We're learning more about Windows 10X all the time. The latest Windows 10X feature to be uncovered is an anti-theft mechanism that will make it much more difficult for a thief to reset and wipe a stolen device.
Windows 10X Integrated Anti-Theft
As Bleeping Computer reports, the upcoming streamlined version of Windows 10, known as Windows 10X, will include a new anti-theft feature.
The anti-theft feature will require the user to sign into a linked Microsoft account to perform a system reset.
As it stands, anyone with access to an unlocked Windows 10 machine can use the "Reset this PC" function to wipe the device completely. If your laptop is stolen, resetting the operating system is one of the first things the thief will do to "clean" the device.
In fairness, for this to work, the laptop would have to be unlocked to begin with, i.e., without a Windows 10 lock, be that from a local or Microsoft account.
With Windows 10X, you will have to enter either your Microsoft account or Windows 10 local account credentials before proceeding with the PC reset. The Settings page for the new anti-theft feature reads:
Anti-theft protection prevents someone else from resetting your device and re-using it. When anti-theft protection is on, you will need to enter your PIN or Microsoft account password before resetting and re-using this device.
The new anti-theft feature is a welcome update to Windows 10. For all of Windows' popularity as the world's leading operating system, it is far too easy to wipe a computer for resale.
However, introducing an anti-theft feature won't stop theft, nor will it stop a thief wiping stolen hardware using a third-party tool or Linux distro. After all, physical access to a device trumps everything else.
What Else Do We Know About Windows 10X?
Windows 10X is set to become Microsoft's newest operating system, offering a lightweight, modular approach to the traditional operation system. Windows 10X will focus primarily on dual-screen devices, though it will also feature on single-screen devices.
In fact, due to delays to the Microsoft Surface Neo, which was set to become the first device to feature the new operating system.
Some of the standout features seen so far include a new, streamlined Start menu and taskbar experience, a completely new Action Center, a new File Explorer experience, and many more improvements for dual-screen and portable devices.