Windows 10X

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Windows 10X
Version of the Windows 10 operating system
Screenshot of Windows 10X
DeveloperMicrosoft
OS familyMicrosoft Windows
Working stateScrapped
Source modelClosed-source
Initial release2020 (planned launch)
Update methodWindows Update
Kernel typeHybrid (NT)
Succeeded byWindows 11 (2021)
Support status
No support was ever issued.

Windows 10X is a cancelled edition of Windows 10, a major release of the Microsoft Windows series of operating systems. Announced by Microsoft on October 2, 2019, it was initially developed as an operating system to support dual-screen devices, such as the unreleased Surface Neo. 10X was expected to be released in 2020, but Microsoft later announced that the project had been cancelled in May 2021.[1] However, some features and design changes from 10X were integrated into the newer Windows 11.[2] While the operating system was originally designed for dual-screen devices, Windows 10X shifted its target to single-screen devices in 2020 due to increasing demand for traditional computers from the COVID-19 pandemic.[3]

Features[edit]

New and changed[edit]

Windows 10X introduced major changes to the Windows shell, abolishing legacy components in favor of new user experiences and enhanced security,[4] as well as some notable design changes, which were integrated into Windows 11:

  • The taskbar is now centered. It has 3 different sizes; Small, intended for mouse-controlled desktop computers, and medium and large are intended for touch computers[5]
  • The taskbar is automatically hidden, and can be clicked/tapped to be shown.
  • New start menu: Microsoft redesigned the start menu with a focus on productivity, with the search box now at the top instead of in the taskbar like in other editions of Windows 10, as well as a section of pinned apps which is the successor to the Live Tiles from other Windows 10 editions and 8.
  • The Action Center has been renamed “Quick Settings” and given a redesign.[6] Network/Internet controls, volume controls and power options have been moved to Quick Settings. There also exists an area to check notifications and control music playing from a specific app.
  • Window borders have been rounded.
  • The Out-of-box setup has been updated to better fit the new user interface of 10X, with a more modern design, as well as Cortana no longer being an integrated feature.
  • The default UI now uses a more light theme than a dark one.
  • Windows Update improvements: The Windows Update method has been improved to complete faster. Feature updates now automatically install in the background and will only reboot when required to.
  • Enhanced security: 10X introduces a new security system dubbed “State Separation”; instead of installing every file (including the user’s, the system’s, the applications’, etc.) into a single, accessible partition, which allows attackers and malware to easily access system files, 10X installs system, application and other important files into a read-only partition, while leaving the user files in a separate, accessible partition. Therefore, the users and apps can only access files in the user partition.

Cancellation[edit]

In May 2021, Microsoft announced that 10X was cancelled, but new features and design changes would be integrated into other Microsoft products (such as Windows 11).[7]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Warren, Tom (2021-05-18). "Microsoft confirms Windows 10X is dead". The Verge. Retrieved 2023-03-19.
  2. ^ Warren, Tom (2021-06-15). "Windows 11 leak reveals new UI, Start menu, and more". The Verge. Retrieved 2023-03-19.
  3. ^ Burrell, Henry. "Windows 10X will hit single screen devices first in strategy shift". Tech Advisor. Retrieved 2023-03-19.
  4. ^ Zac Bowden (2021-05-27). "Windows 10X: Everything you need to know". Windows Central. Retrieved 2023-03-19.
  5. ^ "Windows 10X: A closer look at Microsoft's new operating system". BleepingComputer. Retrieved 2023-04-29.
  6. ^ Parmar, Mayank (2021-05-16). "Windows 10 leak points to new Action Center UI and more rounded corners". Windows Latest. Retrieved 2023-03-19.
  7. ^ "Windows 10X on hold, features coming to Windows 10 instead". BleepingComputer. Retrieved 2023-03-19.