The LiberNT project is working on an alternative implementation of the Windows NT architecture, using Windows 11 version 24H2 as its compatibility reference. Unlike Linux distributions, LiberNT does not use the Linux kernel. It builds on the ReactOS codebase while replacing and extending several core components.
One of the project’s main priorities is ARM64 support, particularly for single-board computers and embedded devices. LiberNT also supports x86-64 and 32-bit x86, while RISC-V 64-bit and PowerPC ports are under development.
According to the developers, the implementation follows a clean-room approach. Windows behavior is studied using Microsoft’s public documentation, SDK and WDK headers, public symbols, and black-box testing. The team states no proprietary Windows code is copied or transcribed.
On the technical side, one of the biggest changes is NVS, a new memory manager and kernel pool implementation replacing the corresponding ReactOS components. LiberNT also introduces a new cache manager, with developers claiming better results than the original ReactOS memory manager in their memory and cache benchmarks.
Other changes include a new NTFS driver, an updated StorPort implementation with NVMe support, USB xHCI and SD bus drivers, and work on the Windows Display Driver Model and Desktop Window Manager.
On the application compatibility side, LiberNT implements WoW64 on its 64-bit targets, while ARM64 systems use the FEX emulator to run x86 applications. ARM64EC support is also part of the project.
Early compatibility results are already available on the project’s compatibility page. According to tests published by the developers, Google Chrome, the open-source strategy game 0 A.D., and Command & Conquer: Yuri’s Revenge are reported to work. Steam is listed as usable, while the RPCS3 PlayStation 3 emulator currently starts but has not been classified as usable.
However, the compatibility database contains only five entries, all tested against a specific development build.
LiberNT also targets Raspberry Pi hardware, with the same ARM64 disk image designed to boot on Raspberry Pi 3, Raspberry Pi 5, and generic ARM64 virtual machines running under QEMU. The project includes drivers for Raspberry Pi display, networking, and audio hardware.
For those interested in trying it, the developers provide downloadable builds in three formats: a preinstalled raw disk image, a VHD image for virtualization platforms, and a bootable installation ISO. The preinstalled image is recommended, with support for both UEFI and BIOS booting.
Still, LiberNT remains a work in progress. The developers caution that the available builds are experimental and should be used in virtual machines or on spare hardware rather than production systems. The source code is available on GitHub.
Image credits: LiberNT
