Windows 18 (L)

For other uses, see Windows 18 (disambiguation).
Windows 18  (codenamed Sandy Storm) is the eighteenth major version of Windows and the sixth version to use the Quantum kernel. It is one of the most popular versions of Windows since Windows 14, with over 75% of devices upgrading in the first six months after the operating system release.
Windows 18 was about rebuilding as the "youth-focused universal operating system" and a "cool operating system" for the masses. Thus, many of its features were making the systems more colorful and stand-out among the marketplace. A new colorful theme, Prism, was one of its defining features and a new less-serious approach was used for Windows 18's marketing.
Starting with Windows 18, versions also now have a codename right after them. Such as "Sandy Storm". This was done to make Windows stand out in the marketplace and "reinvent" Windows.
== System requirements ==
* CPU: 42 GHz or faster CPU, 128 or more cores
* GPU: DirectX 26 Compatible GPU
* RAM: 8TB DDR11 Memory
* Display: 20 Inch or larger (OLED or 8K) display
* Storage: 256TB or larger storage device (at least M.5 SSD)
== New features and changes ==
* 4K support has been removed due to the rapid rise of 8K displays in the late 2030s. 8K is now required to install Windows.
* 8K is now the default resolution of Windows.
* Gaming performance of over 3056 FPS.
* EdgeQ4000.
* Windows 16 became the world's first operating system to allow 64K display support.
* On average, the new Quantum 6 kernel allows the system to boot in 5 seconds or less. However, the boot speed is almost nonexistent on the latest computer models.
* Taskbar overflow has gotten a big update. A new colorful theme called "Prism" has been added. Prism is a colorful and clean interface using Fluent II design while also mixing in Aero- and Luna-like styles.
* Hologram is now a device type but the operating system has yet to be updated for holograms, making it a "beta experience".
* The computer can now set up itself on its own. allowing a quick and simple setup experience. It takes around 30 seconds to initially set up a PC now.
== Development ==
While Windows 17 reception was mostly positive, many felt like Windows had begun to lose in the Operating System Race. And that Windows was not ready yet for the massive changes in tech that were about to come. Many also felt that Windows had become "mundane" and there was a lack of excitement for Windows 17. A storm was coming for Microsoft, and it came in January 2043 when Zenith-Proxima Inc. launched the Zenith C.1 Quantum Computer. It overnight killed sales of non-quantum computers thanks to it's lack of normal bits. It was over 200x the speed of the highest end computers at the time, and was more powerful than the human brain, being able to complete tasks that would normally take over 1,000 years without quantum computing in seconds. Soon afterward a wave of Quantum Computers flooded the market quickly driving costs down and leading to sales of Windows going down a whopping 65%. Zenith C.1 used Google's Fuchsia OS, giving Google a huge edge. Windows was reduced to just 45% of the market by May 2043. As Google surged ahead. Apple was hit hard also. And thus it seemed to many that Microsoft was to fade into history. An alliance was formed between Apple and Microsoft as the two sought to rebuild their companies in this new wave. Interest in iOS had also decreased due to Fuchsia. forcing Apple to add Boot Camp to the iPhone 39, as well as move to Qualcomm processors to support Fuchsia, leaving the A- and AX-series processors behind.
Apple taught Microsoft how to re-imagine themselves and Microsoft taught Apple how to best market their cloud services. Windows 18's development started in September 2043 and had to be finished soon or else.. Google would gain more market share in the OS wars. It was a ticking time bomb for the two companies. After a few months of hard work, the two companies managed to develop the first builds of Windows 18 and macOS 50. The two companies parted ways, but Apple developed the Prism theme and helped developed some parts of the start menu and apps. Windows 18 was formally showcased to the world on November 20, 2044. and launch followed 7 months later in June 2045.
== Insider Builds ==
=== NOTE! Builds prior to Build 95795.1000 are simply "Sandy Storm Builds". ===
=== Build 94251.1000 (2043-12-12) ===
Earliest build of Windows 18. It was leaked in 2050. at this stage. It looks a lot like Windows 17 expect for a early version of the Prism theme.
=== Build 95251.1000 (2044-1-15) ===
Earliest Insider build of Windows 18. The Prism theme has been fully developed, Windows Sandy Storm branding and a brand-new sandstorm wallpaper have been added, and Prism has up to 24 color variations at this point. There are also options to have an Aero-like theme.
=== Build 95258.1000 (2044-2-12) ===
Prism theme now also supports a Luna-like theme style, WinUI 10 has been added to most areas and a lot of icons have been updated. A new simpler OOBE has been added which allows quick setup of the device. Settings has been overhauled in this build, adding hundreds of options previously in the Control Panel. The Start Menu has been totally redesigned to become more colorful and creative. There is even a option to have a MacOS dock-like-taskbar.
=== Build 95261.1000 (2044-2-24) ===
A new interface for dual-screen devices that replaces the start menu with a full-screen menu has been added but is not fully functional, branded as "Project Sytix." It is based on technology first seen in MacOS 25 "Atyix". Apple and Microsoft also settled the dispute over iOS and MacOS apps. finally allowing MacOS/iOS apps to run on Windows in exchange for Microsoft allowing Windows apps to be run on MacOS. The Apple Subsystem for Windows (ASW) was added. But at this point. It can only run basic apps, with complex apps and games being buggy and slow.
=== Build 95268.1000 (2044-3-2) ===
This build adds a new Metanet app (developed by Apple) to easily access both the Internet and the Metanet using either a HoloLens, Vision Pro, or other Metanet-enabled VR headset. The "Legacy Fluent" theme has been removed. Windows 18 now also supports Apple ARM's chips, thanks to a new build architecture called QntM, referring to both Apple's M-series of chips and Window's Quantum kernel.
=== Build 95272.1000 (2044-3-8) ===
Prism has now been set to the default theme on Home Edition, while Fluent II remains the default on Pro. In Prism, icons are now more colorful and "pop-out" looking like the icons in macOS 11 and beyond. While Fluent II icons remain for Pro Users.
=== Build 95285.1000 (2044-4-12) ===
After a month long hiatus, development picked up once more. Development soon moved from 43H2 semester to 44H2 semester, from this stage until the formal preview of Windows 18 in late 2044. Bug-fixes and tweaks are the main focus. while a couple of smaller features are added or removed. This is the final build Apple formally works on.
=== Build 95289.1000 (2044-4-16) ===
Mostly to fix small bugs reported on Prism Theme. Apple formally finishes its development of MacOS 50. Thus, the partnership ends. From this point. Microsoft takes over the development of Windows 18. The last vestiges of the Windows NT kernel have been removed. Meanwhile the log-in screen has gotten a small refresh.
=== Build 95295.1000 (2044-4-25) ===
More bug-fixes. Making the system more stable. Dev Channel Insiders are now fully moved to Windows 18. A leak on Twitter shows some "Windows 18" branding appearing on some unknown places. Using some editing, icons now can now "animate" on the taskbar.
=== Build 95301.1000 (2044-5-4) ===
There is now a option for a "simple start menu", which makes the start menu look similar to the Windows 7 start menu. A set of 20 new wallpapers, designed to fit well with Prism, have been added. Apple Subsystem for Windows can now run apps downloaded from the App Store though support is quite messy at this stage. Project Sytix has recieved a slew of small new updates such as replacing the taskbar with a dock.
=== Build 95308.1000 (2044-5-10) ===
QntM now adds support for MX Max, MX Pro, MX Ultra and M Extreme. Lots of bug fixes to Project Sytix to make it more stable and run better. Support for HoloLens X has been added. Iris has been reworked to be more secure. Passkeys are easier to set up.
=== Build 95316.1000 (2044-5-17) ===
Microsoft announced a formal pause in the development of Sandy Storm for the next two months as Microsoft focused it's efforts on Windows 17 feature updates. This build offers only bug fixes.
=== Build 95401.1000 (2044-6-05) ===
The Semester is moved from 44H2 to 45H2 Caesium Semester. This build was leaked on July 17. It offers further bug fixes and some small changes to the interface.
=== Build 95564.1000 (2044-7-12) ===
Shown at Ignite 2048 on a prototype AMD device. Not much has changed, except for the Microsoft Confidential watermark has been added. It was soon dumped and leaked to public. It has a near-final version of Apple Subsystem for Windows. and a updated Microsoft Store with App Store integration.
=== Build 95567.1000 (2044-7-23) ===
Development started up once more. Neutron has been redesigned from the ground up to run better and faster. and offers a new clean interface. A short warning was added after the boot-screen reminding users that the build was "an experimental preview" of Windows vNext (Windows 18). A new copyright notice was added in Winver/About Windows: "Help and Development from Apple Inc. (C) 1976-2048"
=== Build 95681.1000 (2044-8-15) ===
Bug fixes and Microsoft Sasti updates.
=== Build 95681.1000 (2044-9-3) ===
Development pauses once more. Microsoft shifts its efforts back to Windows 17. This would be the last pause prior to the showcase of Windows 18.
=== Build 95795.1000 (2044-11-20) ===
Showcased at "Windows Unleashed" Microsoft event. The Final name of Windows 18 was showcased. A lot of new features were showcased at the event such as a new version of EdgeQ and Project Sytix was unveiled as "Windows Fold". Some of the new features were newly re-imagined desktop widgets and online syncing across operating systems. QuantumDrive was added to File Explorer. New startup and shutdown sounds were showcased and new system requirements were announced too. The Metanet app was renamed "Metaview" and was to be merged with EdgeQ. A new Windows Defender was showcased too with support for combating ransomware and cyber-warfare. It was then soon launched to Insiders a day later.
=== Build 95798.1000 (2044-11-27) ===
Apple Subsystem for Windows was finalized. EdgeQ4000 is now installed by default, and includes the new "Metanet Mode". Windows Fold runs faster and does not crash as often. Neutron now supports resolutions up to 32K.
=== Build 95806.1000 (2044-12-6) ===
A total of 50 new widgets were added. Fuchsia Subsystem for Windows (FSW) was added to allow the running of Fuchsia apps. A set of 20 more Prism wallpapers were added.
=== Build 95814.1000 (2044-12-14) ===
Foldable Windows has been rolled out to all Dev Channel Insiders. Windows 18 branding has replaced Sandy Storm in a lot of places. File Explorer has gotten a slew of updates, such as a new interface and a set of brand-new-icons alongside faster QuantumDrive uploading.
=== Build 95814.1010 (2044-12-16) ===
Minor bug-fixes.
=== Build 95819.1000 (2044-12-23) ===
A new Snow wallpaper/theme for Prism has been added and Microsoft Store now has support for Fuchsia Apps. Visual Studio is now bundled with "Developer Pro" SKU.
=== Build 95855.1000 (2045-1-14) ===
Last build from rs_prerelease branch. It has a set of new emojis and the taskbar can be moved again. There are also updates to Windows Foldable such as multitasking widgets and apps and dual-screen app opening. A dock has been added to the bottom to easily access apps while in Fold Mode.
=== Build 95867.1 (2045-2-3) ===
First build from cs_release branch. 49H2 branding has been added to Winver and Settings. A slew of new features have been added such as a brand-new Print App and redesigned HoloLens App. Tabs have been added to Microsoft Store and a new video editor has been added called "Electron". It is in a early access state though and only a limited amount of Dev Channel Insiders have access to the app.
=== Build 95873.1 (2045-2-14) ===
Taskbar overflow has undergone big changes and further interface changes have been made to Windows Fold. Electron has rolled out to all Dev Channel Insiders.
=== Build 95878.1 (2045-2-22) ===
Rolled out for Beta Channel Insiders. Windows Fold has been declared "feature-complete". Setup now can setup the computer itself. Electron now has tabs to quickly access different video projects. Setting default apps is now easier then before. Some final UI elements that weren't refreshed have either been refreshed or merged with other UI elements.
=== Build 95884.1 (2045-3-9) ===
Several bug-fixes and updates to log-in screen. Open with Dialog was updated. A set of new Prism sounds have been added. Many app icons have gotten a refresh too, fitting with the appearance of Windows 18. Last build for the Dev Channel, as the Dev Channel moved to 50H2 semester.
=== Build 95992.1 (2045-3-18) ===
Final Insider Build, launched to Release Preview Channel. On April 14th. this build became the RTM build of Windows 18.
=== Build 95992.450 (2045-6-22) ===
GA build. Rolled out to Windows Update on June 22nd, officially marking the end of development.
== Post-Release Updates ==
=== Build 95993.0 ===
First major update to Windows 18. An updated Electron has arrived with support with 256K in beta.
=== Build 95993.1 ===
Second major update to Windows 18. Electron now has full 256K support.
=== Build 95993.101 ===
Final major build for Windows 18. Users using Windows 16 who haven't updated have been given a final prompt to update. (If meeting system requirements)
Category:Fictional Windows versions