Windows CPC (NXT) Leak Reveals Microsoft’s Web-Centric Alternative to Windows 11

During the Ignite 2024 conference, Microsoft unveiled the Windows 365 Link, a compact PC designed to stream the Windows operating system directly from the cloud. The internal workings of this device remain a mystery; however, it seems to be a fresh web-based iteration of Windows, codenamed “NXT.”Recently, an early version of Windows NXT, also referred to as Windows CPC, has surfaced online.

We will not provide any links to download Windows CPC or the NXT operating system because it currently fails to function properly (stopping at the Out-Of-Box Experience or OOBE screen) and necessitates an active Windows 365 subscription for streaming. Nevertheless, let’s explore the revamped OOBE experience offered by Windows CPC/NXT/Windows 365 Link OS.

According to Windows Latest’s evaluation of the Windows CPC OS, they were also unable to progress beyond the initial OOBE screen, unable to circumvent the requirements for a Microsoft account or internet connectivity. The visuals presented in the screenshots indicate that the OOBE of Windows CPC NXT appears to be more contemporary and user-centric than that of Windows 11.

In their analysis, Windows Latest remarked on the fresh design of Windows NXT/CPC/Windows 365 Link, noting softer, more rounded edges and tidy layouts that enhance usability.

The interface presents a streamlined appearance with reduced on-screen elements. For instance, the sign-in interface emphasizes only essential components, eliminating distractions and facilitating a straightforward login process.

In contrast to the plain textual guidance seen in Windows 11, Windows CPC NXT incorporates vibrant visuals featuring icons and folders to assist users through the initial setup. This contributes to an overall polished aesthetic.

Design consistency, a frequently debated topic in relation to Windows 11, sees a significant upgrade in Windows CPC NXT. The settings interface, including scaling options, integrates seamlessly with the modern look and feel of the platform.

Unlike Windows 11, which retained elements from older designs, every component within CPC NXT adheres to a contemporary aesthetic.

The development of Windows CPC/NXT is particularly intriguing, with speculation that Microsoft is crafting an AI-enhanced version of Windows NXT, where Copilot or Windows Intelligence may play a pivotal role.

It’s important to clarify that Windows CPC/NXT or Windows 365 Link is not intended to supplant our beloved traditional Windows experience. Rather, it belongs to a new category targeted at users who desire the flexibility to access Windows from virtually anywhere. This initiative is part of Microsoft’s larger strategy to compete with ChromeOS.

While the timeline for additional information regarding Windows CPC/NXT remains uncertain, sources like Phantom on X suggest that it serves as the operating system behind the Windows 365 Link mini PC.