Microsoft reportedly working on Polaris; a lightweight version of Windows 10

Microsoft is reportedly working on a lighter version of Windows 10. Named as 'Polaris', this new modular system will be powered by Windows Core OS and CShell. It is likely that by the 2019, manufacturers will start launching consumer-focused PCs, desktops and 2-in-1s with this lightweight version of Windows 10. However, existing Windows users would not be able to upgrade to it.

According to the report by Windows Central, instead of using the trademark components like Win32, Polaris will only utilize UWP. In this way, Microsoft will be able to reduce the size of the operating system, while providing improved performance, extended battery life and more security at the same time. On the flip side, duo to the lack of legacy stuff, the OS will not be able to run desktop apps natively.

While even Windows 10 S is incapable of doing the same directly, it can support desktop apps on Microsoft Store, made compatible via Project Centennial. In case of Polaris, Microsoft would try running Win32 apps with the help of remote virtualization. The company has tried the same thing for HP Elite x3 to give users a "native" experience, though with containers.

Polaris will be targeted at the consumer base which doesn't feel the necessity of buying feature-rich powerful systems. Those users just require a system that can run office, a web browsers, and a music app simultaneously. So the lightweight OS would be perfect by giving them better battery life and performance.

The report further reveals that the first version of the Windows 10 Polaris is expected to launch sometime in 2019. By launching a lightweight operating system free of aging components to the market is believed to help compete against its rivals.Currently, companies like Google and Apple are trying the snatch the PC market share from the Redmond-based software giant. It is likely that Polaris will debut on Microsoft's ARM-powered PCs.

As some of you already know, Microsoft is also prepping an operating system for mobile devices in the form of Andromeda OS. This modular operating system, however, is being built from scratch to power a rumored foldable Surface device.