Wild OS, a hardened Debian desktop that runs Windows apps as windows

Wild OS represents a novel approach to desktop computing, offering users the privacy benefits of Linux while maintaining compatibility with Windows applications. The project, developed by Wild Origins, has released its first alpha version, allowing tech enthusiasts to test this innovative operating system that runs Windows applications in a hidden virtual machine rather than through compatibility layers like Wine.

The operating system is built on three distinct layers, each serving a specific purpose. Its core design philosophy emphasizes privacy by eliminating accounts, telemetry, and advertisements. Windows mode, the standout feature, doesn't merely imitate Windows interface—it runs a real, licensed copy of Windows 11 Pro in a virtual machine, displaying each application as its own window with proper taskbar integration and Alt+Tab functionality.

Windows mode functionality

The Windows mode implementation offers several advantages over traditional compatibility solutions. It automatically pauses the Windows virtual machine when no applications are open, saving processor resources. On battery power or with limited memory, the system saves its state to disk to prevent data loss. Notably, Windows maintains its exact state even after shutdown, allowing users to resume work with unsaved documents intact.

The virtual machine operates in complete isolation, with its own private network separate from the user's home network. It also includes snapshot functionality, enabling users to roll back problematic Windows updates. Windows applications save files directly to the user's Documents folder, maintaining a seamless file management experience while keeping the operating systems properly separated.

System requirements and compatibility

Windows mode requires a valid Windows 11 Pro license, which Wild OS can typically detect from the firmware of PCs originally sold with Pro edition. The project team is currently developing their own method to support Windows 11 Home, as the feature for displaying programs as separate windows is exclusive to Pro edition. All other Wild OS functions work on any PC regardless of Windows licensing status.

The alpha release includes bootable live ISO and installer with Secure Boot and encryption enabled by default. The installer supports dual-boot configurations, allowing users to run Wild OS alongside Windows. The project roadmap includes future features like device passthrough and additional protection levels, with current efforts focused on alpha testing and hardware compatibility fixes.

Technical foundation

Wild OS builds upon several established open-source projects, including Debian for its base system, KDE for the desktop environment, and Calamares for the installer. It incorporates security packages from Kicksecure and the Whonix project without modification. The virtualization capabilities rely on QEMU, KVM, libvirt, and FreeRDP technologies, with the entire project licensed under GNU General Public License v3.0 or later.

The development process is transparent, with ISO builds created from source code that anyone can inspect. The project welcomes contributions across various areas, from code development to application testing and documentation. For security concerns, the team requests private reporting rather than public disclosure of vulnerabilities.