‘Microsoft is working on Windows 10 variant with virtualized Win32 software’

Microsoft is rumored to be working on a version of Windows 10 based on the modular Windows Core OS, aimed at PCs. With the OS codenamed Polaris, Win32 programs could only run virtualized.

Microsoft would have removed many traditional features and code from Polaris to make it a secure, fast and modern OS, Windows Central writes. Win32 components, among other things, should be eliminated and instead the software would revolve entirely around the Universal Windows Platform, with apps from the Windows Store. The software could still run traditional Windows programs, but through virtualization, similar to how the HP Elite X3 Win32 software could run on Windows 10 Mobile. With Windows on ARM, the Win32 programs run via emulation.

Furthermore, Polaris would include the universal CShell, or Composable Shell, instead of the current Windows Shell. Microsoft would compile the software especially for PCs such as desktops, laptops and convertibles based on Windows Core OS, the modular core that should form the basis for more Windows variants. Earlier, information came out about Andromeda OS for mobile devices, which would also be based on Windows Core OS. Windows Central is well-informed and regularly releases Windows news for official announcements.

Windows 10 S thus seems to be a precursor to Polaris. This OS can also only run uwp apps by default, although an upgrade to Windows 10 Pro is still possible. Microsoft seemed to push Windows 10 S emphatically as the future of Windows last year, but seems to be backing off on that. In the US, the company’s Surface laptop is no longer available exclusively with Windows 10 S, but optionally also directly with Windows 10 Pro.