Windows 11 remains built on 1990s Win32 architecture
Updated
Updated · Zamin · May 2
Windows 11 remains built on 1990s Win32 architecture
8 articles · Updated · Zamin · May 2
Microsoft Azure CTO Mark Russinovich said the legacy API layer dating to the Windows 95 and Windows NT era still underpins the operating system.
He said this was deliberate because many modern applications, technologies and user ecosystems still depend on Win32, whose flexibility and broad support have kept it relevant.
Microsoft has repeatedly tried to move developers to newer platforms such as WinRT, but those efforts have not fully replaced decades-old code in Windows 11.
Apple evolved its legacy frameworks successfully. Why did Microsoft’s multiple attempts to replace Win32 lead to a 'complete mess'?
After abandoning so many platforms, can Microsoft's latest 'native' push convince developers that this time is different?
It's 2026 and Windows still runs on 90s code. Is this a mark of genius engineering or a ticking time bomb?