Developing a tuned version of Windows 10 for low-performance devices has been something Microsoft has been working on for some time, as a development build of Windows Core Polaris recently appeared in online shows. The software giant has been developing a modular version of Windows called "Windows Core OS" since at least 2017. Microsoft planned to offer different versions of Windows to fit a number of form factors, including phones, 2-in-1s, and Dual screen PCs and even collaboration devices. Initially, the company built two versions of Windows using Windows Core OS: Andromeda for mobile devices and Polaris for laptops and desktops. However, Polaris was meant to replace Windows 1 S mode as it was designed with low-end devices in mind. For this reason, Microsoft wanted to remove legacy items like the Control Panel from Polaris.
polaris breakout
Polaris version 16299 for Arm devices was recently shared online without a Windows shell or applications by a leaker known as Scamdisk. In the readme, Scamdisk provided additional details and explained what it would take to get it working, saying, “It's PolarisOS. This is a canceled edition of the Windows Core operating system that was designed for desktop and laptop computers. This image is early enough that it doesn't include much more than the operating system itself. It comes without a shell and will not charge one. You need an ARM device to start this, and you need to load the drivers before the first boot. The version itself dates back to 2018 when Microsoft shifted its focus from the Windows Core operating system to Windows Lite/Santorini, now known as Windows 10X. Ultimately, the software giant ended up canceling Polaris and Andromeda, with Polaris being replaced by Windows. 10X while Andromeda was replaced by Android on the Surface Duo.Windows users will finally get a chance to try Windows 10X later this spring, with laptops and other devices running the new operating system expected to arrive in the summer. 2021. Via BleepingComputer