The new Windows 10X aims for simplicity

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

Windows Central and The Verge obtained pre-release copies of the system, originally designed for foldable and dual-screen devices, but later adapted for single-screen PCs. The launch of the dual-screen Surface Neo has been delayed since a prototype was unveiled in 2019 and Microsoft subsequently positioned its new operating system for use on low-cost devices that will compete with Google’s Chromebook.

Windows 10X features a new Action Center and Start Menu. The long displays of system display icons are long gone. The old system tray has been removed from the taskbar and the Action Center instead shows the time and a list of commonly used functions, such as volume, bluetooth, audio device selection, and wifi.

Devices using Windows 10X will automatically sync with Microsoft OneDrive accounts, so users can have copies of their documents, music and photos protected in the cloud. Basically, all files will be synchronized, except downloaded files. Windows 10X will require users to create a OneDrive account, if they don’t already have one. Connections to local accounts will not be accommodated.

The Start Menu will no longer have Live Tiles, which allowed for personalized notifications of new emails, application updates and calendar appointments, but instead will display a simple list of recently accessed applications and documents. The notification settings have been moved to the Action Center. And File Explorer also simplified, will resemble a sparse interface familiar to users of OneDrive.

The search function, now integrated into the Star Menu, appears to be faster than previous versions, according to early testers. The results show the local files along with the data collected on 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 do not work on Windows 10X. All applications must be purchased through the Microsoft Store, at least for now. Support for desktop applications may be available later this year.

A new practical gesture was introduced. The three-finger touch, along with the docking aid function, allows users to quickly connect two applications side by side. There is no need to position and resize applications, it is done automatically and instantly.

But application screens in Windows 10X cannot be resized any other way. Assuming that the operating system will be used on smaller devices that will not clearly display small text in small parts of the screen space, Microsoft restricts applications to the full screen size only.

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

The first Windows 10X models are expected from Microsoft partners Dell and Lenovo, possibly as early as this spring.

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