Microsoft is reportedly experimenting with a new variant of the operating system, currently known as “Windows 10 Cloud”. The software giant had tried a number of times to bring a low-cost version of Windows to the market, primarily to compete with Chrome OS. However, we have seen with Windows RT and Windows 8.1 with Bing that these efforts failed. Now it seems that Microsoft is gearing up to try one more time with a new version currently known as Windows 10 Cloud.
In recent test version of the upcoming Windows 10 Creators Update references about the new variant begun to emerge, and a new report from Mary Jo Foley at ZDNet notes that it’ll be an alternative version of the operating system designed to run Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps (those you only get from the Windows Store) similar to Windows RT.
Windows 10 Cloud won’t be powered by the “cloud”
Windows 10 Cloud will continue to be Windows 10, and the “Cloud” in the naming shouldn’t be taking literally as a sign that you’ll need an internet connection to use the operating system. Microsoft is likely to simply bundle the operating system with its own cloud services to keep users engaging in the company’s ecosystem.
According to the report, Windows 10 Cloud will come to market as another attempt to take on Chromebooks with a more simplified and cheaper version of Windows 10. Possible free for manufactures willing to use the new operating system.
It’s unclear when they’ll be releasing this new version of Windows 10, but seeing at the references appearing in test previews of the Windows 10 Creators Update, it could signal that Microsoft may be planning to release it in the coming months.
Microsoft hasn’t publicly talked about Windows 10 Cloud or shared any comments, but they have already revealed a version of Windows 10 running on ARM processors capable of running traditional desktop applications, which could also be a feature for Windows 10 Cloud.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].