What is Windows 10X?

Foldable screens and new dual screen devices have increasingly become the trend. Manufacturers now want to show themselves as forward thinking hardware developers. Microsoft’s upcoming Windows 10X operating system has long been rumored to be the software giant’s first foray into the dual screen world we all look likely to soon enter. New leaks, however, have not only given us our first look at some insider details about Windows 10X, they’ve also revealed that it might be coming to more traditional Windows devices too.

Windows 10X is ditching the Start Menu

The Microsoft in-the-know Twitter account WalkingCat recently highlighted a document that was very briefly available online. The document revealed that Microsoft wants Windows 10X to be available for, “both clamshells and foldables.” This shows that Microsoft is planning on bringing its brand-new operating system to regular “clamshell” type laptop devices too.

The leaked document also went through some of the features that would be included in Windows 10X. The first change to Windows 10 will be noticeable even before Windows 10X launches. The new authentication feature “Windows Hello Face” will kick in automatically, removing the need to log in manually via the lock screen. The document said, “Upon waking the device, Windows Hello Face instantly recognizes the user and will immediately transition to their desktop.”

Another key factor of Windows 10X is the replacement of the Start Menu with what Microsoft is calling Launcher. Launcher will work like an advanced search function, seamlessly integrating, “… web results, available apps, and specific files on your device.” The document also claimed that Launcher content will automatically update based on the apps you use most frequently.

As well as a simplified Start Menu, Windows 10X is also going to simplify the Windows 10 action center, where you would normally receive notifications. It’ll be quicker and easier to access important settings and you’ll also have the ability to customize which settings you’ll have quick access to. The document, however, notes that Wi-Fi, cell data, Bluetooth, airplane mode, rotation lock, and projection will all be quick settings by default.

The other news of note to come from the leaked document is that Microsoft seem to be promoting the regular Win32 versions of the Office apps as well as the Progressive Web App versions you can find at office.com. If you’re worried about the limited nature of the web versions of the Office apps available online, don’t. It is highly likely that Microsoft will work on them extensively in the run up to the launch of Windows 10X.

Holiday 2020 launch

The big news then is that users of regular devices will likely be able to use Windows 10X too and it won’t just be exclusive to foldable devices. That doesn’t mean, however that the launch of Windows 10X isn’t still tied to the release of Microsoft’s first foldable device, the Surface Neo. Neo is expected launch in time for the holidays next year.