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Windows 14 
(codenamed Gamma) was 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[]
- The Windows logo has been changed to align with Fusion design language.
- Lockscreen Text date month day below above hour in the middle above date month day move to the top.
- An SSD was 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 was 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 was became more blurry.
- File Explorer received a major redesign.
- Windows RE has gotten a Fusion update.
Development[]
Windows 14 began development shortly after Windows 13 build 34H2 was released. It was intended to be a major upgrade, enhancing many features introduced in Windows 13. The development cycle was referred to as the Universal semester, emphasizing the vision of Windows as a truly universal platform.
Windows 14 was also part of the Niobium semester — continuing Microsoft's convention of using chemical element names for semester codenames, a practice that began in 2019. This codename appeared not only in internal documentation but was also visible externally in build tags and release branch identifiers.
Windows 14 was officially announced on March 22, 2035, during the 50 Years Since Windows event, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the operating system. The announcement showcased several new features and improvements, including the debut of Quantum V2 — a more stable evolution of the original Quantum framework.
Just one week after the announcement, the first Insider Build of Windows 14 was released to enrolled users in the Canary Channel. Throughout the Universal semester, Insiders received regular updates from branches associated with the Niobium codename.
Builds[]
Build 38175.1000 (27-03-2035)[]
The first Insider build of Windows 14 was identical to the version showcased during the announcement event.
- EdgeQ 2 was included in this build. This new version introduced enhanced security and performance improvements.
- Neutron 3 was shipped with this build. It became the world's first editor to support 16K resolution.
Build 38180.1000 (02-04-2035)[]
Compiled under the app_ft_test branch, this build lacked the necessary files to launch a GUI shell. Upon installation, it booted directly into a black screen with a command prompt.
However, a GUI shell could be enabled by manually adding essential files (such as explorer.exe and logonui.exe) to the correct directories and modifying the registry accordingly.
It was leaked on May 16, 2035.
Build 38181.1000 (04-04-2035)[]
This build introduced performance improvements and updates to the Start Menu. Widgets are now positioned on the left side of the screen by default, making them easier to access and view.
Build 38185.1000 (12-04-2035)[]
This build introduced a requirement for an SSD to install Windows. However, the change was reversed in the following build due to continued widespread use of HDDs.
Build 38190.1000 (17-04-2035)[]
The SSD installation requirement from the previous build was reversed. This build introduced support for 6G networking and WiFi E10. The HoloLens App was added in response to the rapid growth of AR and VR technologies. Additionally, Apple Vision Pro support was enhanced with a new system called Mixed Reality View, offering improved integration and immersive experiences.
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 was now the default on Home and Pro SKUs.
Build 38201.1 (07-05-2035)[]
The development branch officially shifted to nb_release, and the Insider Preview branding was removed.
Universal Control transitioned from the Canary to Beta, receiving final refinements ahead of release.
A new Stage Manager feature was introduced, designed to streamline desktop organization and enhance collaboration.
Build 38201.100 (09-05-2035)[]
A cumulative update focused on testing and servicing the deployment 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 was 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)[]
This build introduced security enhancements and additional updates to the Start Menu. More widgets were added to improve customization and accessibility. It was the final build released exclusively to the Dev Channel, as subsequent builds transitioned to the Beta Channel.
Build 38233.1 (17-06-2035)[]
This build delivered minor bug fixes and addressed several security vulnerabilities.
Build 38236.1 (22-06-2035)[]
A final date for Windows 14 was 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 was 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)[]
This build delivered bug fixes and enhanced security. Development was frozen in preparation for the RTM release of Windows 14.
Build 38256.1 (05-07-2035)[]
This was the final build released on the Beta Channel, as the RTM build was nearing launch.
Build 38259.1 (22-07-2035)[]
As an early RTM candidate, this build was withdrawn after significant system bugs were discovered.
Build 38260.1 (12-08-2035)[]
This was the final RTM build. The GA release was scheduled for the following month and was launched to the Release Preview Channel on August 16.
Build 38260.5 (19-08-2035)[]
A cumulative update released via Windows Update servers.
Build 38260.100 (09-09-2035)[]
Another cumulative update delivered through Windows Update. This was the final build before general availability (GA).
Build 38260.195 (11-11-2035)[]
The GA (General Availability) build. It 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, this version also added a start-up prompt asking users to upgrade to Windows 15.
Build 41195.195 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 44520.250 39H2 (22-12-2039) (Rhodium)[]
Fourth and final 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 as Microsoft began working on Windows 16.
Build 44520.1957 Security Rollup (15-06-2041) (Rhodium)[]
Last update for Windows 14. It was a large security update for Windows 14. Development stopped, and Windows 14 only received support updates until 2043 and extended support until 2048. Development focus shifted to Windows 16.
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.
Gallery[]
