This Is the Eye-Candy Windows Longhorn Login Screen That Never Launched

Video provides rare look at Windows Longhorn login screen

Windows Longhorn was a major redesign of Windows, and after Windows XP, it was supposed to continue the adventure of Microsoft’s desktop operating system in the modern computing world.

Well, we all know what happened next, with Longhorn eventually getting the ax and being replaced with Windows Vista, which actually borrowed some of its features for a similar modern approach.

However, Windows Vista wasn’t necessarily a well-received product, and it eventually became what many people referred to as Microsoft’s biggest flop in terms of operating systems.

But returning to Longhorn, its visual overhaul was supposed to include major updates pretty much in every regard, starting with the login screen.

And while few people got to try out Longhorn, some of the features that Microsoft originally developed for this operating system never got to see the daylight.

Another Windows overhaul on the radar

A tweet published by BetaCollector on May 16 provides netizens with a rare look at the official Longhorn login screen, showing that this operating system was so ahead of its time. It would’ve been one of the most beautiful login screens on the desktop, but just like the rest of the operating system, it never got to see the daylight.

The current login screen in Windows 10 has nothing in common with the one in Longhorn, as it’s static and dull, but on the other hand, it’s part of an approach that’s supposed to provide a simplified experience from one end to another.

Microsoft is once again working on a major overhaul of Windows 10, this time called Sun Valley and projected to see the daylight in the fall of this year. It will include a redesign of most OS components, though right now, it’s not clear if the login screen would also get a modern treatment or not.

Ready to see some absolutely stunning @Windows Longhorn stuff that you haven't seen before? Let's begin with a 60-second clip of what would have been one insanely gorgeous login screen... 🤤 pic.twitter.com/fO2AN0rwKh — BetaCollector (@beta_collector) May 16, 2021