recent years, Windows-specific updates have consistently emerged, often with long-term implications.
Recent developments, such as the introduction of Copilot for Windows 11 and the rebranding of the Windows Copilot Runtime to Windows AI Foundry, suggest that Build 2026 will continue this trend. Microsoft’s commitment to improving Windows quality, as outlined by corporate vice president Pavan Davuluri, further underscores the importance of this year’s event.
Will Build 2026 feature Windows 12? What we expect to see
While there is no official indication that Windows 12 will be announced at Build 2026, the event is expected to cover the current state of Windows platform development. Developers can anticipate discussions on various topics, including:
Native Windows development with WinUI 3
The ongoing evolution of Windows platform development is likely to be a focal point for app developers. In March, Microsoft’s Rudy Huyn confirmed the formation of a dedicated team to create 100% native Windows applications using WinUI 3, moving away from reliance on WebView2 wrappers. This shift aims to enhance performance and reduce latency in core applications, including the Start menu.
Recent tooling releases, such as WinUI 3 Gallery 2.9 and a new Windows App Development CLI, further support this initiative. Additionally, Microsoft has introduced a WinUI agent plugin for GitHub Copilot and Claude Code, enhancing AI-assisted development workflows.
On-device AI and the NPU developer baseline
With Build 2025 introducing Windows AI Foundry, Build 2026 is poised to expand on this narrative with sessions focused on on-device AI capabilities. Developers will gain insights into local model execution, desktop integration, and how to structure applications for varying hardware capabilities.
A security model for agentic AI
Security remains a critical concern in Windows development, particularly with the rise of AI agents. Sessions addressing safe design principles and security architecture for agentic applications will provide developers with essential guidance as they navigate these emerging technologies.
Cross-platform developer experience and WSL
Following the open-sourcing of WSL at Build 2025, the upcoming session on “What’s new in Windows Subsystem for Linux” will highlight performance upgrades and improvements aimed at enhancing the developer experience for those utilizing Linux tools on Windows hardware.
Windows 365 enterprise AI deployment
The “Build, deploy, and scale agents with Windows 365” lab will showcase how Windows 365 facilitates the deployment of AI agents in governed environments, reflecting Microsoft’s broader strategy for enterprise-scale Windows deployment.
How to attend Microsoft Build 2026
Build 2026 promises to be a concentrated event, featuring a smaller in-person attendance cap and a focus on technical depth. For developers engaged in Windows or AI integration, the combination of tooling announcements and platform commitments makes this conference particularly noteworthy. In-person tickets are available for ,099, and Microsoft is offering visa support for international attendees. For those unable to attend in person, the keynote and select sessions will be streamed live, with on-demand recordings available post-event.
Windows 12 at Build 2026: What to expect
Microsoft Build 2026 is set to take place on June 2 and 3 at the Fort Mason Center in San Francisco, marking a return to the city after a seven-year hiatus. The event will be inaugurated by CEO Satya Nadella, who will deliver a keynote address. This year’s conference is positioned as a focused, hands-on experience for AI developers, technical leaders, and enterprise teams, with Microsoft emphasizing a “no fluff” approach. Attendees can secure in-person tickets for ,099, while the keynote and select sessions will be streamed live at no cost.
As speculation surrounding Windows 12 intensifies, despite a lack of official confirmation from Microsoft, Build 2026 is anticipated to be a pivotal event. Historically, Microsoft has used developer conferences to lay the groundwork for future consumer operating systems, often revealing platform directions, new developer APIs, and architectural insights that shape upcoming releases. For developers and IT teams, identifying these early signals is often the primary motivation for attending.
Windows 12: What we know so far
While Microsoft has not officially announced Windows 12, the most recent public commentary came from EVP Yusuf Mehdi at CES, where he indicated that 2025 would be “the year of the Windows 11 PC refresh,” suggesting that a new major OS is not imminent. Nonetheless, speculation has surged, particularly following an article from PCWorld in early March 2026, which claimed that Windows 12, codenamed “Hudson Valley Next,” was on track for release later this year. The article suggested that it would be built on a modular CorePC architecture and require a neural processing unit (NPU) with at least 40 TOPS of performance for full functionality. However, PCWorld’s executive editor later clarified that many of these assertions were unverified and unfounded.
Further scrutiny from Windows Central’s Zac Bowden debunked the claims, stating that there are currently no plans to release Windows 12 in 2026, and the “Hudson Valley” codename was tied to Windows 11 planning rather than a new operating system. Bowden indicated that 2027 might be the earliest realistic window for any announcement regarding Windows 12. Additionally, rumors suggesting that Windows 12 would operate on a subscription model have been dismissed as “AI hallucinations,” originating from AI-generated content that was misrepresented as original reporting.
In terms of what Microsoft is focusing on with Windows in 2026, reports indicate an internal initiative dubbed Windows K2, which aims to address major complaints about Windows 11, such as performance and reliability. This initiative is not a new OS release but an ongoing effort to enhance the current operating system, including a revamped Start menu and improved File Explorer functionality.
Why is Build 2026 important for Windows 12?
Build has historically served as a platform for Microsoft to unveil significant shifts in its operating systems, providing developers with early insights before public announcements. Notable past reveals include the Windows 8 Developer Preview in 2011 and Windows 10’s Universal Windows Platform in 2015. Although the focus of Build has shifted towards Azure, AI tooling, and Microsoft 365 in recent years, Windows-specific updates have consistently emerged, often with long-term implications.
Recent developments, such as the introduction of Copilot for Windows 11 and the rebranding of the Windows Copilot Runtime to Windows AI Foundry, suggest that Build 2026 will continue this trend. Microsoft’s commitment to improving Windows quality, as outlined by corporate vice president Pavan Davuluri, further underscores the importance of this year’s event.
Will Build 2026 feature Windows 12? What we expect to see
While there is no official indication that Windows 12 will be announced at Build 2026, the event is expected to cover the current state of Windows platform development. Developers can anticipate discussions on various topics, including:
Native Windows development with WinUI 3
The ongoing evolution of Windows platform development is likely to be a focal point for app developers. In March, Microsoft’s Rudy Huyn confirmed the formation of a dedicated team to create 100% native Windows applications using WinUI 3, moving away from reliance on WebView2 wrappers. This shift aims to enhance performance and reduce latency in core applications, including the Start menu.
Recent tooling releases, such as WinUI 3 Gallery 2.9 and a new Windows App Development CLI, further support this initiative. Additionally, Microsoft has introduced a WinUI agent plugin for GitHub Copilot and Claude Code, enhancing AI-assisted development workflows.
On-device AI and the NPU developer baseline
With Build 2025 introducing Windows AI Foundry, Build 2026 is poised to expand on this narrative with sessions focused on on-device AI capabilities. Developers will gain insights into local model execution, desktop integration, and how to structure applications for varying hardware capabilities.
A security model for agentic AI
Security remains a critical concern in Windows development, particularly with the rise of AI agents. Sessions addressing safe design principles and security architecture for agentic applications will provide developers with essential guidance as they navigate these emerging technologies.
Cross-platform developer experience and WSL
Following the open-sourcing of WSL at Build 2025, the upcoming session on “What’s new in Windows Subsystem for Linux” will highlight performance upgrades and improvements aimed at enhancing the developer experience for those utilizing Linux tools on Windows hardware.
Windows 365 enterprise AI deployment
The “Build, deploy, and scale agents with Windows 365” lab will showcase how Windows 365 facilitates the deployment of AI agents in governed environments, reflecting Microsoft’s broader strategy for enterprise-scale Windows deployment.
How to attend Microsoft Build 2026
Build 2026 promises to be a concentrated event, featuring a smaller in-person attendance cap and a focus on technical depth. For developers engaged in Windows or AI integration, the combination of tooling announcements and platform commitments makes this conference particularly noteworthy. In-person tickets are available for ,099, and Microsoft is offering visa support for international attendees. For those unable to attend in person, the keynote and select sessions will be streamed live, with on-demand recordings available post-event.