Microsoft has recently released version 2504 of Validation OS, a specialized, lightweight iteration of Windows 11 designed primarily for hardware validation, error diagnosis, and quality control during the manufacturing process of Windows devices. This update introduces several enhancements aimed at improving functionality and performance for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), hardware manufacturers, and system integrators.
Key Enhancements in Version 2504:
- WPF Application Support: The introduction of the
Microsoft-WinVOS-WPF-Supportpackage enables the running of Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) applications, expanding the range of tools available for diagnostics and testing. - Surface Dock Driver Inclusion: Surface Dock drivers have been added to the standard driver package, facilitating seamless integration and testing of Surface Dock hardware during the manufacturing process.
- USB Boot Improvements: Enhancements to USB boot functionality now allow for the configuration of RAM disk sizes via Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM), providing greater flexibility in deployment scenarios.
- CJK Font Package Separation: Chinese, Japanese, and Korean (CJK) fonts have been separated from the general font package, simplifying installation and management for systems requiring these specific language supports.
- Updated .NET Implementation: The system has transitioned to the latest and most secure implementation of .NET, ensuring improved performance and security for applications running within Validation OS.
Validation OS operates through a command-line interface (CLI), enhancing reliability and performance by minimizing graphical overhead. It supports Win32 applications, allowing existing diagnostic and testing tools to function seamlessly within the environment. This design positions Validation OS as a critical bridge between hardware development and the final consumer-oriented Windows operating system.
Previous updates to Validation OS have introduced features such as the Out of Box Experience (OOBE), basic network drivers, and compatibility with Hyper-V VHDX images. An experimental script was also introduced to convert Windows Imaging Format (WIM) images to custom VHDX files, offering additional flexibility for deployment and testing scenarios.
While not intended for end-user deployment, Validation OS provides significant benefits for manufacturers and IT professionals involved in the production, validation, and quality control of Windows hardware. The latest build, version 2504, is available for download through Microsoft's official channels.
For more detailed information on Validation OS and its feature packages, refer to Microsoft's official documentation. (learn.microsoft.com)
Source: techzine.eu Lightweight Windows 11 version finally gets an update