Microsoft is developing a new version of their operating system, Windows 10X, which is designed for dual-screen devices but will very likely be brought to all devices eventually.

Much like Apple’s MacBook touchbar, Microsoft has revealed a new user interface as part of Windows 10X, the ‘Wonder Bar’. This has easily accessible buttons, a trackpad and space to display videos. The Microsoft Surface Neo laptop already has this, but it could become standard on Windows devices. The ‘Wonder Bar’ allows users to search easily and place apps or websites. When apps are launched, they will appear on one side of the screen with a span gesture to drag across the two screens.

Windows 10X will run traditional Windows desktop applications, but it will run them in “containers”. By running apps via a container, they remain separate from the core Windows operating system and thus can’t cause crashes or security problems – creating higher security for systems. Traditional apps will work immediately on Windows 10X without software developers having to make changes.

There are some limitations which come with the container approach, such as system tray icons and software which requires deeper access to Windows, not being supported. The container also won’t allow startup tasks to launch at login and background tasks might be suspended. This is because Microsoft wants to preserve battery life and increase security on Windows 10X.

Windows 10X and Microsoft’s dual-screen devices are still a while off yet, although Microsoft already offers Windows 10X development tools so developers can optimise their apps in time for the new OS. Microsoft provides videos on the new Windows 10X and more here: https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/virtual-events.