Microsoft almost ditched Windows' spaghetti architecture for a cloud-based OS but mysteriously sent it to an early grave

Microsoft had developed a new ‘Midori’ OS that would potentially replace Windows.. it doesn’t exactly have the same ring to it.

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What you need to know

What you need to know

Microsoft is arguably widely known for its Windows operating system. For context, the tech giant’s Windows dominates the desktop operating system market share, according toStatcounter’s latest report.

While it remains debatable, the emergence of the internet heavily contributed to the broad adoption of the Windows operating system. Windows 95 was the first internet-ready operating system, bringingMicrosoft founder Bill Gates' dream of having a PC in every household alive. But did you know the Redmond giant almost scrapped the development of its Windows operating system in 2008?

Is Windows just Midori under a different name?

Is Windows just Midori under a different name?

At the time, the emergence of the internet presented Microsoft with new avenues and unexplored opportunities forcing it to go back to the drawing board. Consequently, the company started developing a new operating system codenamed ‘Midori’ that could potentially replace Windows (viaLaptopMag).

Microsoft hoped to leverage the broad availability of the internet to separate software from hardware, leaving Windows' legacy spaghetti-like architecture to a cloud-based operating system with Midori. While cloud-based operations and systems boast a ton of benefits, they also face their share of challenges (the faulty CrowdStrike update that impacted Microsoft services).

so its weekend again! today let’s hear a young @funcOfJoe from 2013 talk about The Midori Operating System !1, Project Overview pic.twitter.com/gpUWeaZ3oVAugust 3, 2024

Aside from being fully cloud-based, Midori showed great promise, including flagship features and a new web browser that boasted a consistent modernized interface and backward compatibility with Windows.

Undeniably, the project was quite ambitious, so much so that it prompted the development of a new language dubbed M# (“M sharp”) as an extension of C# and Sing# — to foster better performance and security.

In 2013, the operating system showed tremendous promise and was eventually transitioned from a research concept to Microsoft’s Unified Operating System group. Unfortunately, Microsoft decided to pull the plug on Midori in 2015. Interestingly, the company promised to incorporate the proposed improvements and new features envisioned for Midori into future projects.

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While these plans predominantly remained internal, some proposals may have manifested through the Windows operating system.WalkingCat on X(formerly Twitter) shared some nostalgic videos and clips of  Joe Duffy (who has since left Microsoft and is the CEO ofPulumi) discussing more intricate details about the Midori project.

If anything, Microsoft has continuously shipped quality-of-life improvements and flagship features to Windows, as is the case withWindows 11, version 24H2, which features supercharged AI tools like Live Captions, Windows Studio Effects, and more. However, these features will be available exclusively to Windows 11 users withCopilot+ PCs.

Elsewhere, Microsoft’s campaign to get users totransition from Windows 10 to Windows 11seems like an uphill task. However, we’ve seen anupward trajectory in Windows 11’s market share this month. This could indicate users are giving in to the pressure withWindows 10’s end-of-support date fast approaching.

Kevin Okemwa is a seasoned tech journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya with lots of experience covering the latest trends and developments in the industry at Windows Central. With a passion for innovation and a keen eye for detail, he has written for leading publications such as OnMSFT, MakeUseOf, and Windows Report, providing insightful analysis and breaking news on everything revolving around the Microsoft ecosystem. You’ll also catch him occasionally contributing at iMore about Apple and AI. While AFK and not busy following the ever-emerging trends in tech, you can find him exploring the world or listening to music.