Not only Linux: Windows 11 now includes components written in Rust

Windows 11 is started to get components written in Rust. Rust is a modern memory-safe programming language that is growing in popularity. Earlier, Linux kernel was the only mainstream project that had Rust support for its modules, but now has Windows joined the party.

Rust is a multi-paradigm, high-level, general-purpose programming language that focuses on performance, type safety, and concurrency. It guarantees memory safety—that is, all references point to actual memory—without the need for garbage collector or reference counting found in other memory-safe languages.

Mark Russinovich, CTO of Microsoft Azure, has shared on his Twitter that Insider builds of Windows 11 have already include the Rust-powered components.

While Mark Russinovich didn't mention in which channel the core files are used, eagle-eyed enthusiasts have already noticed them. According to @XenoPartner, Rust components were first introduced in build 25163 before being removed in build 25169. Then they returned back in build 25346. So, all these builds are from the "old" Dev channel, which eventually became the "new" Canary channel.

At the BlueHat IL 2023 security conference in Israel in April, Microsoft Vice President David Weston said the company is doing "aggressive and meaningful work to secure memory," a key source of exploits.

Furthermore, Microsoft will support the Rust programming language in the Pluton security chip. This chip is engineered to safeguard sensitive information and encryption keys from attacks carried out with physical access to the device.