In an unexpected twist, Google has revealed more than just another Android build as it accidentally showcased its forthcoming desktop-class version of Android that appears aimed squarely at Windows 11. Hidden within a developer video was a sleek, windowed interface running on a PC-style layout, boasting multitasking capabilities never before displayed by Google.
If this turns out to be the company’s long-rumored “Android desktop” operating system, known as Aluminium OS, Microsoft could be facing a serious new competitor targeting the low-end laptop and cloud-first PC market.
Stepping back for a second, Microsoft has firmly established Windows as the world’s leading desktop operating system. In a remarkable achievement, the software giant just announced that Windows 11 surpassed 1 billion users in just four years, although some reports suggest that adoption has faltered.
But it now appears that Google may be preparing to challenge Microsoft’s Windows 11 with a rival Android-based desktop operating system. The company inadvertently revealed the confidential UI when a Google bug report was published on the Chromium Issue Tracker (via 9to5Google).
At the time of writing, Windows Central established that access to the bug report was restricted, but as reported by the outlet and seen in the YouTube video embedded above, which contains two screen recordings of a laptop (HP Elite Dragonfly 13.5 Chromebook, running a 12th Gen Intel Core (AlderLake-U) processor from 2021) running an internal build of Aluminium OS — Android's desktop version.
The video is consistent with Android 16 flavors, perhaps signaling that the operating system will heavily lean on and borrow system elements from existing software.
As highlighted by the outlet, the status bar is significantly taller compared to the experience on phones and tablets, suggesting that the operating system has been optimized for larger screen real estate. Interestingly, the software giant is retaining similar Android indicators, including Wi-Fi, battery, and the notification bell icon.
We've already heard Lenovo speak on Google's upcoming OS, noting in a since-pulled Q&A that Android PCs will have "limited desktop features, app compatibility issues, gaming performance limitations, hardware compatibility concerns, and a learning curve for new users" compared to existing PCs."
Like Microsoft with Copilot in Windows 11, Google could potentially bake Gemini into the operating system to supercharge its capabilities. Additionally, the operating system's bottom taskbar features a centered Start button just like Windows 11. The mouse cursor has also undergone a facelift with a tail effect to enhance visibility on high-resolution screens.
The video also shows the operating system's multi-tasking capabilities, including running multiple Google Chrome windows simultaneously while in split-screen mode. Interestingly, the Android version of Google Chrome in this build includes an Extensions button, which is synonymous with desktop browsers.
Based on the leak, it's apparent that Google's Android operating system is well past the concept phase, which could be signaling a 2026 launch. Multiple reports suggest that Google could potentially partner with Qualcomm to launch next-gen Android PCs later this year (via HotHardware).
It'll be interesting to see Google's desktop operating system's impact on Windows dominance. Microsoft faced backlash from users after it announced its future plans to evolve Windows into an agentic OS, but it recently promised to make behind-the-scenes platform changes to Windows 11 as it begins testing the next wave of features.
Do you think Google’s leaked Android desktop OS could challenge Microsoft’s Windows 11? Share your thoughts in the comments and cast your vote!
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