An early build of Polaris, a canceled SKU of Windows Core OS, leaked online. The building is from early 2018 and contains nothing but the bare system operating system, which means there is no composer (shell) or programs. Windows Core OS is a modern version of Windows that uses HoloLens 2 and the upcoming Windows 10X, and has been running for many years.
We’ve covered Windows Core OS extensively in the past, but for those who are out of the loop, the Windows Core OS project aims to create a modular, universal Windows OS that offers old-fashioned features and components for today’s user experiences. . As a result, the operating system is safer and better on low hardware, with better battery life and faster operating system updates.
Because Windows Core OS had been running for so long, the project went through different phases internally. Originally, Windows Core OS powered the Surface Duo with the Andromeda SKU, as well as laptops and tablets with the Polaris SKU. Polaris was essentially Windows Core OS built specifically for computers.
Polaris was canceled around the time Andromeda was canceled, as both SKUs had been replaced by Windows 10X (codenamed Santorini). Polaris would replace Windows 10 S if it were ready as a true modern and lightweight version of Windows 10, which includes Win32 applications but with the well-known Windows 10 desktop UX.
The building that leaked is the RS3 RTM building, but as mentioned above, the actual leak contains very little that tinkers can mess with. It has no composer, which means that there is no GUI and that there are also no in-box programs. This leak serves two purposes: confirms the existence of Polaris for those who doubt it, and allows enthusiasts to think of an old version of Windows Core OS.
Interestingly, the leak is also in the ARM32 architecture, which means it can only start on older ARM32-based computers like the Surface RT. Again, Polaris is a canceled version of Windows Core OS and will never be shipped. So do not expect to see it on computers in the future. Windows 10X is the future of Windows Core OS on computers, and it will launch on devices later this spring.
Windows Central does not endorse or recommend downloading the leaked Windows. Do it at your own risk.