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Windows 13 
(codenamed Palisade) was the thirteenth major release of Windows. Windows 13 was intended to be a total revamp of Windows itself. Windows 13 had an all-new kernel called the Quantum Kernel intended to prepare Windows for quantum machines and to be used as a universal kernel, allowing Windows to run on any device. Additionally, it abandoned the "Windows as a Service" model, which led Microsoft to revert to releasing a new version of Windows every 3-5 years.
Windows 13 initially had an overwhelmingly positive reception. Many praised its fast loading time, stability, and various new features.
New features and changes[]
- A redesigned UI based on Fusion Design Language
- An all new setup experience that has been redesigned from the ground up
- All legacy systems have either been revamped or removed due to the all-new kernel.
- "About Windows" now informs the user of the amount of system RAM, returning a feature not seen since Windows 7 build 6519.
- Many new apps have been added, while legacy apps have either been rewritten or revamped.
- Many new widgets have been added to make widgets more multipurpose.
- 32-bit apps no longer run in Windows and are no longer supported, and as such, most of SysWOW64 has been moved to System32 and some removed until they added 32 bit apps back, while Program Files x86 has been removed until support was re-added. This caused lots of controversy and anger, especially from businesses, and caused support to be added back in the next week.
- File Explorer has been heavily updated to become more efficient.
- HFD (High-Efficacy Drive) is a new file system that uses up much less of the drive and allows faster performance in an SSD. It replaces NTFS.
History and Development[]
The idea of replacing the NT kernel has been around since the launch of Windows 12 in 2025. Windows 12 showed that the NT kernel was so old and outdated that there were only two ways to keep releasing updates and versions of Windows.
One was to rewrite the NT kernel in order to modernize and futureproof it. That side became Project QNT, while a team on the other side believed that the NT kernel needed to be replaced with a futureproof kernel that would need rewriting for decades to come. This project was named "Uranium."
Uranium had much better progress than QNT because Uranium had builds roll out on a weekly basis, whereas QNT had its first and only build roll out almost 5 months after Uranium rolled out its first build. This was likely due to the more experienced Uranium team compared to the mostly rookie team at QNT. The two projects were soon merged in early 2028 into Project Palisade to develop the next major version of Windows, about a month before the unveiling of Windows 13.
Some developers of QNT were disgruntled with the merging of the two projects and attempted to create a competing operating system known as PhoenixOS. The project received a poor reception before being swiftly discontinued after Microsoft sued and won.
In July 2029, Palisade was unveiled at Microsoft's next event. At this stage, Palisade was early in its development and was mostly used to showcase the Quantum Kernel. However, Microsoft stated that Insider Preview builds would come out in the summer of 2029. Windows 13 would have the longest development cycle ever in Insider History, having over 18 Insider builds launched over its 10-month cycle in the program.
Builds[]
Build 27995.1000 (14-06-2029)[]
ISO was leaked and quickly taken down the following day. Microsoft later filed a DMCA claim against the original leaker for unauthorized leaking of software. This is the first pre-alpha version.
Build 28074.1000 (23-06-2029)[]
Not much is known about this build as it remains unleaked. This build includes the Microsoft Confidential watermark found in early Windows 8 builds that would remain there until build 29018 where it was removed. It was possibly left due to being unnoticed
Build 28109.1000 (03-07-2029)[]
This build removed the 3D Objects folder and the Offline Web Pages folder became hidden. Unlike other builds, this build includes the pre-Chromium Microsoft Edge browser.
Build 28190.1000 (14-07-2029)[]
This build replaced "Windows 12" with "Windows 13 Insider Preview" on the desktop watermark and winver. This is the last build that was released before Windows 13 became available to Insider Preview testers.
Build 28191.1000 (15-07-2029)[]
This is the first build that was launched for the Insider Program, although there were earlier builds known to exist. This build changes the string number to "29H2." It would be later changed to "30H2."
Build 28298.1000 (07-25-2029)[]
The first build with new features. It was the first build that no longer supported 32-bit apps, as launching them would result in Error 32-BIT-END-OF-SUPPORT when trying to load a 32-bit app. It also has the following features:
- A beta version of EdgeQ (a revamped version of Edge)
- redesigned setup that was shorter and quicker. It also had an all-new bootup that had the new Windows logo.
- Redesigned UI that uses the Fusion design
- The new wallpaper, which is an abstract and dark drawing with a picture of a construction site that said "under CONSTRUCTION".
This is the last pre-alpha version.
Build 29018.1000 (04-08-2029)[]
This is the third build and the first one with ISO support. Upon starting up, it boots up with a warning stating,
"This build is a preview of the next generation of Windows. Do not use this as your primary OS; otherwise, you may encounter errors that prevent crucial actions, which may cause the system to crash. It's strongly advised to use as a VM in any case."
It also has more features packed in, such as Neutron, a new free photo editor that supports up to 8K and allows the importation of files from Photoshop or GIMP. As of this build, it is mostly finished except for 8K support, as trying to render 8K may result in a crash. It also has a redesigned store that uses Fusion. This is the first alpha version.
Build 29018.1025 (06-08-2029)[]
This was an update to fix a major bug that could crash the system on AMD CPUs. This version is also known for removing the Microsoft Confidential watermark, although the version and build watermark remains visible.
Build 29097.1000 (14-08-2029)[]
Fourth major build to be launched on the program. It has major fixes for the systems and a couple of minor improvements.
Build 29109.1000 (02-09-2029).[]
Fifth build. EdgeQ is nearly finalized, and a Microsoft account is now required to set up all versions of Windows. Expect a lot from Enterprise. This is the last Alpha version.
Build 29119.1000 (09-09-2029).[]
Sixth build. This build was launched shortly before Microsoft Ignite 2029 and has mostly bug fixes. This is the first beta version.
Build 29128.1000 (2-10-2029).[]
Seventh build. "Legacy Fluent" was added but is not yet usable. Desktop widgets received a major update.
Build 29140.1000 (12-10-2029).[]
Eighth Insider Build launched on the Dev Channel. This build has many bugfixes and was intended to plan for the branch switch that is coming soon.
Build 29145.1000 (16-10-2029).[]
The last insider build to be launched for the branch rs_prerelease
Build 29197.1 (07-11-2029).[]
The tenth build is to be launched on the program. It is also the first build in branch Kr_Release, which was the phase that would lead to the final release. It has a new theme called "Legacy Fluent," which is one of the themes of Windows 11 and 12. The string number has been changed to "30H2." Desktop widgets received a huge redesign to follow Fusion.
Build 29207.1 (15-11-2029).[]
The Start Menu has received a total overhaul to follow Fusion. The Chats app has been updated with some major features. Task Manager has also been overhauled to follow Fusion and use much less RAM than before. on 2-1 PCs. Dual-Screen Desktops are now possible, each acting toward their own goal or purpose, allowing users to focus easier and quicker.
Build 29212.1 (22-11-2029).[]
The log-in screen has undergone a total redesign, allowing users to customize it. However, they see fit to add useful widgets and much more. Windows Hello has been updated to be easier to set up than ever before. Passkeys have also been added to MacOS.
Build 29227.1 (04-12-2029).[]
EdgeQ is finished at this point. While Neutron has become an app to download from either the store or the website of Microsoft, it also comes with 128-Visual, a program that allows you to program in 128-bit, mostly for experimental purposes.
Build 29392.1 (07-12-2029).[]
At this point, Insider Builds would stop for one month as Microsoft launched updates for Windows 12.1 and Windows Infinity. Also, the year was ending at this point.
Build 29499.1 (07-01-2030).[]
After a month of paused development, builds started to roll out once more. This build had nearly everything done at this point. It was the first build to require 1440p or 4K as a default resolution for Home and Pro SKUs. Enterprise would also require it starting with the following build. SE would never have this requirement due to criticism from schools.
Build 29522.1 (12-01-2030).[]
At this point, new features were rolling out less and updates were mostly stability-focused to get ready for the final release. which was now planned for April. Media Player 13.0 is shipped with this build rather than 12.0 as with Windows 12. Windows 13 branding was also included starting with this build instead of Windows "Dev" branding. This is the last beta version.
Build 29999.1 (22-01-2030).[]
This build was essentially the final product by this point. Besides the fact that it had a lot of bugs left to fix, and the branding was still "Version Dev" in some places. though the final branding of Version "30H2" is mostly common by this point. Microsoft stated the reason development had taken so long was because of the new kernel and the need to import everything from NT to Quantum. also due to the fact that this was a massive update to Windows, thus requiring a lot more time to be finished. It's the last build to be launched only on the Dev Channel. This is the first feature complete version.
Build 30000.1 (29-01-2030).[]
Windows 13 was announced on the Windows Channel and social media. It also formally got its final name, Windows 13. (Although Windows 13 was mentioned in the system by this point in some places.) Beta Channel Insiders would receive cumulative updates for this build until the general availability of Windows 13. It had all the major features and many bugs fixed to ensure a more stable experience.
Build 30000.2 (04-02-2031)[]
a cumulative update with minor fixes for Windows 13. This build was released to the Release Preview Channel. and for OEMs to begin testing.
Build 30000.10 (12-02-2030).[]
a cumulative update with minor fixes for Windows 13. This is the release candidate.
Build 31000.0 (13-02-2030)[]
This build was only released in the fbl_woa (ARM32) branch. Opening any x86 or ARM32 apps will result in a bugcheck instead of a prompt that the app can't be opened.
Build 31000.1 (13-02-2030)[]
This build was accidentally released in x86 and x64 architectures to public, 2 years later, the checked/debug version was leaked.
This is the last feature complete version and the stable release.
Build 32000.0 (14-02-2030)[]
Official Release Preview of Windows 13. This build was the RTM build of Windows 13 on ARM64 architecture. Other architectures of build was shared to everyone to try out the system. 5 hours later an ARM32 compile of the build released with a branch of "fbl_woa". This is the Release to Manufacturing.
Differences between ARM64/32 and other architectures:
- ARM64/32 has no timebomb, unlike the other ones.
- In winver, there is displayed "Windows 13 Preview" text instead of Windows 13 logo found in ARM64/32 build.
- Most people call this build the RTM of ARM32 since no later builds were compiled in ARM32.
Build 32000.1 (15-02-2030).[]
General Availability build version for OEMs to ship with. This marks the end of the development of Windows 13. It would take two months, however, before consumers could get their hands on this build.
Post-release updates[]
Build 33000.10 (10-23-2031) (Rubidium)[]
31H2 feature update. It further revamps more legacy areas around the system, adds Neutron 2.0, and updates the OOBE. This is the Release to the Web.
Build 33500.10 (10-9-2032) (Strontium)[]
32H2 feature update. The first major update to Windows 13 , Media Player 4.0 was shipped with this update, allowing the viewing of 8K videos. Further system areas have been updated to support 8K. Many apps have been updated further. This update also implemented a new, more elegant and futuristic bootscreen.
Build 34100.10 (10-05-2033) (Yttrium)[]
33H2 cumulative update for 32H2. It has a few features that have been ported over from the developer channels.
Build 34500.10 (10-11-2034) (Zirconium)[]
34H2 feature update. Any app that was created in Windows 7/Windows 8/Windows 8.1/Windows 10 that has not been updated will no longer run. Many apps have been further updated, while 128-bit has formally been added as an SKU known as Windows 128X. The start menu has been revised with many new features.
Build 35120.10 (10-11-2035) (Niobium) (same as Windows 14)[]
35H2 cumulative update. This minor update was the last update to actually include any major changes as future development shifted to Windows 14. This update includes a couple of changes to the taskbar and widgets. while also adding Media Player 4.1 as a free download for all versions.
Build 352250.10 (11-11-2036) (Niobium)[]
36H2 Cumulative Update. It was primarily bug fixes and a few minor changes. This update added a pop-up wizard that prompted users to upgrade to Windows 14 that appears at startup.
Build 352250.100 (09-10-2037) (Niobium)[]
37H2 Cumulative Update. This update updated the pop-up wizard, it now prompted users to upgrade to Windows 15 that appears at startup. This was the final update to Windows 13.
Editions (WIP)[]
There are currently 6 versions of Windows 13:
- Windows 13 Starter
- Windows 13 Home Basic
- Windows 13 Home Premium
- Windows 13 Professional
- Windows 13 Enterprise
- Windows 13 Ultimate
Gallery[]
