Microsoft's move to split Windows did not work out

The Verge chronicles the changes that have gone through Microsoft's Windows organization over the past year or so. An internal memo from Windows head Panos Panay reveals the latest organizational structure change is focused on cleaning up Windows to ship and update it reliably, something that's been problematic in recently. The software giant attempted to split Windows development in two parts, but the reshuffle suggests the Redmond-based firm is already admitting that this didn't pan out as expected:

The software giant placed Surface chief Panos Panay in charge of Windows earlier this year, and is now reshuffling parts of that team. It follows Microsoft’s decision to slice Windows into two parts more than two years ago after the departure of former Windows chief Terry Myerson. Microsoft moved core Windows development to a cloud and AI team (Azure), and created a new group to work on Windows 10 “experiences” like apps, the Start menu, and new features.

Now, Microsoft is moving parts of Windows development back under Panos Panay’s control. Specifically, that means the Windows fundamentals and developer experience teams have been returned to what we traditionally call the Windows team. It’s an admission that the big Windows split didn’t work quite as planned. We’ve seen plenty of evidence of that with a messy development experience for Windows 10, delayed Windows updates, a lack of major new features, and lots of Windows update issues recently.