2021 is shaping up to be a big year for Windows 10

The year is almost over, so it’s time to look to 2021 and see what we can expect from Windows in 2021. Windows 10 has taken a step back when it comes to major features or system changes. operation over the past couple of years, but that looks set to change as Microsoft plans to refocus on the operating system next year. Here’s what my sources say to watch out for:

Windows 10

2020 has really felt like a year of “preparation” for the things that are still to come with Windows 10. Microsoft’s chief product officer, Panos Panay, was in charge of Windows user experience earlier in the year, and under his leadership, Microsoft announced a “reinvestment” in Windows 10 for the period 2021.

Officially, we do not yet know what this “reinvestment” will look like in Windows 10 because Microsoft has not detailed its plans in this area. However, my sources say that Microsoft is planning a big Windows 10 update in the fall of 2021 that will introduce new high-level features and a more modern and consistent updated user interface.

Microsoft still plans to deliver two Windows 10 feature updates in 2021, but unlike in previous years, the importance of each version will be reversed. Spring update 21H1 will be a smaller maintenance style release, just like Windows 10 version 20H2 and 19H2, which will make minor improvements and changes while laying the groundwork for the larger version 21H2 in the fall.

In 2021, Microsoft will ship 64-bit x86 application emulation for Windows 10 on ARM, a milestone for the ARM PC platform in general. This will allow devices like the Surface Pro X to run most legacy Windows apps, significantly narrowing the gap between apps. These features are expected to preview soon and will be available in 2021.

I’m also told that Microsoft is trying to bring Android apps to the Microsoft Store on Windows 10. I’m not sure how far this plan is or when it will ship, but I’m told it may appear in the 2021 Calendar. I will have more to share on this soon.

Windows 10X

In addition to refocusing its efforts on Windows 10, Microsoft also plans to release Windows 10X in the first half of 2021. Microsoft has been working on Windows 10X behind closed doors for a few years, and it aims to deliver a modern, lightweight version of the system. operation for low and mid-range PCs, as well as flagship foldable PCs.

Windows 10X will be “RTM” in December and Microsoft hopes to start shipping the first Windows 10X devices in the spring of 2021. These devices will be mid-range laptops and tablets, and designed to compete directly with the Chromebook market. Windows 10X will ship without local win32 app support, but Microsoft is planning to push its new Cloud PC app streaming service to fill this gap.

Windows 10X is now positioned as Microsoft’s killer “Chrome OS”, being a lightweight operating system with excellent security, battery life and performance, but with the added ability to run Windows apps. In the future, Windows 10X will be able to run Win32 apps locally, but I’m told this feature won’t be available until 2022 when it launches on foldable PCs as well.

I’ve also heard that Windows 10X will be able to run on ARM PCs at launch, but we’ll have to wait and see if there are any OEMs that ship ARM PCs with this one pre-installed. Windows 10X won’t be something that users can install on their existing PCs, it will only be available on the new PCs that come with it. Just like Chrome OS, macOS, or iPadOS.

Windows 10 ‘Cloud PC’

In 2021, Microsoft plans to deliver a new service powered by Windows 10 called “ Cloud PC ” that places a version of Windows in the cloud and allows users to install apps there so that they can be delivered to anyone. any device. This will allow PCs with limited storage capacity or performance to run heavy applications without degrading the performance of local PCs.

This will also be how Windows 10X customers will be able to access win32 apps, as local support for win32 apps will not be available at first. On Windows 10 and Windows 10X, Cloud PC will be a built-in service that syncs with your Microsoft 365 subscription. If you have an app installed on your Cloud PC, it will appear in your Start menu as if it was natively installed, just like Windows Virtual Desktop.

A great year

It’s fair to say that if Microsoft sticks to its internal schedules and plans, Windows 10 is in a big year next year. It will be perhaps one of the biggest in recent memory, with a new version launching with Windows 10X in the spring of 2021, and a massive refocus on Windows 10 in the fall of 2021. Fans have been asking for it for some time, and it seems Microsoft is listening.

I’ll have more to share soon regarding the specific features Microsoft is working on for Windows 10 in 2021, but until then what do you hope to see? Let us know in the comments.