This unreleased Microsoft Windows operating system just leaked online
You can download Windows Core Polaris now but good luck getting it running
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Developing a lightweight version ofWindows 10for low-performance devices is somethingMicrosofthas been working on for some time now as shown by a leaked development build of Windows Core Polaris that recently appeared online.
The software giant has been developing a modular version of Windows codenamed “Windows Core OS” since at least 2017. Microsoft planned to offer different versions of Windows to suit a number of form factors including phones, 2-in-1s, dual-screen PCs and even collaboration devices.
The company initially created two versions of Windows using Windows Core OS: Andromeda for mobile devices and Polaris for laptops and desktops. However, Polaris was intended to replaceWindows 10 S Modeas it was built with low-end devices in mind. For this reason, Microsoft wanted to remove legacy elements such as the Control Panel from Polaris.
Polaris leak
Polarisbuild 16299 forArmdevices was recently shared online without a Windows shell or apps by a leaker known as Scamdisk. In the build’sread me, Scamdisk provided additional details and explained what it would take to get it running, saying:
“This is PolarisOS. It’s a cancelled edition of Windows Core OS that was designed for Desktops and Laptops. This image is early enough to not include much more than the OS itself. It comes with no shell, and won’t load any. You need an ARM device to boot this, and you need to sideload drivers before first boot.”
The build itself is from 2018 when Microsoft shifted its focus away from Windows Core OS to Windows Lite/Santorini which is now known asWindows 10X. In the end, the software giant ended up canceling both Polaris and Andromeda with Polaris being replaced by Windows 10X while Andromeda was replaced with Android on theSurface Duo.
Windows users will finally get a chance to take Windows 10X for a spin later this spring and laptops and other devices running the newoperating systemshould arrive by summer of 2021.
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ViaBleepingComputer
After working with the TechRadar Pro team for the last several years, Anthony is now the security and networking editor at Tom’s Guide where he covers everything from data breaches and ransomware gangs to the best way to cover your whole home or business with Wi-Fi. When not writing, you can find him tinkering with PCs and game consoles, managing cables and upgrading his smart home.
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