Microsoft cancels Windows 10X

Earlier this month, we learned that Microsoft may have shelved its plans for Windows 10X, a lighter version of the OS that was intended to compete with ChromeOS. As it turns out, the project isn't just shelved – it won't be releasing at all. 

Today, Microsoft confirmed that it no longer plans to ship Windows 10X. Instead, some of the features developed for it will transition into Windows 10 through updates in the coming months.

Microsoft's John Cable revealed as much in a post explaining how to download and install the Windows 10 May 2021 feature update, stating: “Instead of bringing a product called Windows 10X to market in 2021 like we originally intended, we are leveraging learnings from our journey thus far and accelerating the integration of key foundational 10X technology into other parts of Windows and products at the company.”

Microsoft had worked on Windows 10X for a couple of years and was originally planned to ship in 2020 alongside the Surface Neo dual-screen tablet. As development went on, Microsoft decided to spin Windows 10X into a ChromeOS competitor instead, focusing less on dual-display functionality and more on the single-screen experience.

Microsoft has not confirmed if the Surface Neo has also been cancelled.

KitGuru Says: Given what happened with Windows 10S and the multiple changes in direction during development of Windows 10X, this isn't a huge surprise. Still, it will be interesting to see parts of the project live on in new Windows 10 updates.

Become a Patron!