Microsoft reveals a new Windows 11 device designed for developers, and it comes with all the basics

Published Sep 4, 2026, 12:52 PM EDT Simon is a Computer Science BSc graduate who has been writing about technology since 2014, and using Windows machines since 3.1. After working for an indie game studio and acting as the family's go-to technician for all computer issues, he found his passion for writing and decided to use his skill set to write about all things tech. Since beginning his writing career, he has written for many different publications such as WorldStart, Listverse, and MakeTechEasier. However, after finding his home at MakeUseOf in February 2019, he would eventually move on to its sister site, XDA, to bring the latest and greatest in Windows, Linux, and DIY electronics. Sign in to your XDA account Summary Project Zenith devices ship preconfigured for developers with dev tools and settings ready out of the box. Devices can run 30B+ parameter models locally, unmetered, reducing reliance on metered cloud tokens. Windows tweaks: Explorer shows hidden files/extensions, disables notifications, deepens WSL integration. Getting a new PC is always exciting; setting it up, less so. Fortunately, if you're a developer, Microsoft is planning something big. Called "Project Zenith," it aims to give people a Windows device that comes with all the basics for programming set up out of the box, and it seems to be more than just a new variant of Windows. Project Zenith marries hardware and software for the perfect developer experience It's aimed at getting you up and running ASAP As announced on the Microsoft blog, the company has announced the existence of Project Zenith. The goal behind this product is to make Windows 11 more suitable for professional, developer use, and that includes removing what its users don't need and focusing on what they do: Project Zenith devices come with a preconfigured Windows setup for development, and a set of tools curated for what developers reach first. On these devices, developers can run 30B+ parameter models locally and unmetered – accelerating experimentation while helping reduce reliance on metered cloud tokens. Project Zenith represents Windows at its best – listening to developers, responding with purpose and working across our ecosystem to raise the bar for what a developer PC can be. Microsoft also notes that Project Zenith will tweak the OS to suit developers better. The File Explorer will show all the relevant data right out of the box, including hidden files and file extensions. It'll disable notifications, such as sync provider tips and account notifications. Plus, Microsoft has "integrated WSL more deeply into Windows with WSL containers" for an easier time running Linux-based apps At first, it sounds like a new version of Windows; however, it's worth noting that Microsoft specifically mentions "Project Zenith devices." It also mentions that this version of Windows will "first become available with AMD’s Ryzen AI Halo" and will arrive on more devices down the line. As such, this doesn't sound like a version of Windows 11 you can grab off the shelf or download from the Microsoft site; at least, not yet. It seems it'll be more like the company's previous Copilot+ devices: a range of computers designed specifically to meet a goal. The idea is that you can purchase a new Project Zenith device, boot it up, and you're already good to go. It's still early days, so we'll see what Microsoft announces further down the line.