As we near Windows 11 22H2, Windows 9 reference is still there in Dev build 22567

The new Windows 11 Dev channel builds are bringing in new features and loads of bug fixes. That's because we are now moving into the next phase of Windows 11 which will usher in Windows 11 version 22H2. As such, one of the new Dev builds, Build 22567 adds new features like Smart App Control (SAC), some major Taskbar improvements, and others.

And while digging around, Twitter user Xeno stumbled upon references to Windows 9 that are still present in Build 22567. The reference can be found inside the Migwiz file that's present in the System32 folder. Here's the full path of the directory:

C:\Windows\System32\migwiz\replacementmanifests

The file talks about gathering blocks for the collection of data from old Windows systems including Windows 9. There is also the mention of Windows Blue which was the codename associated with Windows 8.1. This reference has seemingly been present since the Windows 10 Technical preview build 9860.

You can view the contents of the file in the image below:

For those scratching their heads as they may be unfamiliar with Windows 9, this was assumed to be the successor to Windows 8.1 (Blue). However, there were rumors that "Windows 9" was causing certain app compatibility issues due to confusion with Windows 95 and Windows 98 forcing Microsoft to go for Windows 10 instead. Microsoft's Tony Prophet though, the corporate vice president of Windows Marketing at the time, stated something else entirely.

Source and image: Xeno (Twitter)

As we near Windows 11 22H2, Windows 9 reference is still there in Dev build 22567