A closer look at Microsoft’s new operating system

Windows 10X was announced in 2019 and will finally be released later this year in a new line of 2 in 1 / notebooks from Microsoft partners. Unlike Windows 10, Windows 10X would be simple, elegant, 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 plans have changed and the operating system will be released on single-screen devices in 2021.

The reports suggested that Windows 10X will be released now in the spring of 2021 and we finally managed to take a look, thanks to the leaked build.

Start menu

Unlike Windows 10 or Windows 8, Windows 10X does not come with traditional dynamic blocks. In the leaked version, Windows 10X is using ChromeOS as static icons for Microsoft Store apps and progressive web apps based on Microsoft Edge.

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

In addition to the Start menu, there is also a new task bar aligned to the center with three different sizes – small, medium and large. The small size is aimed at desktops with mouse support and the medium or large size appears to be very touch friendly.

Action Center

Action Center is also getting a new look on Windows 10X. As you can see in the image below, Windows 10X comes with a floating Action Center, which also includes the taskbar system tray.

Unlike Windows 10, Action Center on Windows 10X puts more emphasis on quick actions, which means that the notification area will not be visible all the time and Action Center will not cover the entire screen.

The new Action Center also comes with new volume controls, power options and battery percentage.

Settings and updates

In Windows 10X, Microsoft has completely removed the Control Panel and the same Windows 10 Settings app is offered. Using the Settings application, you can customize the Action Center, change the desktop wallpaper, activate the transparency effect for the taskbar and much more.

Windows settings also allow you to manage Windows updates, which are now separate from operating system components, such as drivers and applications. Windows 10X is able to apply updates in less than 90 seconds, saving the update package to a different partition. Once this is done, the update data is moved to another partition and replaced during reboot.

Windows Search

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

Like Windows Search on Windows 10, Windows 10X will also allow you to search for files on local storage and in the cloud.