Beyond foldables: Where Microsoft is headed with Windows 10X

Terminal week, Microsoft announced Windows 10X, a new version of Windows 10 that it says is designed specifically for foldable PCs in both dual-screen and single-screen configurations. Devices like the Surface Neo and Lenovo's foldable ThinkPad X1 will be some of the kickoff devices to transport with this new version of Windows, and it'll be exclusive to this form gene at launch.

Only what about more than traditional class factors like laptops or tablets? Can we await to see Windows 10X on those devices in the future? Microsoft is remaining tight-lipped around its plans for Windows 10X beyond foldable PCs. Yet, we know that in that location is a program to curl-out Windows 10X to more than device form factors in the future, with the (long term) cease-goal of Windows 10X becoming the new default version of Windows for most people.

Pegasus: Bringing Windows 10X to traditional grade factors

Rough mockup of what Windows 10X looks like in "desktop mode."

Codenamed Pegasus, this project aims to bring Windows 10X and its unique user interface to traditional laptop and tablet form factors. While I don't expect Windows 10X will always be something offered to existing Windows x users every bit an upgrade, Microsoft is planning to allow OEMs to pre-load Windows 10X onto new devices that aren't foldables.

This volition be an important milestone for Windows 10X, equally it'll be the point in which this platform moves from being a niche alternative to Windows x. In its current grade, Microsoft does not look Windows 10X to take over as the primary version of Windows, and that's considering the foldable PC market isn't expected to be huge. Nearly people will still want to use traditional laptops and tablets, which is why Microsoft must go Windows 10X running on those form factors too.

Windows 10X is more than merely a facelift for dual-screen PCs; it's a new, modern version of Windows that's been rebuilt from the ground upwardly with performance and modern calculating in mind. It doesn't suffer from "win-rot," for example, a term coined by users who find Windows slows down over time by installing programs. It features a faster Windows Update system that's less intruding and a modern user interface that guts legacy elements such every bit the Control Panel besides.

The Pegasus project also allows Microsoft to position Windows 10X as a Chrome OS competitor, something it had initially envisioned when outset starting work on Windows 10X. Until this new version of Windows can run on clamshells, it has no chance of competing in the pedagogy market. So the question is, why hasn't Microsoft started talking about these plans? It'south super weird to announce a new version of Windows specifically for foldable PCs, a market that's going to be super niche.

Mixed messaging

I think the reason for this evolves around Microsoft'south demand to go Windows 7 users moved over to Windows 10. It would send mixed letters for Microsoft to announce Windows 10X as a new version of Windows for everybody, while also asking Windows vii users to upgrade to Windows 10. It's more important for Microsoft right now to get Windows 7 users upgraded to Windows 10, before trying to button Windows 10X as a new version of Windows for everyone.

Windows 10 itself isn't going abroad, and that won't change when the Pegasus projection takes off. Microsoft sees two distinct markets for both Windows 10 and Windows 10X. Windows x is for professionals, creatives, and gamers. Windows 10X is for everyone else. Windows 10 is the heavyweight platform that will be an option for those who need it, and Windows 10X is the option for anybody else.

There are currently 900 1000000 Windows x users in the world, and none of those users volition exist able to upgrade to Windows 10X on their existing devices. It won't ever be offered as an OS update, so users can relax if they won't want Windows 10X. The only way for users to get Windows 10X is to buy a PC that comes with information technology preinstalled, just like how those who want to use Chrome OS accept to obtain a Chrome Os device to do so. This is why Pegasus is important.

Putting Windows 10X on traditional grade factors will open the platform up to new buyers who aren't interested in foldables. This does rely on users willing to upgrade their devices, which happens very infrequently in the PC world. As a effect, Windows 10X is going to be an incredibly tedious burn for Microsoft, especially if it wants Windows 10X to go the dominant version of Windows in the future.

It'south all Windows x

Windows 10X is still Windows x at the end of the mean solar day. It runs all the same programs, only with a lighter Os under the hood, and better UX up height. The existing version of Windows 10 is going to be here for a long time, and Microsoft knows this. Windows 10 and Windows 10X will exist in unison, and over the side by side decade, Microsoft hopes that Windows 10X will slowly become the version of Windows well-nigh people use.

I don't accept any insight as to when Microsoft will outset assuasive OEMs to build not-foldable Windows 10X PCs, but I'd have to assume information technology volition be afterwards the platform launches on foldable PCs at the cease of adjacent year. We'll have to expect and see.

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