In August, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella indicated that the company is evolving beyond co-founder Bill Gates’ software factory vision, which has primarily helped drive its market capitalization well beyond $3 trillion. Instead, the software giant’s next chapter will be more centered on intelligence, integration, and AI.
Over the past few years, the company has heavily invested in AI, venturing into a multibillion-dollar partnership with OpenAI. Consequently, it has heavily integrated the ChatGPT maker’s next-gen technology across its tech stack, including Windows.
Counter proposal — this Windows 26 concept could be a great starting point for Microsoft
Over the past few months, power users and Windows enthusiasts alike have taken it upon themselves to fix what Microsoft has thrown a deaf ear to. “Windows doesn’t really suck,” indicated retired Microsoft Engineer Dave W. Plummer. “It’s that Windows tries to be a friendly town for everybody, and the zoning board forgot to include a neighbourhood for the weirdos who build their own furniture”.
In a detailed 16-minute-long YouTube video, the OS engineer highlighted how he’d fix Windows with a “pro mode,” which is essentially the answer to all power users’ woes about the platform’s shortcomings.
Concept designer Abdi (AR 4789 on YouTube) has also shared some interesting concept designs that seemingly address the complaints users have about Windows, including Windows 12.2 with a hint of nostalgia, and this ‘Brilliant’ Windows 12 concept.
And now, the talented designer is back with yet another concept — this time, Windows 26. In his typical demo style, the concept video is short and sweet. The concept features a friendly design consistent across the operating system, including a shrunk Taskbar, which I presume can be adjusted in the settings to meet your specifications for better productivity.
The Start menu also gets a glow-up, which subscribes to the Fluent Design system. AI has seemingly taken a backseat in the concept design video, and only makes an appearance where it really matters. For instance, when looking for files in your device, kind of like the Semantic search feature in those shiny Copilot+ PCs that lets you find files in a split second using natural language.
Copilot AI also gets a brain transplant, which seemingly makes it smarter to take on complex and even repetitive tasks like changing your device’s background.
Windows 26 also ships with a turn of customization options and a more fluid and consistent dark mode. Microsoft, what say you?👀 What’s more, like how PowerToys’ auto‑switch light feature, it lets you switch between dark and light mode automatically, depending on what time of the day it is (I assume sunrise and sunset times).
While this hasn’t been specifically spelled out as the minimum system requirements for the futuristic OS, the device ships with 2TB of storage, 32GB RAM, and a Snapdragon X Elite chip. But what stands out the most for me is how beautifully the Liquid Glass design complements the entire design. it reminds me of Aero Glass from the Windows Vista days. Such a blast from the past!
As always, this is just a concept design that envisions what a future version of Windows could possibly look like, but if only Microsoft embraces some of these ideas.
FAQ
What is Windows Aero?
Windows Aero was Microsoft’s glossy, glass‑like interface introduced in Windows Vista and carried into Windows 7. It became iconic for its transparency effects and smooth animations
What does the Windows 26 concept show?
The concept revives Aero’s translucent design but adds a consistent dark theme, futuristic UI elements, and modernized window management.
Why is this significant?
It contrasts with Microsoft’s current push toward an “agentic OS” powered by AI, instead focusing on visual design and user experience nostalgia.
Is this official?
No — this is a fan‑made concept design, not an official Microsoft roadmap.
What are Microsoft’s future plans for Windows?
According to recent comments by Windows lead Pavan Davuluri, Windows 11’s successor might be heavily AI-powered as the platform evolves into the agentic AI era.
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