Microsoft Officially Shelves Windows 10X, Starts Windows 10 21H1 Rollout

Microsoft on Tuesday announced the general availability of Windows 10 21H1, as well as confirmed earlier reports of Windows 10X's demise.

Windows 10 21H1, also called the May 2021 Update, is currently available to "select devices running Windows 10," wrote John Cable, vice president of program management for Windows Servicing and Delivery, in a blog post. Cable detailed how the update can be accessed on his post, adding that broader availability will happen in phases.

"[W]e are initially taking a measured seeker-based approach to the rollout of the May 2021 Update," he said. "We are throttling availability up over the coming weeks to ensure a reliable download experience for all, so the update may not be offered to you right away."

As for Windows 10X, Microsoft doesn't plan to deliver that at all.

"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," wrote John Cable, vice president of program management for Windows Servicing and Delivery, in the blog post.

Windows 10X was part of a big announcement in October 2019 that involved unveiling Surface Duo, a foldable device running Google's Android operating system, and Surface Neo, with Windows 10X designed to power that dual-screen device. Microsoft shipped Surface Duo last fall, but delayed Surface Neo and later said Windows 10X was being repurposed to focus on single-screen devices.

Then, earlier this month, reports surfaced that Windows 10X was delayed, future uncertain.

Cable's blog post, which was billed as being about the availability of Windows 10 version 21H1, makes it official that Windows 10X is no more.

"Following a year-long exploration and engaging in conversations with customers, we realized that the technology of Windows 10X could be useful in more ways and serve more customers than we originally imagined. We concluded that the 10X technology shouldn't just be confined to a subset of customers," Cable said.

According to Cable, elements of Windows 10X are now present in Windows Insider preview builds. Those include new app container technology that is integrated into Microsoft Defender Application Guard and an enhanced Voice Typing experience. Another 10X legacy within Windows Insider preview builds involves a modernized touch keyboard with optimized key sizing, sounds, colors and animations, he said.

Posted by Scott Bekker on May 18, 2021