Microsoft CTO confesses that 30-year-old code from the mid-90s still forms the bedrock of Windows 11 — ancient Win32 API still the backbone, but CTO says it's 'more relevant than ever in 2026'

Microsoft's CTO, Mark Russinovich, reveals that Windows 11 still relies on 30-year-old code from the mid-90s, particularly the ancient Win32 API. Despite its age, Russinovich emphasizes the continued relevance and importance of this foundational code in 2026 due to its deep integration within Windows and the extensive ecosystem built upon it. The CTO acknowledges that while there have been attempts to replace Win32, its enduring presence is attributed to its role as a fundamental layer for countless applications and technologies. Russinovich also highlights that tools like Sysmon and ZoomIt, developed in 1996 using Win32, remain crucial components of Windows 11 and PowerToys.