A closer look at Microsoft’s new operating system

Windows 10X was already announced in 2019 and will launch later this year on a new series of 2-in-1 notebooks from Microsoft partners. Unlike Windows 10, Windows 10X will be simpler, smoother, faster and more secure.

For those unfamiliar, Windows 10X was originally designed for dual-screen devices, such as the Surface Neo, Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold, and Intel prototypes. In 2020, Microsoft said that the plans had changed and that the operating system would start on single screen devices for the first time in 2021.

Reports have suggested that Windows 10X will now be launched in the spring of 2021 and that we have finally managed to get our first look, thanks to the leaky building.

Start menu

Unlike Windows 10 or Windows 8, Windows 10X does not come with traditional live tiles. In the leaked build, Windows 10X uses ChromeOS as static icons for Microsoft Store applications and Microsoft Edge-powered Progressive Web Apps.

By default, the Start menu will contain shortcuts to popular programs and services such as Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Edge, and Settings. The Start menu will only show programs and websites, and you can not group programs to create a folder. You can right-click on any icon to access the app’s settings and pin it to the taskbar.

In addition to the Start menu, there is also a new taskbar with center in line with three different sizes – small, medium and large. The small size is aimed at desktops with mouse support and medium to large looks very touch friendly.

Action Center

Action Center also gets a new look in Windows 10X. As you can see in the screenshot below, Windows 10X comes with a floating action center, which also contains the taskbar’s system tray.

Unlike Windows 10, in Windows 10X, Action Center puts more emphasis on fast-moving actions, which means the notification area is not visible all the time and Action Center will not cover your full screen.

The new action center also has new volume controls, power options and battery percentage.

Settings and updates

In Windows 10X, Microsoft completely removed the Control Panel and offered the same Windows 10 Settings app. Using the Settings app, you can customize the Action Center, change the desktop background, enable transparent effect for the taskbar, and more.

With Windows settings, you can also manage the Windows updates, which are now separate from OS components such as the drivers and programs. Windows 10X can apply updates in less than 90 seconds by storing the update package in another partition. Once done, the update data is moved to another partition and replaced during the reload.

Windows Search

Windows Search is now part of the Start Menu and will appear at the top.

Just like Windows Search in Windows 10, Windows 10X will also allow you to search for files in local storage and cloud.