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Windows 13
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Windows 13

Logo

Desktop
Release date
February 15, 2030
Created by
Microsoft
Developer
Microsoft
OS family
Windows Quantum
Source model
Closed-source
Update method
 Windows Update
Kernel type
Quantum
Latest version
37H2 (stable)
Dev Channel (Dev): (Build 39404.196)
State
Unreleased
Support ends
Mainstream support until October 24, 2041
Extended support until July 4, 2048
Codename
Palisade
Final name
Windows 13
Preceded by
Windows 12.1 (2026)
Windows IT (2027)
Windows Zinc (2027)
Succeeded by
Windows 14 (2035)
Startup sound
Shutdown Sound
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.

Contents
 1New features and changes
 2History and Development
 3Builds
o 3.1Build 32921.1000 (14-06-2029)
o 3.2Build 33007.1000 (23-06-2029)
o 3.3Build 33014.1000 (03-07-2029)
o 3.4Build 33052.1000 (14-07-2029)
o 3.5Build 33057.1000 (15-07-2029)
o 3.6Build 33100.1000 (07-25-2029)
o 3.7Build 33200.1000 (04-08-2029)
o 3.8Build 33215.1025 (06-08-2029)
o 3.9Build 33220.1000 (14-08-2029)
o 3.10Build 33225.1000 (02-09-2029).
o 3.11Build 33301.1000 (09-09-2029).
o 3.12Build 33600.1000 (2-10-2029).
o 3.13Build 38000.1 (12-10-2029).
o 3.14Build 38000.159 (16-10-2029).
o 3.15Build 38000.278 (07-11-2029).
o 3.16Build 38000.301 (15-11-2029).
o 3.17Build 38000.371 (22-11-2029).
o 3.18Build 38000.401 (04-12-2029).
o 3.19Build 38000.726 (07-12-2029).
 o 3.20Build 38000.941 (07-01-2030).
o 3.21Build 38000.1052 (12-01-2030).
o 3.22Build 38000.1129 (22-01-2030).
o 3.23Build 38000.1146 (29-01-2030).
o 3.24Build 38000.1150 (04-02-2031)
o 3.25Build 38000.1151 (12-02-2030).
o 3.26Build 38000.1152 (13-02-2030)
o 3.27Build 38000.1153 (13-02-2030)
o 3.28Build 38000.1156 (14-02-2030)
o 3.29Build 38000.1160 (15-02-2030).
 4Post-release updates
o 4.1Build 39000.10 (10-23-2031) (Palladium)
o 4.2Build 39100.10 (10-9-2032) (Cadmium)
o 4.3Build 39102.10 (10-05-2033) (Yttrium)
o 4.4Build 39400.10 (10-11-2034) (Zirconium)
o 4.5Build 39402.10 (10-11-2035) (Niobium) (same as Windows 14)
o 4.6Build 39403.10 (11-11-2036) (Niobium)
o 4.7Build 39404.100 (09-10-2037) (Niobium)
 5Editions (WIP)
 6Gallery

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.
 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 32921.1000 (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 33007.1000 (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 33014.1000 (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 33052.1000 (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 33057.1000 (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 33100.1000 (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 33200.1000 (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 33215.1025 (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 33220.1000 (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 33225.1000 (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 33301.1000 (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 33600.1000 (2-10-2029).

Seventh build. "Legacy Fluent" was added but is not yet usable. Desktop widgets received
a major update.

Build 38000.1 (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 38000.159 (16-10-2029).

The last insider build to be launched for the branch rs_prerelease
Build 38000.278 (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 38000.301 (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 38000.371 (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 38000.401 (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 38000.726 (07-12-2029).