Microsoft has tried to build an operating system other than Windows

When we talk about the operating system, our mind is immediately on Windows, especially when we talk about Microsoft. However, did you know that in 2008, Microsoft was actually working on an alternative project for Windows? This operating system is named Midori.

What is Midori?

Midori is an ambitious project from Microsoft that aims to create a new operating system that is completely independent of the existing Windows code. This project starts from zero, ignoring all Windows legacy code. Thus, Midori can be considered as an opportunity for Microsoft to restart and fix various problems that Windows faces.

Why is Microsoft Midori so interesting?

There are several reasons why Midori is a very interesting project. First, Microsoft’s decision to leave all the old code and start from scratch shows the courage and vision to create something completely new. Windows is often criticized for its complex and problematic old code stacks, thus creating a clean operating system from scratch is very promising.

In addition, Midori is promised to have new features, modern tools, and even new web browsers that will remain compatible with Windows. This is a very ambitious and interesting promise for many tech enthusiasts.

Midori’s journey

In 2013, Microsoft is still optimistic about the new ideas and approaches brought by Midori. In a presentation made at the time, Joe Duffy, who was deeply involved in the Midori project, spoke about the development of this new operating system. In the videos shared on X/Twitter, we can see how excited Midori’s team is in creating something revolutionary.

Why did Midori never materialize?

However, two years later, in 2015, Microsoft officially discontinued the Midori project. While there is a lot of speculation about internal crises that might influence this decision, no one knows for sure the real reason.

Several reports at that time showed great skepticism of this project. Why should you leave the old kernel and start something completely new if the old kernel is still good enough and can be repaired? Microsoft has always prioritized Windows’ longevity and its ability to thrive for decades in a wide range of ways.

Impact of Midori Cancellation

After Midori was canceled, Microsoft took some ideas from the project and put it in Windows. However, the strange thing is that Microsoft is still trying to keep Midori’s confidentiality. Perhaps they don’t want the world to believe that there is a real alternative to Windows, which remains the basis of almost everything in Microsoft to this day, despite its various flaws and shortcomings.

Lessons from Midori

The Midori project provides many lessons, both for Microsoft and for the technology industry in general. One of them is the importance of innovation and the courage to start from scratch when the old system is too complicated and inefficient. However, this project also shows how difficult it is to break away from the legacy of the past and make something completely new.

The Importance of Compatibility and Evolution

One of the main reasons why Microsoft may choose not to continue Midori is because they realize how important compatibility and gradual evolution are. Windows, despite having many problems, has become the basis of so many applications and hardware. Replacing all of that with something new will be a very difficult and expensive task.

continued innovation

Although Midori never materialized, the ideas of this project remained alive in various forms in Windows today. Microsoft continues to innovate and improve Windows, although they have to do it carefully to ensure compatibility and stability.

FAQ

Q: What is Midori?
A: Midori is an operating system project from Microsoft that started in 2008 and aims to create a new operating system that is completely independent of the existing Windows code.

Q: Why was Midori canceled?
A: Midori was canceled in 2015, possibly due to internal crises and skepticism towards this project. Microsoft decided to stay focused on existing Windows.

Q: What makes Midori so interesting?
A: Midori is interesting because Microsoft is trying to start from scratch, leave all old Windows code, and promises new modern features as well as compatibility with Windows.

Q: Are Midori’s ideas still in use?
A: Yes, some ideas from the Midori project are taken and put into the current Windows development.

By understanding the Midori project, we can see how complex the world of operating system development and the challenges faced by large companies such as Microsoft are in creating new innovations. Although Midori never materialized, the spirit to innovate is still alive and an important part of the evolution of technology that continues to evolve.