Windows 10X

2021: Project Collapse

On May 18, 2021, Microsoft announced the winding up of the "lightweight" Windows 10X operating system project. The technologies created there are planned to be used in Windows 10.

Instead of bringing a product called Windows 10X to market in 2021, as we originally planned, we learn from our work and accelerate the integration of key 10X fundamental technologies with other parts of Windows and company products, "said John Cable, head of Microsoft software product management, whose words are quoted on the Windows blog.

Microsoft has abandoned the "lightweight" OS for weak devices

Windows 10X]]

Microsoft explained that the main reason for abandoning Windows 10X is to intersect functions with Windows 10. Some technologies developed for Windows 10X are already embedded in Windows 10. We are talking about a new container for launching applications, an improved voice set and an improved touch keyboard for tablets with Windows 10. Microsoft says it will continue to invest in technologies that were originally created as part of Windows 10X.

The CEO of the Network Solutions Provider company (partner of Microsoft) Phil Walker in a conversation with the CRN edition expressed opinion that the refusal of Windows 10X shows focus of corporation on a cloud computing. In his opinion, Microsoft should concentrate on multitasking, speech recognition and virtual desktops.

Mike Wilson, vice president and chief technical officer of Interlink Cloud Advisors, sees the Microsoft solution as a connection with the lack of demand for Windows 10X.

According to Zac Bowden, a Windows-themed blogger, he has not heard of 10X development and testing since February 2021. This may indicate that Microsoft has stopped doing the new OS. He also noted that the previously available images with a beta version of Windows 10X disappeared from the corporation's server.^[1]

2020: Release Transfer

Microsoft has postponed the release of Windows 10X for 2021. The company itself announced this on July 20, 2020. By this time, the software giant had little to say about the product, but it is known about it from the Internet media.

According to Windows Central, the feature of virtualization of classic programs in Windows 10X was removed due to the fact that inexpensive devices do not  have enough performance for it. But  after starting the first foldable device, this feature can return to  Windows 10X.

Windows 10X Interface

In May 2020, Microsoft reported that they were busy redesigning Windows 10X for single-screen devices. Citing the pandemic of coronavirus infection, COVID-19 Panos Panay, head of Windows and devices at Microsoft, admitted that "the world has become completely different than it was last October when we shared our vision for a new category of dual-screen Windows devices."

By July 21, 2020, Microsoft's official schedule still says that the Surface Neo will be released before the end of the year. The fact is that the company did not update the schedule after the first transfer of the device launch.

According to ZDNet, Windows 10X will be available by the spring of 2021, first it will appear on traditional gadgets with one display. The version for devices with two displays will be released in 2022. Initially, the new OS was planned to be presented  in 2020, but, apparently,    the developers had difficulties in working on it.

The first version of Windows 10X will not include support for Win32 applications in containers. At this stage, only universal (UWP) and web applications (PWA) will be available. 

It is assumed that the Windows 10X operating system will receive a closed architecture and users will be available in read-only mode.^[2] 

Notes