New Windows 10X aims for simplicity

Leaks of Microsoft’s Windows 10X for single-screen computers reveal a simplified operating system with an emphasis on simplicity.

Windows Central and The Verge received pre-release copies of the system, originally designed for devices that could be folded and dual-screen, but later for single-screen computers. The launch of the Surface Neo with two screens has been delayed since a prototype was launched in 2019, and Microsoft has since positioned its new operating system for use on low-cost devices that will compete with Google’s Chromebook.

Windows 10X includes a new Action Center and Start Menu. The long screens of icons displayed on the system are over. The old system tray was removed from the taskbar and instead the Action Center shows the time and a list of commonly used functions such as volume, bluetooth, audio device selection and wi-fi.

Devices that use Windows 10X automatically sync with Microsoft’s OneDrive accounts, allowing users to secure copies of their documents, music, and photos in the cloud. Basically, all files will be synced except for downloaded files. Windows 10X requires users to create a OneDrive account if they do not already have one. Connections to local accounts will not be accommodated.

The Start menu no longer contains Live Tiles, which allows custom notifications of new emails, app updates, and calendar appointments, but instead displays a simple list of recently acquired apps and documents. Notification settings have been moved to the action center. And File Explorer, also simplified, will look like a sparse interface familiar to OneDrive users.

According to early testers, the search function, now built into the star menu, looks faster than previous versions. Results show local files along with data collected from the Bing search engine.

Applications such as Registry Editor, Group Policy Editor, Control Panel, Windows Run, and Task Manager have been removed.

Legacy desktop applications will not work in Windows 10X. All programs must be purchased through the Microsoft Store at least for the time being. Support for desktop applications may be available later this year.

A handy new gesture has been introduced. The three-finger swipe, along with the snap-assist feature, allows users to quickly connect two apps side by side. It is not necessary to place and change the programs, it is done automatically and immediately.

But the app screens in Windows 10X cannot be changed otherwise. Assuming that the operating system will be used on smaller devices that will not display small text on shrinking portions of real estate, Microsoft will limit apps to the full screen size only.

Windows 10X cannot be purchased separately. It will be pre-installed on new computers built specifically for the new operating system. These computers are expected to be low-cost models aimed at educational or corporate use.

The first models with Windows 10X are expected from Microsoft partners Dell and Lenovo, possibly in the spring.

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