Something to look forrard to: Microsoft's initial plans for Windows 10X were derailed and and then shifted last year, but the company is getting close to delivering a version for unmarried-screen devices. A leaked build of the upcoming operating system shows a striking similarity to Google'due south Chrome OS.

Windows 10X has been years in the making, and as it gets closer to release, well-nigh-last builds are starting to leak. Originally, the new operating system was meant to go far aslope novel form factors like dual-screened tablets, notably the Surface Neo, just with delays on the hardware forepart, Windows 10X is at present set to debut on single-screened devices, possibly as soon equally this year.

Windows Central, Thurrott, and The Verge are showing the states glimpses of what to expect from Microsoft's answer to Google'south Chrome Bone. The two operating systems are similarly designed as lightweight alternatives to Windows ten that will just come pre-installed on new hardware.

With Windows 10X, Microsoft hopes to sway consumers from buying Chromebooks, which are seeing potent demand -- 122% growth twelvemonth over year on Q3 is nothing to sneeze at.

Just like Chrome Bone, Windows 10X is mostly focused on web apps. Leaked builds show that you can easily install Progressive Web Apps from the Edge browser and pivot them to the taskbar. Information technology likewise confirms that Windows 10X volition be limited to that and Store apps at launch, with Microsoft working to bake in support for Win32 containers afterward on.

The taskbar is a simplified version of the regular Windows bar with the Get-go, Border, and Task View buttons at the center. Opening the Beginning carte du jour reveals a launcher where you tin search for apps, files or websites. Settings is a similar experience to what yous accept on Windows ten, while the Explorer is a reduced experience that limits you to a few local folders and the contents of your OneDrive.

Interestingly, apps run in full-screen style unless y'all snap them side-by-side. Switching between them tin can be done using the traditional Alt-Tabbing equally well as Task View. There's no Timeline support, but that probably won't be missed by most users. The Action Center is a pop-out that reveals quick settings and notifications, along with a widget for media playback control.

This preview of Windows 10X may also be indicative of the changes Microsoft is expected to bring to the traditional version of Windows. Before this month, news broke that Microsoft is working on a "sweeping visual rejuvenation" for the operating organisation, which is currently a mixed bag in terms of UI pattern philosophy.