concept design Archives

Winsage

February 19, 2026

Ex-Microsoft engineer says this is what Windows’ Task Manager would “probably” look like today — but it’s a “good thing” he stuck to his OS design lane

Dave W. Plummer, a former Microsoft employee, contributed to the Windows ecosystem, notably with the Task Manager, Calculator, and a classic pinball game. He left Microsoft in 2003 and recently expressed on Reddit that "there should be nothing that TaskMgr can't kill." Plummer shared a concept design for a modern Task Manager on his X account, inspired by his Tempest AI project, featuring a cyberpunk theme, various graphs, speedometer-style gauges, and music with a synthwave vibe. He selected Tempest for his AI project due to its challenging gameplay and holds the world record for it. The project utilizes about 75% of the GPU at 30 frames per second on his M2 Mac Pro.

Winsage

March 22, 2025

Windows 25 solves Windows 11’s biggest problem — download it now

Windows 25 has been released, bringing back the traditional left-aligned taskbar and Start menu for users who prefer this layout over the centered design of Windows 11. The Windows 25 theme, created by AR 4789, can be applied to Windows 11 to enhance the user experience and can be uninstalled if desired. A video by Link Vegas provides a detailed guide on how to implement the theme, which involves a lengthy installation process requiring file renaming and copying. To apply the theme, users need three specific files.

Winsage

December 4, 2024

No word on Windows 12 from Microsoft, a concept design simulates every avid enthusiast’s vision board for Windows 11’s successor, including Windows AI

A concept designer has presented a vision for Microsoft's upcoming Windows 12 operating system, featuring a centered taskbar, a streamlined Start menu, and enhanced user experience. The design includes integration of Windows AI for text and image inputs, a floating bar for Start and Search functionalities, and a more functional Start menu. The aesthetics reflect a minimalistic approach similar to Windows 11, with rounded corners and floating widgets. The revamped Settings app aims to simplify navigation. The concept suggests a potential rebranding of existing AI features under "Windows Intelligence." The emphasis on generative AI indicates its significant role in the future of the Windows operating system.

Winsage

November 29, 2024

This bold Windows 12 Lite concept video imagines a new direction for Microsoft’s OS

Microsoft has previously attempted to launch lighter versions of its Windows operating system, but these efforts have often been discontinued. A concept designer named AR4789 has created a video for the Windows 12 Lite concept, which emphasizes aesthetic changes rather than technical improvements. The concept features a bottom taskbar for applications and a separate floating taskbar for system icons and the Start menu, resembling the macOS Menu bar. It retains rounded corners for windows and reintroduces a tiled Start menu, which was removed in Windows 11. The Windows Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE) is also envisioned to be revamped while keeping familiar elements. There has been no official announcement from Microsoft about Windows 12, but speculation suggests that the company may have been preparing for its release this year, although the focus has shifted to the rollout of Windows 11 24H2.

Winsage

September 19, 2024

I’m in love with this aesthetic Windows 12 concept design | Digital Trends

AR 4789 has envisioned a potential design for Windows 12, showcasing a sleek and minimalist interface similar to macOS, featuring a floating dock and a top-positioned taskbar. The concept includes an installation process that allows gaming during setup, a "Tool for Focus" to minimize distractions, a revamped File Explorer with enhanced Quick Access and recent files layout, and customizable Start Menu options. Users can choose from various integrated wallpapers and toggle between Light and Dark Modes. The concept also includes Copilot for creating multiple desktops and different Start Menu layouts. Although initially rumored to debut this year, focus has shifted to the 24H2 update, as Windows 10 remains dominant with support until October 2025.

Winsage

September 19, 2024

A concept designer’s ‘Windows 12.1’ illustration demonstrates the minimalistic Start menu we’ve been begging Microsoft for on Windows 11 with less AI chaff

Microsoft has not officially announced details about the next generation of its operating system, but a concept design called Windows 12.1 has emerged, featuring a minimalistic Start menu focused on essential apps and an interactive layout. The redesigned File Explorer includes a sidebar for easier navigation, while the taskbar resembles an Apple Dock. Microsoft plans to retire Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, which has raised concerns among users about potential environmental impacts. Despite efforts to promote Windows 11, many users remain on Windows 10 due to its significant market share, stringent system requirements, and design flaws in Windows 11. Speculation suggests that Windows 12 may require advanced hardware, possibly including a dedicated neural processing unit (NPU). The concept design features a clean interface, multitasking capabilities, and a streamlined Start menu that addresses criticisms of Windows 11. The new File Explorer emphasizes simplicity and drag-and-drop functionality. Additionally, Microsoft's AI tool, Copilot, is included in the concept, although it plays a secondary role, and the company has paused new Copilot experiences to refine existing features while introducing new offerings.

Winsage

September 18, 2024

Windows 12.1 is everything Windows 11 should be — and the Microsoft operating system we need!

Microsoft is set to conclude support for Windows 10, prompting users to consider upgrading to Windows 11 or waiting for a potential Windows 12. Concept creator AR 4789 has envisioned a version called Windows 12.1, showcasing features such as simultaneous gaming and web browsing, a modern interface with a minimalist taskbar and updated Start menu, and a refined File Explorer. The concept includes a balanced integration of AI features like Copilot and allows for customizable lockscreen backgrounds.