It was revealed in a leaked image from 2024 that Microsoft had planned to build its operating system entirely on artificial intelligence in the past. Images spread via the BetaWiki Discord server reveal a Windows version centered on Copilot and codenamed Aion.

This leaked concept stands out as a lightweight operating system built on a web-based structure instead of local applications. This system, which does not run standard Win32 software, aims to transfer the required applications to the desktop via the cloud via Windows 365.

A new user experience centered around Copilot

In the Aion project, Copilot is at the center of the Start menu, remembering user interactions and providing contextual offers. Abandoning the classical application-oriented mission bar approach, Microsoft instead uses a structure called ‘Spaces’, where documents and websites are grouped according to purposes.

This concept is reminiscent of the ‘Sets’ feature that Microsoft tried in the Windows 10 era but later abandoned. However, in Aion, the content is organized and curated entirely by artificial intelligence.

Reactions from the public and the future of the project

The fact that the operating system in the leaked image appeared cumbersome and slow caused significant criticism among users. Many people say that this structure is similar to ChromeOS, but lags behind in terms of performance.

Although Microsoft has somewhat backed off the artificial intelligence features in Windows 11, it continues to integrate artificial intelligence spies into the operating system. The name Aion continues to live today with the new generation family of small language models announced at the Build 2026 event.

What do you think about artificial intelligence playing such a dominant role in Microsoft’s future operating system vision?