Microsoft’s veteran engineer says Windows 8 was all built around “modern” codenames — including the polarizing Start menu
Microsoft veteran engineer Raymond Chen has revealed details about Windows 8’s development, sharing insights into how the operating system was built around “modern” codenames used internally throughout the project. Chen recently published a story in his ongoing The Old New Thing series discussing how Microsoft employees abbreviated these development codenames.
Windows 8, first announced on June 1, 2011, represented a significant modernization effort for the Windows platform. The operating system became notably controversial for its redesigned Start menu, which was central to Microsoft’s vision of creating a more modern user experience. The internal codenames used during development reflected this modernization focus.
Chen’s account highlights Microsoft’s internal culture and quirky naming conventions used during major operating system redesigns. It offers a glimpse into how software engineering teams at the company operated during the development of one of Windows’ most polarizing releases. Support for Windows 8 officially ended on January 12, 2016, nearly five years after its initial announcement, marking the conclusion of the operating system’s lifecycle.