Leaked Windows 10X build reveals redesigned Start Menu and centre-aligned taskbar

Microsoft initially designed the new OS for foldables, but has changed the focus to single screen devices

A near-final working build of Microsoft's Windows 10X operating system has leaked online, giving people a chance for a first look at some of the features that Microsoft has incorporated in its upcoming OS.

The software giant announced Windows 10X in 2019 as an operating system designed for use on dual-screen devices, like the indefinitely delayed Surface Neo, before coming to standard laptops.

However, the company changed its mind last year, announcing a 'pivot' to focus on single-screen devices.

10X is a lightweight version of Windows 10. It is not meant as a replacement or upgrade of the current OS on desktop, but is meant for Chromebook-type notebooks and tablets, with web access as the main focus.

Windows 10X was earlier expected to launch with support for Win32 apps, but that plan later changed. Legacy Win32 application support in Windows 10X is now expected to arrive at a later date.

According to The Verge, the leaked (and allegedly near-final) version of the OS shows some key similarities to Chrome OS. Microsoft has simplified most Windows areas inside Windows 10X, which now appears more like a portal to the web than one to Windows apps.

The leak shows what looks like a new and redesigned Start Menu, acting like a launcher. It includes shortcuts for productivity tools, apps and recent documents, rather than the Live Tiles found on Windows 10. Users can also search for documents, apps and content on the web through Microsoft's Bing search engine.

The new taskbar is now centre-aligned and simplified.

Microsoft has also been working on a modern version of File Explorer, now designed as a way to store and organise OneDrive cloud files. Users can, however, still manage downloaded files or ones from USB storage.

Windows 10X is expected to be available as a pre-installed OS on new Chrome-like PCs that are slated to launch later this year. For other devices, including foldables and tablets, the new OS is not expected to be available until 2022.