Windows 14 (codenamed Gamma) is the fourteenth major version of Windows. Its primary goal was to improve upon the new features of Windows 13 and refine them further, while also bringing further features to make a truly universal OS.
Unlike Windows 13, it had a fairly mixed reaction. While most users noted that it was a major improvement over Windows 13, many felt that Windows 14 could have just been a feature update for Windows 13. It did, however, remain the most popular version of Windows for years to come.
New features and changes[]
- An SSD is now required to boot Windows, though this would be later reversed in later builds and would not return until Windows 16.
- Setup received minor changes.
- 4K is now the default resolution of Windows. 4K would later be required in Windows 16.
- 128-bit support has been added to all SKUs.
- Universal Control has been added, allowing users to start desktop apps from a mobile device and and vice versa, meaning the line between mobile and computer is becoming more blurry.
- File Explorer received a major redesign.
- Windows RE has gotten a Fusion update.
Development[]
Windows 14 started development shortly after Windows 13 build 34H2 came out. Windows 14 was going to be a major improvement for many features of Windows 13. Its semester was simply called "Universal," emphasizing the fact that Windows was a universal system. though its semester was also called Niobium, and that can be seen in the release branch names.
Windows 14 was announced on March 22, 2035, at the "50 Years Since Windows" event to mark the 50th anniversary of Windows. It showcased Windows 14's new features and changes. A new Quantum V2 was showcased that was more stable than the original one. The following week, the first Insider Build came out.
Insider Builds[]
Build 38175.1000 (27-03-2035)[]
The first insider build of Windows 14 This build was the same as the one showcased at the event.
- EdgeQ 2 has been put into this build. This new version includes security and performance improvements.
- Neutron 3 has been shipped with this build. It is the world's first editor to allow 16K support.
Build 38181.1000 (04-04-2035)[]
improvements to performance and start menu changes. Widgets are now placed on the left side of the screen by default, allowing one to easily view them.
Build 38185.1000 (12-04-2035)[]
An SSD is now required to install Windows. This would be later reversed in the following build due to people still using HDDs.
Build 38190.1000 (17-04-2035)[]
The change from the prior build is reversed. 6G networking support has now been added, and WiFi E10 has also been added. The HoloLens App has been added. with the rapid rise of AR and VR. Apple Vision Pro support has also been updated with a new system called "Mixed Reality View."
Build 38195.1000 (23-04-2035)[]
Media Player 14.0 has been added. While the Microsoft Store has gotten a total redesign to follow Fusion, 4K support is now the default on Home and Pro SKUs.
Build 38201.1 (07-05-2035)[]
The branch has officially changed to nb_release, and the Insider Preview branding has been removed. Universal Control has moved from "canary" to "beta" as it gets some final changes. A new stage manager has been added to allow easy collaboration and cleaning of desktops.
Build 38201.100 (09-05-2035)[]
Cumulative update to tests servicing the pipeline.
Build 38206.1 (14-05-2035)[]
Emojis have been updated to follow the Fusion design. Notepad has gotten a refresh to also follow Fusion. Widgets are content-dynamic, meaning they can show different types of news and content depending on settings and the user's preferences. Privacy has been updated to allow the user to control much more of their privacy, and they can now delete all data. VPN support has been made easier than ever before. allowing a quick setup. Settings have gotten a huge refresh to follow Fusion. "35H2" branding has started to appear in some files.
Build 38211.1 (19-05-2035)[]
The Quantum V2.1 kernel has been added. It offers quicker performance and less power usage on ARM, which deceives. Microsoft also promised to make it partly open-source and allow some parts of the system to be changed. The V2.1.1 version opened up parts of the kernel as open-source. Other than that, It was mostly bug fixes and performance improvements.
Build 38216.1 (26-05-2035)[]
Support for 3D printing has been hugely updated thanks to the rapid rise of 3D printing. It's easier to setup than before and is quicker and faster to open up. A new interface also offers a cleaner overview of everything, all made to a brand new app called "3D Print."
Build 38221.1 (04-06-2035)[]
Minor bug fixes and security improvements "35H2" now appears in all areas of the interface, such as the window.
Build 38226.1 (09-06-2035)[]
Bugfixes and a couple of updates to the Start Menu, such as a brand new desktop file and an updated model of Copilot that can search quicker and faster.
Build 38231.1 (14-06-2035)[]
Security improvements and further changes to the start menu More widgets have been added. This is the last build to be launched only for the dev channel, as the next build was released to the beta channel.
Build 38233.1 (17-06-2035)[]
Minor bug fixes and patched security breaches.
Build 38236.1 (22-06-2035)[]
A final date for Windows 14 is announced at this point, and thus the focus now shifts to finishing what's left. Universal Control has left "Beta" and become "RTM," meaning it is now ready to roll out. The Windows Subsystem for Linux 5.0 was added. Last build for the Dev Channel as they soon move to 36H2.
Build 38251.1 (02-07-2035)[]
Bug fixes and more security improvements Development freezes as Windows 14 gets closer to the RTM release.
Build 38256.1 (05-07-2035)[]
The last build to be launched on the beta channel as the RTM build is close to launching
Build 38259.1 (22-07-2035)[]
An earlier RTM build was pulled due to major system bugs.
Build 38260.1 (12-08-2035)[]
Final RTM build The GA build would come out next month for insiders. This build was soon launched on the Release Preview Channel on August 16.
Build 38260.5 (19-08-2035)[]
Cumulative Update on Windows Update Servers
Build 38260.100 (09-09-2035)[]
Cumulative Update on Windows Update Servers Final build before GA
Build 38260.195 (11-11-2035)[]
GA build. was rolled out to customers a few days later.
Feature Updates[]
Build 39260.22 36H2 (12-10-2036) (Molybdenum)[]
The first major update to Windows 14 It did not have much in terms of features, but it had many performance updates. There were also some updates to the core system itself, allowing it to run much faster than before.
Build 40150.33 37H2 (12-10-2037) (Technetium)[]
Improvements to 8K support It also had new features such as Machine Manager, which allowed users to check on any machine in a local network to troubleshoot any problems that may be found. Universal Control has been updated quite heavily to allow USB-C mice and so on.
Build 41,195,250 38H2 (07-11-2038) (Ruthenium)[]
The third major update to Windows 14. It had a ton of features, such as an all-new light mode, which was poorly received, with many still preferring the dark mode. The update also improved the file system, revamped File Explorer, and updated OneCore. There was also a somewhat updated OOBE to follow Fusion.
Build 43210.195 38H2 Cumulative Update (15-01-2039) (Ruthenium)[]
QOL improvements to Windows 14 include an updated start menu that lets users pin files they use often.
Build 44520.195 39H2 (22-12-2039) (Rhodium)[]
Last major update to include any major features as Windows 15 became the focus. It had many updated apps, a revamped file system, and a revamped start menu.
Build 44520.1957 40H2 (15-06-2039) (Rhodium)[]
Last update for Windows 14. Development stopped, and Windows 14 only received support updates until 2045 or 2048.
Bonus.[]
Windows 14X[]
Windows 14X was planned to be the next OS after Windows 14. Sadly, Windows 14 already has the core of Windows Core OS. So it was canceled.