Microsoft’s original Xbox source code is ripe online, alongside the Windows NT 3.5 version code. The Xbox source code includes the application kernel in the original console, a custom version of Windows 2000. We can confirm that the mature Xbox OS is true, and it appeared online earlier this month. “We are aware of these reports and are investigating them,” a Microsoft spokeswoman said in a statement issued to The Verge.
While the Xbox OS leaks include other builds, the Xbox Development Kit, test emulators, and internal documentation, we understand that this code and source code have been privately transmitted between previous lovers. That said, it’s not possible to help other homebrew efforts with the original Xbox gaming emulator.
Most of the existing Xbox actors, including CXBX, XQEMU, and CXBX Reloaded, but most have struggled to emulate the original Xbox OS and kernel. Microsoft developed the first Xbox that had x86 Hardware in mind, but the Xbox kernel was custom-built and rolled out the Windows 2000 version with the support of DirectX 8.
Illegal emulators we have tried to replicate this kernel for years, but so far only 40 games have limited support compared to the 900 games available for the original Xbox. Microsoft has its own impersonations for Xbox and Xbox 360 games, but it’s only available on Xbox One consoles and not Windows PCs.
Next to the Xbox leak, the source code for the closest version of Windows NT 3.5 has also appeared online. The source code includes all the necessary building tools, and should allow enthusiasts to get into the old operating system. Since Windows NT 3.5 support was discontinued in December 2001, the application is only used in a limited number of applications worldwide so source code exposure is not a significant security issue.
Microsoft has strongly defended its Windows and Xbox source code over the years. The source code that is part of Windows 2000 and NT 4 was updated in 2004, and another Windows 10 source code was posted online in 2017. We asked Microsoft to comment on the Windows NT 3.5 code leak, but the company says it has nothing to share. this particular event.