While it seems like there will be no Windows 11 for the foreseeable future, Microsoft is in the midst of preparing a new operating system. Announced last week, Windows 10X is a sort of spin-off of Windows 10 designed and optimized for the coming wave of foldable laptops.

Set to begin hitting the market in 2020, previously announced foldable laptops differ in design philosophy Lenovo’s foldable Thinkpad X1 features one screen designed to bend, similar to foldable smartphones currently on the market. The Microsoft Surface Neo, meanwhile, features two distinct screens, with one replacing the traditional keyboard.

Windows 10X is designed for flexibility when switching between traditional apps, multitasking on two screens, and any combination of screens and apps possible with the new setup. The system is also designed to handle the heavier battery toll imposed by two screens.

“With a dual-screen PC and Windows 10X, people can get things done on-the-go faster than ever,” Microsoft’s official blog post states. “Take notes on one screen while reviewing the full project proposal on the other while in transit; sit down at a table to write a thoughtful email on a hardware keyboard while waiting for lunch; and then watch a video, browse the web or read a book as you get back to your life.”

Windows Central reports that 10X will features a number of overall enhancements not specific to foldable laptops. The new system is immune to “win-rot,” the gradual degradation of the speed of Windows over time; a faster update system; and, changes to long-standing Windows 10 interface.

Microsoft is also working a program, codenamed Pegasus, that will allow traditional laptops to run 10X, effectively making the OS a proper alternative to Windows 10.

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Microsoft booth at the Consumer Electronics Show 2009 Ben Franske/Wikimedia Creative Commons
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