Windows Zinc

Windows Zinc  (codenamed Yosemite) is an operating system developed by Microsoft Corporation in late 2027. It was created as a modern operating system which linked the outdated NT kernel, which at that time was over 34 years old (The first version, Windows NT 3.1, was released in 1993) and still contained traces from MS-DOS, which dated as far back as Windows 1.0, which released in 1985, to a part of the new and upcoming Quantum kernel, meant to be a universal kernel for all systems, including phones, tablets, normal PCs, laptops, consoles, and much more. As a result, it was designed for developers to get ready for the launch of Windows 13, and for consumers to get a glimpse into the future of Windows. It was also a transitional release of Microsoft Windows, to give time for users and developers to adapt and maintain their apps to support the new Quantum kernel with its new technologies that help make the user experience more seamless for all kinds of users from casual home users, gamers, and proffesional buisness users.
It received a very positive reception, with critics praising it for how polished the operating system was, revamping Fluent design and great new features, including the new kernel and the Acrilic theme. Criticism of Windows Zinc arose after leaks showed that Windows Zinc was going to be short lived, due to the release of Windows 13 that was coming in a few years. To address some of these complaints, Microsoft positioned the OS alongside of Windows 13 and later, Windows 14. It was only until Windows 15 that Microsoft would start encouraging Windows Zinc users to upgrade their operating systems. Although that Windows Zinc was designed to be a niche operating system, it quickly became the best selling operating system that Microsoft made, selling over 591 million consumer units, 421 million business units, and around 500 million units licensed to OEMs. This was due to the fact that people were looking for a simple yet fresh operating system at the time, it also had the advantage of releasing near the holiday season. In the end, Microsoft said that Windows Zinc was proof that Quantum would be a very successful kernel for years to come, and development for Uranium would continue with a larger team and more tools for greater chances of success.
== Features ==
Zinc included many features to prepare users for the launch of the Quantum Kernel and Windows 13, it also introduced other great features that would shape Windows for the next decade and beyond. Many features of Windows Zinc would come to be the basis of many of the new features of future Windows operating systems, including Windows 13, Windows 14, Windows 15, Windows 16, and beyond.
=== DirectX Q/13 Ultimate ===
* Most stable version of DirectX ever
* It increased frame rates on supported devices by 90%
* It also had AI integration, such as increased artificial frame rates on all supported devices without being limited by the age of the computer and the GPU and CPU running the computer.
* DirectX 13/Q Ultimate was powered by a cluster of datacenters and servers all around the world in ARM and x86-64 architecture to support all systems that can run Windows 13.
=== Visual Studio 2 and Lima ===
* This version of Visual Studio was designed for new apps and existing apps to adapt to the Quantum Kernel
* Lima was the transition platform for apps to rewrite their code for Quantum, as the new kernel was not compatible with Windows NT applications and legacy 8 and 16-bit applications, although Windows Zinc did support these with the temporary addition of NTVDM/QLAP (see below).
* (think of it like Rosetta for app devolopers to support their apps for ARM technology for Apple Silicon, alongside normal x86-32 and x86-64 architecture)
* At launch, Visual Studio 2 had over 1,000,000 plugins, all checked and curated by Microsoft to ensure the highest quality and stability.
* Lima had code converters for C, C+, C++, Rust, C#, Java, Lua, and even Assembly. It also had converters for 16 and 32-bit applications to 64-bit floats (clusters of 16 and 32 bits that form a 64 bit integer).
=== EdgeQ (Beta) ===
* This was a very early version of the EdgeQ browser introduced with Windows 13.
* It included all of the features of Edge, along with new features such as Double View and System Browser.
* Double View allowed you to view 2 tabs at once in the same window
* System browser allows the entire OS to run on EdgeQ, including apps like Terminal and Notepad. This was only possible due to the amount of features Edge and EdgeQ got in the timeframe between Windows 12 and Windows Zinc, and the code for Edge being rewritten.
* Edge and EdgeQ are now able to be uninstalled normally due to the EU's DMA (Digital Markets Act) and DSA (Digital Services Act) enacted in 2024. Although this change was implemented in Windows 12, for some reason it disappeared in Windows IT. So this was a readdition to comply with the new rules.
=== OOBE ===
* The OOBE experience was nuked and reworked from scratch, resulting in a more fluid and lively setup experience
* Fun Fact: When enabling the new "Recommend Settings" toggle, extremely high privacy settings will be turned on. This is due to a privacy class-action lawsuit Microsoft faced while developing Windows Zinc around 2026 (Sanders and Co. Vs Microsoft Corporation) that was heard by the Supreme Court of the United States of America.
* There is new music that plays in the OOBE that makes the installer calmer and more lively.
=== Redesigned Start Menu ===
* The start menu is now divided into the all new "Start Hub" and "All apps"
* It contains "Quick Actions" such as checking the weather, news, mail, and sticky notes.
* The "All Apps" tab now has a filter, rather than being limited to alphabetical order like in previous versions.
=== Hybrid Code ===
* This was the code that connected NT to Quantum, as such, it is very important to the purpose of this entire operating system.
* The NT version has been updated to 15.0 and 15.1 for 30H1 and Windows Server 2028.
* The Quantum version was 1.2, and was later renamed to V1 with Windows 13
* The NT kernel was completely rewritten, as well as a new option to boot into command line based on a hybrid between Windows Quantum and NT.
=== Game Hub ===
* This was essentially a hub for all of your games, achievements, and XBOX Game Pass add-ons.
* It had a streaming feature where you could stream XBOX exclusives that are not on Game Pass in full 4K quality with little to no lag, which was very innovative for its time. It was basically an upgraded version of XBOX Cloud Gaming.
=== Merged Settings App ===
* Settings was completely nuked and reworked from scratch, bringing an all new experience.
* All remaining Control Panel settings were moved to Settings, as such, Control Panel was deprecated and made inaccessible from now on (it would be reinstated in Windows 14)
* You could technically still launch Control Panel from Terminal though by running the new launch app command and running launch_app Command Panel. However, it would just show a charteruse-purple screen saying "Control Panel is now deprecated. it can't be launched"
* You can now change settings previously limited to the UEFI screen during boot/startup.
* You can now edit registry settings from here, although the normal Registry Editor is still included
=== Copilot 2 ===
* Although inaccessible from the taskbar, Copilot 2 brought many improvements to Copilot, including accuracy and grammar improvements.
* Copilot 2 implemented the Dynamic Search feature, previously introduced in Windows IT.
=== Revamped Winver ===
* Winver got a remake, now showing extremely important information in a Fluent Design style or format.
* Winver now shows the amount of storage, date of installation, branch of kernel running on (NT or Quantum), as well as hardware information.
* Fun Fact: Pressing CTRL - Shift - D with a Winver window open would open a secret mini game about the history of Windows, starting from Windows 1.0.
* The copyright notice has been updated to © 1985-2027
=== Files ===
* Files was redeveloped from the ground up, adding exceptional features
* Microsoft actually partnered with the 3rd party Files program app devolopers to design this app
* It introduced the Dropzone, a place for all of your files that don't have a place yet.
* It introduced an early version of the HFD (High-Efficacy Drive) introduced in Windows 13.
* To accommodate this, the developers had to code an all-new system to accommodate NTFS and HFD.
* It also added support for a prototype protocol, WinFS, which was planned all the way from Windows Vista
=== BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) ===
* Zinc introduced a completely new BSOD
* This BSOD removes the sad face ":(" emoticon
* The QR code and stop code now contain the exact information about what happened, although the Stop Code used in the example given is the default "CRITICAL_PROCESS_DIED" stop code when Windows cannot identify exact details of the problem.
* You can revert back to the Windows 11/12 BSOD at any time through an entry in the settings app.
=== Acrilic ===
* Acrilic is a new theme for Windows
* It was designed to be a fun theme to realign Windows with the youth
* It was very colorful, exceptional, and had a plethora of customization options
* It could be considered a predecessor of the Prism theme found in Windows 18.
=== New Windows Installer ===
* Just like the OOBE, the Windows Installer was redesigned from scratch
* The new Installer was the most lively and fluid installer yet.
* You could always revert to the old installer
* You can re-experience the installer through one of the pre-installed mini-games (see below).
=== Mini-games and Legacy embracing ===
* There are many Minigames and wallpapers that returned in Windows Zinc.
* In terms of Minigames, they included classic minesweeper, Purble Palace from Windows Vista, as well as pinball from Windows 98.
* In terms of wallpapers, they included a retaken image of Bliss, the iconic wallpaper of Windows XP, a new cloud wallpaper inspired by Windows 95 and 98, and a remixed version of Harmony, the default wallpaper of Windows 7.
=== Streamlining ===
* Windows Zinc revisited and redesigned many features not touched since older versions, all the way back to Windows 3.1
* This was mostly due to community feedback about how Windows 11 and Windows 12 were reskins of older versions of Windows, such as Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP, and even Windows 95 and 3.1
=== Easter Eggs ===
* For the first time since Windows XP, Windows Zinc included many Easter eggs referencing staff, memes, internet culture, and more
* One Easter egg was in the integrated registry, in the new branch "HKEY_QNT_GUI", you could find "CanHasSuperbar" (from certain Windows 7 builds). After setting the value to 1, when closing the registry Window or start menu, a dialog box will appear saying "somebody at Microsoft loves memes"
=== Android Apps (Native) ===
* Windows Zinc reintroduced Android apps for the first time after their discontinuation in 2024
* These apps were provided through a Google Play Store plugin developed in partnership with Google, and these apps arrived on the Microsoft Store.
* Developers could opt in to make their apps native to work better with Windows
These features were praised for their usability and how they made Windows Zinc such a beautiful and functional OS, however, they had some bugs which were fixed in later builds and releases. Some of the features of Windows Zinc would later become the base of other features on future Windows versions. Some of the code used in Windows Zinc would continue to be used in future Windows versions all the way until Windows 19.
== Development ==
The development of Windows Zinc most likely began in 2024, with the release of Windows 12. Microsoft said that Windows 12 and its versions would be the last Windows version with the NT kernel. Zinc was being developed around the same time as Windows IT. As a result, it shared much of the same code as Zinc.
In early 2024, Microsoft Corporation laid out the plan for the next few releases of Windows until 2035. In it, there were 5 Windows operating systems, as well as one variant. These were called by their codenames, Warpial for Windows IT, Palisade for Windows 13 (and Farlanese for 13X, a mobile oriented version of Windows 13), and Gamma for Windows 14. In the place of now-known Windows Zinc were 3 releases, Life Valley, Da Vinci, and Juneau. intended to be completely new releases of Windows for the different markets of gaming and home usage. However, soon after, Microsoft merged the first 2 projects to create Yosemite, which would be later known as Windows Zinc, and Juneau was canceled.
At that time, while the idea of a new kernel for the Microsoft Windows operating system had been conceptualized and started work on, it wasn't clear which operating system would introduce the new kernel, which was not named at the time. There was serious debate about which operating system would start the transition, actually include traces of the kernel, and which operating system would finalize the transition. After back-and-forth and many uncomfortable meetings between marketers, software devolopers, engineers, as well as the C-Suite and the board of directors at Microsoft, it was decided that Windows IT would start the transition with some components of Windows Quantum, Windows Zinc would actually include the Quantum kernel, as well as the full transition to Quantum for Windows IT in a later update, and the final operating system to end the transition was to be Windows 13, fully adopting the Quantum Kernel and removing all traces of Windows NT, while keeping support for 16 and 32-bit applications (although Microsoft switched some components of 16 and 32-bit applications to 64-bit floats to combat the Y2K38 problem).
Another reason for the merging of the 2 projects was a wide-range restructuring of Microsoft Corporation, with a shift in ideologies to a "less evil and more privacy focused" approach, Satya Nadella still remained as CEO, but the entire rest of the board was different, and as such, the 2 projects were merged to create Yosemite, which was the codename for Windows Zinc.
After the release of Windows 13, leaked documents showed that the new kernel wasn't the final decision for the major change in Windows 13, instead, it showed that around 2028, there were 2 projects about the kernel, Project Uranium and Project QNT. The reason for using the new kernel in Windows Zinc then trying to decide between the new kernel and QNT was a new board member who joined after Windows Zinc was released, George Kurtz, the CEO of cybersecurity company Crowdstrike. who had the highest sole-stock share amount in Microsoft. Having different ideas than the rest of the board, he decided to put up the idea of reviving Windows NT, citing knowledge of corporations and users that will be lost during the transition, which wouldve slowed down the transition if it would've happened. However, after much deliberation, the new kernel was chosen due to progress being so slow on the QNT side.
Windows Zinc was first discovered via dataming, when a user found " Codename Yosemite" in branches of the "WIN_HKY_KSN" internal development database shared to developers for development compatibility purposes for normal x86 systems and Windows on ARM systems, following Microsoft's push for ARM Chips.
=== Build 24100.009973 (28 April 2024) ===
This was the first confirmed build. The version's ISO was leaked a few days after Ignite 2024, with it quickly being taken down and the leaker being sued for leaking private data. It seemed to include new features (which all crashed at startup for security but were bypassed using a plugin) that hinted at a new kernel. This is also the first version to have Quantum_Win, which was the kernel identifier for all Quantum versions. This build identified itself as an Windows 11 Professional SKU build
=== Build 24100.09982 (13 May 2024) ===
This was the first beta to include Visual Studio Quantum (Beta) and XBOX Game Hub (later renamed to Game Hub). These features were also protected by ZincLock, Microsoft's proprietary security system, but were bypassed by a more advanced type of the plugin used to unlock Build 2410.009973's features. This build had a charteruse " shh... let's not leak our hard work" wallpaper. This was a multi-SKU build.
=== Build 24110.001137 (27 June 2024) ===
This beta was open for installation at the Insider program. It included all the previous features (but with references to Quantum removed) Visual Studio Quantum was officialy renamed Visual Studio 2 . As well as the kernel identifier renamed to NT_Hybrid.
=== Build 24110.001150 (15 July 2024) ===
This beta build was supposed to be a bug-fixing release, with major bugs in Visual Studio 2, XBOX Game Hub, the new Settings app, and the Start Menu removed. It also introduced the new Command Center, which was an advanced version of Terminal. ZincLock was reinstated for this build, and was bypassed shortly after (5 weeks)
=== Build 24110.001160 (29 August 2024) ===
This build included a redesign for all the Windows 95/98-era icons, being replaced by Fluent icons, while maintaining functionality. It also included a beta version of the already-existing Microsoft Store, which was updated to support Quantum Apps. This build also removed support for Control Panel from pre-installed apps. The ISO for this build was leaked using a variation of ZincLock, as a result, Microsoft committed to not using it for future versions. Starting with removing ZincLock functionality in some apps.
=== Build 24110.001170 (16 September 2024) ===
This build of Zinc introduced DirectX Q Ultimate, which was a version of DirectX specifically made for games to transition smoothly into the Quantum era. It also introduced ZincPill, a more secure version of ZincLock, which was extremely secure, and took 2 years after Zinc's RTM to decrypt and disable. It also fixed bugs with EdgeQ Beta.
=== Build 24110.001180 (24 October 2024) ===
This build of Zinc was mostly a bug-fixing build. It also introduced refinements to Game Hub, Visual Studio 2, and Terminal. Media Player was now fully 64-bit and now was defended from the Y2K38 bug.
=== Build 24110.001190 (16 November 2024) ===
This build introduced a beta version of Copilot 2, which was powered by a custom large language model (LLM) called GPT-4 Quantum. It also added additional capabilities to EdgeQ and new commands to Command Center. It also fixed bugs with the underlying code, which caused frequent crashes. It also introduced an early version of the Acrilic theme.
=== Build 25010.002200 (25H1, 1 January, 2025) ===
This build was the first build in the year of 2025. And as a celebration, this build completely reformed Fluent Design, and its usable color pallette, which lead to over 256,560,000 possible customization options. It also renamed Command Center to just Terminal, and added a large amount of features and commands. It also fixed major bugs in EdgeQ, Game Hub, and Copilot 2. This was the first build to have an 2xHx codename.
=== Build 25010.008200 (25H1 Test Release 2, 16 February, 2025) ===
This build introduced a revamped version of Winver, which included a feature list for every update, software status and licenses, a logo for every release, and a settings panel for beta releases. Other than that, it included bug fixes and security upgrades. This build finalized Acrilic.
=== Build 25020.002200 (25H2, 28 February 2025) ===
This build finally removed all remaining references to Windows 11, which was an error in Build 2411.001190. It still identified itself as an Windows 12 feature update, partly from keeping suspicion for a new Windows release. It finally added the new OOBE Experience, as well as fixing 4,000 bugs that caused all kinds of issues, from frequent crashes, bootlooping, reverting back to NT mode unexpectedly, to driver issues and fatal errors.
This build was developed around the end of December, so it took an unusually long time to develop. 25H2 was thought to be an Windows 12 feature update, as the job listings confirmed. But rumors sparked that it was an beta for a new version of Windows. Microsoft denied the allegations. But as 2025 came and went, 25H2 never released, that meant that either it was a new Windows release, or 25H2 was simply canceled. These suspicions lead to Microsoft not releasing any new builds for 6 months, and focusing more on the other transitional versions and Uranium/Project QNT.
=== Build 25040.002200 (25H4, 2 October 2025) ===
This build included bug fixes, as well as security updates to patch the Xspy vulnerability.
==== Xspy and History ====
On the 21st of September, a new virus appeared which exploited a vulnerability the National Security Administration code for a new antivirus system that was supposed to be more secure and accurate at finding all new threats. These threats were exposed by hacker group "rumorxp", and Apple immediately released a Rapid Safety Response update on iOS, iPadOS, macOS, visionOS, watchOS (this threat can affect smart watches, gathering health data and private information), as well as tvOS. Unfortunately, Microsoft wasn't as fast to respond to this threat. As such, on the 25th of September, the virus broke out, unleashing terror to millions of Microsoft Windows devices and bricking some, because people didn't update to the latest version of the respective Windows they were running (Microsoft released updates on the 24th for multiple out-of-date Windows versions, dating as far back as Windows 2000, built on NT technology) As such, this build patched this threat.
This build also patched another vulnerability within the NSA's code, preventing the LXpsy variant of the virus, which broke out on the 16th of October, from affecting Windows Zinc. It is very similar to what happened in 2017 with the WannaCry ransomware/cryptoworm attack.
=== Build 25040.008200 (25H4 Test Release 2, 24 October, 2025) ===
This build contained performance improvements and bug fixes. It also finally updated the format menu, which never changed ever since its addition in Windoss 95.
=== Build 25040.012200 (25H4 Test Release 3, 1 November, 2025) ===
This build included bug fixes and refinements. It also included the first font revision.
=== Build 25040.018200 (25H4 Test Release 4, 26 November 2025) ===
This build applied Dark mode system-wide, as well as some bug fixes.
=== Build 26010.002200 (Insider Candidate 1, 5 January 2026) ===
This build was the first Insider Candidate. It now identifies as Windows Insider Candidate 1, and presents refinements across the board for all features.
=== Build 26020.002200 (Insider Candidate 2, 3 March 2026) ===
Bug-fixing build. It also included end-of-support notices to the Yosemite/Zinc development project, indicating a release date of 2027. And started to include clear references to the Windows Zinc/Yosemite name/codename (the codename is used when coding and in Terminal). With this build, Zinc was basically done, so they started preparations for the demo announcement, which would happen in March 15. Other than that, it included the 2nd font revision.
=== Insider Beta 26150.1000 (Windows Developer Preview 1, 15 March 2026) ===
This was the first build after the demo announcement and tech spec announcement, Microsoft Inside 2026 (which revealed some features and technical changes but not the name and kernel changes), and it was available for the general public through the Insider and Canary programs. It introduced all the features that were being developed for Zinc. It also allowed people in the Insider program to submit possible features for Zinc, which soon became the origin of one of Zinc's most important features, the revamped Files program. This build identified itself as "Windows Developer Preview 2026:
=== Insider Beta 26150.2000 (DP2, 19 March 2026) ===
This build added 28 new themes, resulting in 784 new combinations. It also laid the framework for the new Files program, added the 3rd font revision, and some bug fixes.
=== Insider Beta 26290 (12 November 2026) ===
This beta introduced Files, the most advanced file system explorer ever, other than that, it fixed the rare "Kill Screen" issue, in which entire computers would be bricked when trying to shut down the system in computers more than 6 years old. It happened to 5% of users. Other than that, it fixed a whopping 6,087,730 bugs. It also added the 4th font revision.
=== Insider Beta 27115 (6 February 2027) ===
This build refined Files and Visual Studio 2 and provided routine bug fixes.
=== Insider Beta 27120 (9 March 2027) ===
Bug Fixing Build. Added 808 new customization options to Acrilic. Other than that, it added the 5th font revision
=== Insider Beta 27125 (15 March 2027) ===
This build refined Lima and Visual Studio 2 and provided routine bug fixes.
=== Insider Beta 27330 (24 July 2027) ===
Bug fixes.
=== Release Candidate (19 September 2027) ===
Added final font revision and bug fixes.
=== RTM (25 November 2027) ===
This build was the RTM release for OEMs for Windows Zinc. It included software for OEMs to verify that their computers can run the full version of Windows Zinc Home, Pro, and Education. It was pushed out to OEMs through all-new RTM Delivery technology, which was fast, stable, and allowed for the RTM to be released just one day before the official release. The public release of Windows Zinc would be launched the day after, thus marking the end of Windows Zinc devolopment.
== System requirements ==
Note: Unlike normal Windows Editions, N versions (Windows Home N, Pro N, etc...) lack Windows Media Player and other media-related technologies as noted by Microsoft.
=== Windows Zinc Home and Home N ===
Processor: Intel Core i3+ (i5, i7, i9) 11th Gen (Raptor Lake) and AMD equivalent, Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus for ARM.
RAM: 5 GB minimum, 12 GB recommended
Storage: 96GB minimum
GPU: Recommended Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050, GTX 16, AMD counterpart and CPU integrated graphics (Iris XE etc..)
TPM: TPM 2.0 Module
Additional: Secure Boot, UEFI
=== Windows Zinc Pro (Professional) and Pro N ===
Processor: Intel Core i5+ (i7, i9) 12th Gen Raptor Lake, AMD equivalent and Snapdragon X Elite
RAM: 7 GB minimum, 16 GB recommended
Storage: 128 GB minimum
GPU: Reccomended Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060, GTX 16, AMD counterpart and CPU integrated graphics
TPM: TPM 2.5 module.
Additionally: Secure Boot and UEFI.
=== Windows Zinc Education and Pro Education (for schools) ===
Processor: Intel Core i3+ 10th Gen Alder Lake, AMD equivalent and Snapdragon X Elite
RAM: Same as Windows Zinc Home, 5 GB minimum.
Storage: 84 GB minimum
GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060, GTX 16, AMD counterpart and CPU integrated graphics Reccomended
TPM: TPM 2.0 module
Additionally: Secure Boot and UEFI.
== Post-release updates ==
=== 27H4/Moment 1 (Aluminum, Al_release) ===
This update introduced many stability updates and bug fixes. It also added credits for community feedback in the insider phase of Windows Zinc Devolopment.
=== 28H1/Moment 2 (Carbon, Ca_release branch) ===
Revamped Visual Studio 2 and EdgeQ. Other than that, it added a new dark theme.
=== 28H2/Moment 3 (Gallium, Ga_release branch) ===
Revamped font settings. It also updated the NT version to 15.1 and the Quantum version to 1.2.1, as such, this brought major stability improvements and bug fixes.
=== 28H3/Moment 3 Version 2 (Lithium, Li_release) ===
Bug fixes and stability improvements. You can now customize the location of the taskbar-pill. Added glossy effect option to Acrilic.
=== 28H4/Moment 4 (Rubidium, Ru_release) ===
Added new features such as Sensitive Notifications, which would not allow apps to read the notification, as opposed to normal notifications which apps can read to activate a function. and you can now customize the boot screen directly without having to use complicated features. It also updated the NT version to 15.1.1 and the Quantum version to 1.2.2
=== 29HX (Magnesium, Ma_release) ===
Feature update that added the full taskbar option. Added 3875 new customization options to Acrilic and Fluent design.
Microsoft would continue releasing feature, stability, and security updates, the most notable of which, was 30H1, which rewrote certain parts of the code, and 35H2, which changed the design format for Acrilic. Microsoft announced that 43H2 would be the final major update to Windows Zinc, and that support would end in 2045 for the main versions, and 2051 for Windows Server 2028 and Windows IoT Zinc, along with custom embedded versions.
== Marketing ==
Windows Zinc had a complicated marketing phase, as like any other new Windows version. It started with Microsoft Inside 2026, an event mostly about technical details of hardware and software. Here, they unveiled some of the planned features for Windows Zinc and Windows IT, as well as a roadmap which hinted at a new kernel. This sparked up rumors of a new Windows version, as Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said "The frameworks we have built will be the base for future Windows versions which will come soon." This pretty much confirmed that a new version of Windows was coming.
=== Microsoft Hello 2027 ===
Microsoft Hello is an annual event where Microsoft showcases fully finished builds and confirmed features for many products from Office and Microsoft 365, to XBOX and windows. Starting in 2026, and running yearly ever since, Microsoft Hello has always grabbed the attention of developers. In the 2027 edition, 2 hours and 36 minutes into the event, which was both streamed online on microsoft.com and YouTube, and in-person, Microsoft unveiled Windows Zinc. The whole presentation was basically round of applause after round of applause as Microsoft confirmed a new kernel was coming, and as they proceeded to show new features that were coming. In the end, Microsoft announced the RTM and the release date of Windows Zinc around the end of November.
=== Marketing ===
Microsoft started marketing campaigns for Windows Zinc in 2 phases, the pre-release campaign and the post-release campaign. The pre-release campaigns were mainly focused on awareness, as well as moving people from Linux or macOS, while the post release campaign was about moving people from older versions of Windows.
== Windows Zinc Mobile, Windows Zinc Fold ==
Windows Zinc Mobile (codenamed Yosemite Pocket) was the release version of Windows Zinc for mobile devices. it included the new Start Menu, adapted from the original to fit smaller screens, new app design, better app compatibility, and an UAP (Unified App Program) for x86 applications to run on mobile devices. The release also coincided withthe first generation of Surface Mobile, which was a smartphone running the OS (The specifics are for a never time).
This section is not complete, Windows Zinc Fold is still being privately drafted.
Category:Fictional Windows versions