May I ask where I can access the source code of Windows?

mrs liu 0 Reputation points
2025-12-08T11:02:19.5833333+00:00

Is there any way to access the Windows source code? Are there any universities or institutions that can access it?

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  1. Chen Tran 12,765 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-12-08T12:09:27.9366667+00:00

    Hello Liu,

    Thank you for posting question on Microsoft Windows Forum.

    Regarding your query of accessing the source code of Windows. Well! Based on the best currently available information. The fact of the matter is that the full, modern Windows source code is not public. Microsoft keeps Windows proprietary and only shares source under strict, negotiated programs (NDAs, secure portals) with trusted partners, some governments, and occasionally academia for limited research. It is not for general public download.

    The following are certain governments, institutions, and partners can access parts of it under strict programs run by Microsoft.

    1.Microsoft’s Shared-Source / partner programs (commercial & OEM partners).

    • Microsoft has a “Shared Source” family of programs that can provide source access to OEMs, integrators and some partners under license agreements. This is controlled and contractual (not public).

    2.Government / security review programs (secure online portals).

    • Microsoft runs programs that let governments and certain international organizations inspect product source code through secure portals (Code Center Premium / Government Security Program). These are by-request, tightly controlled, and covered by legal agreements. If you are with a government agency, that is the official route.
    • For more information https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/security/engineering/onlinesources

    3.Academic / research access | historically limited (Windows Research Kernel).

    • In the past Microsoft released the Windows Research Kernel (WRK). A research snapshot (older Windows Server / XP era) to qualifying universities under academic licenses. That helped kernel research and courses, but it is old code (not current Windows) and availability was restricted. But it is not the current Windows source tree.

    In case, you are an academic or student and want to study Windows internals. It is recommended to ask your university’s CS/security faculty whether they have any historical WRK materials or a collaboration with Microsoft. Many research groups kept WRK copies under license in the past.

    Hope the above information is helpful! If it is. Free feel to hit "Accepted" for benefitting others in community having the same query too.

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  2. AI answer

    2025-12-08T11:02:31.6933333+00:00

    Access to the Windows source code is available through Microsoft's Transparency Centers, which are part of the Government Security Program (GSP). These centers allow participants, including certain agencies and institutions, to conduct inspections and analysis of Microsoft's products, including Windows. The centers are located in the United States, Ireland, Singapore, and Brazil, and provide a secure environment for deep document and source code inspection.

    If you are part of an agency that is eligible for the GSP, you can visit a Transparency Center to access the source code and conduct evaluations based on your specific goals.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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  3. assil kerr 0 Reputation points
    2026-08-26T15:51:32.9233333+00:00

    You cannot actually legally access to windows source codes because windows is closed-source

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