Best of Windows — October 2025
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Yegor's Blog·24w
Programmers, Don't Use Windows!
Unix-based systems like macOS provide programmers with powerful abstractions—everything is a file, processes connect through pipelines, and command-line tools compose naturally. Windows evolved from DOS with GUI-centric design, lacking the unified file abstraction and shell pipeline philosophy that has proven effective since the 1970s. The command line exposes logic as text that can be automated, combined, and version-controlled, while GUI interactions remain ephemeral and non-composable.
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Gamefromscratch·25w
Zed - The 'Visual Studio Code Killer' - Now on Windows!
Zed, a performance-focused code editor built in Rust, is now available on Windows after being Mac and Linux exclusive. The editor emphasizes speed through GPU acceleration and multi-core CPU usage, featuring instant startup times and responsive UI. It includes AI integration with support for multiple providers (Gemini, Copilot), built-in debugging, git integration, real-time collaboration, and an extension system. While the Windows port is functional, some features like language servers may require additional setup compared to the more mature Mac and Linux versions.
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ThePrimeTime·27w2025 The Year Of The Linux Desktop
Microsoft is removing workarounds for creating local accounts in Windows 11, forcing users to sign in with Microsoft accounts. Combined with ads in the start menu and privacy concerns around Copilot, developers are increasingly frustrated with Windows. Meanwhile, Apple's recent UI quality has declined. Linux distributions like Omachi with Hyperland offer smooth, customizable developer experiences that rival or exceed macOS, making 2025 potentially the year developers seriously consider switching to Linux.
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Zed·26w
Windows When? Windows Now — Zed's Blog
Zed code editor launches stable Windows support with native DirectX 11 rendering and DirectWrite text integration. The release includes full WSL and SSH remoting capabilities, allowing developers to edit files on Linux systems directly from Windows. All Zed extensions work without modification through WebAssembly Components and WASI sandboxing. AI features including edit predictions and ACP-powered agents are fully supported on Windows. The team maintains dedicated Windows engineers and will ship weekly updates matching their Mac and Linux release cadence.
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omg! ubuntu!·25w
Zorin OS 18 Broke Download Records on Windows 10 EOL Day
Zorin OS 18 achieved over 100,000 downloads in just two days following its launch on October 14, 2025, coinciding with Windows 10's end of support. Over 72% of downloads came from Windows users seeking alternatives to avoid hardware upgrade requirements for Windows 11 or paying for extended Windows 10 support. The Ubuntu-based distribution includes features specifically designed for Windows migrants, such as expanded Windows application compatibility, OneDrive integration, and web app tools. If even a small fraction of Windows 10's 40% global market share switches to Linux, it could significantly boost Linux adoption and the open source community.
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DevBlogs·26w
PowerToys 0.95 is here: new Light Switch utility, faster Command Palette, and Peek with Spacebar
PowerToys 0.95 introduces Light Switch, a new utility for automatic light/dark mode switching based on time or location. Command Palette receives major performance improvements with a new fuzzy matcher, reducing search times by up to 95% in some cases. Peek now opens with the spacebar by default, Find My Mouse supports transparency, and shortcut conflicts can be ignored or unassigned. Additional updates include Mouse Pointer Crosshairs customization, DSC v3 support, and ZoomIt smooth zooming.
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Product Hunt·26w
Zed: The Fastest AI Code Editor
Zed code editor launches stable Windows build with native DirectX 11 rendering, WSL and SSH remoting support, and full extension compatibility. The editor emphasizes speed and responsiveness with integrated AI features including Claude Code through ACP. Windows users can now access real-time collaboration, edit predictions, and AI-powered agents with full parity to other platforms. The team seeks feedback on WSL workflows, keyboard layouts, multi-monitor setups, and high refresh rate displays.
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Hacker News·24w
Xeno on X: "I have released a 69.0MB version of Windows 7 x86. You will need to provide your own system files to get even some of the most basic programs running. File list: https:
A developer has created an extremely minimal 69MB version of Windows 7 x86 that requires users to manually provide their own system files to run even basic programs. This stripped-down build demonstrates extreme OS minimization techniques but is non-functional without additional components.
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The Register·24w
Windows 7 slimmed down to 69 MB
A developer reduced Windows 7 to just 69 MB by stripping it to bare essentials, creating a proof-of-concept that boots but lacks critical components for running GUI applications. While impractical for general use, such minimal installations have legitimate applications in virtual machines, containers, and legacy software environments. Microsoft previously explored similar approaches with Nano Server for containers, but hasn't applied this philosophy to desktop Windows despite ongoing concerns about OS bloat.
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The Verge·25w
Meet Mico, Microsoft’s AI version of Clippy
Microsoft introduces Mico, a new AI-powered virtual character for Copilot's voice mode that responds with real-time expressions during conversations. The bouncing orb assistant includes memory features, a Learn Live tutoring mode with interactive whiteboards, and Easter eggs reminiscent of Clippy. Available initially in the US, UK, and Canada, Mico represents Microsoft's renewed effort to encourage voice interaction with computers, following previous attempts with Clippy and Cortana.
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Windows Blogs·25w
Restyle in Paint begins rolling out to Windows Insiders
Microsoft is rolling out Restyle, an AI-powered feature in Paint for Windows 11 Insiders. The feature transforms images into different art styles using preset options. Currently available only on Snapdragon-powered Copilot+ PCs, users must sign in with a Microsoft account to access the functionality. The update is being distributed to Canary, Dev, and Beta Channels.
