Microsoft is reportedly lining up Windows 10X for a release later in 2021. The upcoming update to Windows 10 designed specifically with dual-screen devices in mind is being pushed back to ensure the release meets Microsoft's standards and iron out bugs and other issues.
It isn't the first delay to Windows 10X, with Microsoft having previously shifted more of the development focus to single-screen devices, as well as confirming that Windows 10X won't support Win32 apps.
When Is Windows 10X Set to Launch?
Windows Central reports that earlier in 2021, Microsoft took the decision to push the Windows 10X launch "back a bit more to ensure the product is ready and robust for a smooth release."
The later date should give Microsoft more time to polish Windows 10X before its proper release. Windows 10X was originally scheduled to release with Microsoft's dual-screen device, the Surface Duo. However, this never came to fruition, and the Surface Duo shipped with Android instead.
Microsoft isn't forthcoming with information regarding Windows 10X. In mid-2020, Microsoft made a test version of Windows 10X available to the public, allowing us to play with its app containers, the new Windows 10X Start menu, and other new features designed for dual-screen devices.
Microsoft also announced a new anti-theft feature for Windows 10X, making it harder to steal and wipe a device running the operating system.
We've also seen Windows 10X up and running on a single-screen smartphone.
The version of Windows 10X running on the Lumia 950 XL looks smooth, and for many, a Windows smartphone operating system is a welcome return.
According to the Windows Central report, Windows 10X won't focus on consumer devices, at least not to begin with. The primary focus for Windows 10X is educational and enterprise customers.
Windows 10X or Windows 10 Sun Valley?
Windows 10X isn't the only major Windows 10 project preoccupying Microsoft's development efforts.
Windows 10 Sun Valley is set to be a huge revamp for the operating system, making enormous changes to the UI, including a Start menu redesign, new icons, window styles, and much more. Sun Valley will be the biggest overhaul of Windows 10 since its 2015 launch.
The Windows 10 Sun Valley update will launch later in 2021. As for Windows 10X, the new version of the operating system will also launch at some point in 2021, though there is still no confirmed timeline for that date.