Huawei has officially unveiled HarmonyOS 5, its independently developed operating system for personal computers. This marks a significant step forward for the Chinese tech giant as it continues to reduce its reliance on Western software such as Windows and macOS. According to the company, HarmonyOS 5 will become the standard OS on future Huawei laptops and desktops.
A Fully Independent OS for Huawei PCs
HarmonyOS 5 shares its core architecture with the mobile version of the operating system, bringing Huawei’s proprietary HarmonyOS Kernel to the desktop environment. It also features StarShield, a security platform designed to protect user data, and the Ark Engine, which delivers smooth UI rendering and a responsive user interface. Together, these elements promise a seamless user experience. While Huawei claims the OS is “faster than Windows,” it has yet to release benchmark data to substantiate that claim.
Familiar Look, New Features
From a visual standpoint, HarmonyOS 5 takes cues from Windows. The taskbar runs along the bottom of the screen, with pinned applications centered and system indicators—such as the clock, battery level, and quick settings—positioned on the right. One of the standout additions is an AI feature activated from the taskbar’s right corner. This opens a chatbot-style assistant that lets users interact with documents and apps using natural language. The feature is similar to Microsoft’s Copilot and is aimed at increasing productivity and ease of use.
Intuitive Multitasking and Visual Enhancements
In terms of multitasking, Huawei has included a gesture-based system where swiping up with three fingers on the trackpad displays all currently open windows. This makes switching between tasks easier and more fluid. The system also includes dynamic lighting effects that react to mouse movements and animated wallpapers, providing a modern and visually rich desktop experience.
Strong Mobile Device Integration
Huawei has placed a strong emphasis on cross-device integration. Users can type smartphone messages using the PC’s keyboard and copy files from a Huawei tablet directly to their PC with a simple paste function. These features aim to create a seamless digital experience across Huawei devices, reinforcing the company’s goal of building a unified ecosystem.
App Ecosystem and Market Scope
Huawei is actively working on expanding third-party application support for HarmonyOS 5, though details are still emerging. As of now, the company has not announced any plans to launch the OS in Western markets such as Europe or North America. This suggests that HarmonyOS 5 will remain focused on the Chinese market for the foreseeable future.
Conclusion
With the release of HarmonyOS 5 for PCs, Huawei is boldly stepping into the future of personal computing. The operating system offers a familiar yet enhanced user experience, featuring intelligent tools, modern visual effects, and tight integration with Huawei’s broader device ecosystem. While it’s still early days and questions remain about app support and international availability, HarmonyOS 5 could become a major player in reshaping the global PC landscape.
