win12

Win12 is a browser-based simulation of what a Windows 12 operating system interface might look like, built entirely with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It is not a Microsoft product and has no connection to any actual Windows release. The project began after one of the core contributors saw a concept design for Windows 12 made in PowerPoint and decided to recreate the look as a working web experience.

The simulation includes a Start menu, multiple application windows, dark mode, and an AI Copilot feature. Users can try the live version in a browser without installing anything. The project notes that mobile support is incomplete and is better suited to desktop browsers.

The README and most documentation are written in Chinese, though the project includes translation support through an i18n library and has community-contributed language files. The three original core developers were middle school students at the time the project launched.

The roadmap lists completed items including a basic file system, built-in browser, window management, and an Edge browser application. Items still planned include dynamic wallpapers, a Microsoft Store equivalent, expanded taskbar customization, and more complete settings. Some items on the list are noted as humorous aspirations, such as adapting the project for quantum computers.

The project is organized across several companion repositories covering themes, a PR preview system, a wiki, an offline version, app data, and a React port. The source code is licensed under the Eclipse Public License 2.0. Media assets are licensed under Creative Commons BY-SA 4.0. Additional terms in the README apply to users and distributors in mainland China regarding attribution and commercial use.