Windows Longhorn had initially intended to be a minor step between XP and "Blackcomb", which eventually became Windows 7. However, because features slated for Blackcomb began being implemented into Longhorn at the expense of stability, Microsoft reset the development of Longhorn, instead opting for a code-base from the newer Server 2003 (previously Longhorn was based on Windows XP). Build 5048 is one of the builds that came afterwards.

The splash has changed slightly, but not a whole lot.

The desktop, however, has a few significant changes. The start button now has a more glass-like appearance, while the rest of the taskbar maintains the same flat appearance as before. The icons have now also changed to the traditional Vista ones, and that sidebar thing is no longer present.

The start menu looks like the one in Vista now.

The explorer has been cleaned up, and now displays free drive space.

Shutting down Longhorn build 5048.