Windows Kernel Rust Shift: Microsoft Truth

Social media has been on fire lately
Many posts claim that Microsoft is planning to rewrite the entire Windows kernel using Rust, powered by AI, and completely get rid of C and C++ before 2030.

Sounds exciting …
But is this an official decision, or just a bold idea that turned into a big rumor?
Let’s break it down in a simple and clear way

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Why Is Everyone Asking: What Language Is Windows Written In? ​

If you search on Google, you’ll notice very common questions like:

• What programming language is Windows written in?
• Is Windows built with C or C++?
• What language is the Windows kernel written in?
• Does Microsoft really use Rust?
• C vs Rust: which is better for operating systems?

These questions make total sense.
Windows is one of the largest software projects ever built, with millions of lines of code written over decades.

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The Technical Truth: What Is Windows Actually Built With? ​

Let’s be clear and honest:

• The Windows kernel and large parts of the system are written in C and C++
• These languages were chosen for high performance and low-level hardware control
• However, they are also security-sensitive if not written and reviewed carefully

A small memory bug can lead to:

• Critical security vulnerabilities
• System crashes
• Exploits used by attackers

That’s one major reason Microsoft is exploring safer alternatives

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Where Does Rust Fit Into All This? ​

Yes, Microsoft is already using Rust, and this is not a rumor

• Rust is used in security-critical components
• It has appeared in Windows and Azure projects
• The focus is mainly on memory safety and security

Why Rust?
Because Rust:

• Prevents common memory bugs by design
• Makes it harder to write unsafe code
• Offers better security than C and C++
• Is well-suited for system-level programming

Simple Rust example

fn main() {
    let value = 10;
    println!("Value is {}", value);
}

Rust enforces strict safety rules at compile time, which helps eliminate many dangerous bugs before the code even runs

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Is Microsoft Rewriting the Entire Windows Kernel? ​

Short answer: No
What actually happened:

• A senior Microsoft engineer shared a future vision
• The goal is to reduce reliance on legacy C and C++ code
• And gradually replace parts with Rust over time

Important to understand:

• This is not an official announcement
• Not a public roadmap
• Not a one-click migration

Rewriting Windows from scratch would be extremely risky and unrealistic

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What Role Does AI Play Here? ​

AI is not rewriting Windows by itself
And it’s definitely not replacing engineers
Its real role includes:

• Analyzing millions of lines of source code
• Suggesting safer refactoring options
• Detecting potential bugs and vulnerabilities
• Assisting developers, not replacing them

Humans always make the final decisions.

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The Right Way to Understand Microsoft’s Plan ​

Microsoft is:
Not destroying Windows
Not starting from zero
Not dropping C and C++ overnight
But Microsoft is:
Planning long-term modernization
Aiming for stronger security
Building a more attack-resistant OS

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Final Summary ​

• Yes, Rust is part of Windows’ future
• Yes, AI is a powerful assistant
• No, Windows is not being fully rewritten
• No, there is no official deadline or announcement

C and C++ are still here - just not guaranteed forever

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Your Opinion Matters
What do you think?

• Is a gradual move to Rust the right decision?
• Do C and C++ still deserve a place no matter the risk?
• Does AI in core operating systems mean more security - or new dangers?

Share your thoughts and send this article to someone who truly loves programming