ReactOS, the open source Windows-compatible OS, just shipped its biggest release to date

ReactOS, an open-source project designed to create a Windows-compatible operating system, has released its latest version, ReactOS 0.4.15. This update is the biggest ReactOS release to date, and follows version 0.4.14, which was released in December 2021, more than four years ago. The new version introduces several major improvements aimed at enhancing compatibility and functionality.

One of the key updates in ReactOS 0.4.15 is a complete overhaul of the Plug and Play Manager within the kernel. This rewrite enhances the system's ability to support a wider range of third-party drivers and allows for booting from USB devices. It also ensures compatibility with chipsets that feature EHCI, OHCI, and UHCI controllers, which broadens the hardware support for the operating system.

The update also brings significant improvements to audio capabilities, including support for additional audio formats, looped wave file playback, higher sample rates, and multiple output channels. The memory manager and cache controller have been optimized, and the system can now import the Microsoft FAT file system driver from the Windows Driver Kit. Additionally, security has been strengthened in the kernel's Security Subsystem to prevent unauthorized access, and the graphical shell now supports large taskbar icons and native ZIP archive handling.

Overall, ReactOS 0.4.15 offers a range of enhancements, bug fixes, and new features that improve the user experience and system performance.