Windows 10: Does It Relate to Linux in Any Way?

Many believe that Windows 10, the current and widely-used operating system from Microsoft, is built on top of Linux. This misconception stems from the fact that some features in Windows have been adapted or shared from Unix-like systems, especially through the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). However, the core kernel and architecture of Windows 10 are distinctly different from Linux. This article explores the relationship between Windows 10 and Linux, specifically addressing the notion that Windows 10 is built on top of Linux.

Windows 10 and Its Developmental Background

Microsoft has been developing the Windows operating system since the late 1980s. With the release of Windows 10 in 2015, it marked a significant milestone in Microsoft's operating system lineup, inheriting and building upon features from its predecessors. Windows 10 is based on the Windows NT architecture, which was developed in-house by Microsoft and has its roots tracing back to the OS/2 operating system, which was a joint project with IBM.

Windows NT: A Distinct Kernel

One of the most important aspects of understanding the relationship between Windows 10 and Linux is recognizing that Windows NT, the core of the Windows 10 architecture, is a distinct kernel from Linux. Although Windows NT was influenced by the design of the Mach operating system, a microkernel architecture, it was not built directly on top of any Unix systems. Instead, Windows NT was designed from scratch, starting in 1988, by Dave Cutler and his team at Microsoft. It featured a hybrid architecture, combining elements of microkernel design with a monolithic kernel structure, which allowed for better performance and stability while maintaining a high level of abstraction.

The Evolution of Winsock and Networking

Winsock, a critical component of Windows, has its origins in BSD Unix, and this is indeed correct. However, the relationship between Winsock and Linux is less direct than it may seem. When Windows 3.11 for Workgroups introduced the TCP/IP stack, it utilized a Winsock implementation that was derived from BSD. While this made it easier for software developed under Unix to run under Windows, it does not mean that Windows 10 itself is built on top of Linux.

Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL): Interoperability and Innovation

One of the notable features that bridges the gap between Windows and Linux is the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL). WSL allows users to run a full-fledged Linux environment directly on Windows, providing a seamless experience for developers who prefer the Linux environment. However, this interoperability does not mean that Windows 10 itself is built on top of Linux. Instead, WSL is a powerful tool that enhances the functionality of Windows, enabling developers to access and benefit from the rich ecosystem of Linux tools and applications.

Legacy OSes and Future Directions

The discussion of Windows 10 and its relationship to other legacy operating systems such as Unix and VMS is also relevant. Although Windows and Unix have different origins and architectures, the evolution of these systems shares common goals of providing robust, reliable, and functional operating environments. As we move towards more persistent distributed computing, the role of the operating system itself may diminish, with applications potentially spanning multiple OSes. However, for now, Windows 10 stands as a powerful and evolving operating system, distinct in its design and architecture from Linux.

Keywords: Windows 10, Windows NT, Linux