Windows 10 devices under 8 inches won’t feature Desktop

Tablet mode Start menu on Windows 10

While Microsoft is building Windows 10 to run across devices including PCs, tablets, and phones using the same common Windows core, it does not necessarily mean that all devices form factor will have all the same features. According to Microsoft’s head of Windows product definition and design team, Joe Belfiore, has confirmed that devices under eight inches running Windows 10 won’t have the traditional desktop.

This news puts to an end the longtime speculations to whether smaller tablets will lack of traditional app and desktop support.

SEE ALSO: Windows 10 build 9926: Hands-on with updated UI, Cortana, Tablet mode, Action Center, Store beta, apps (video)

The news popped up on Twitter, where Joe Belfiore noted that the desktop environment will only be available on Windows 10 devices featuring screens of 8-inch and larger. Smaller devices including phones, small tablets, and phablets will have the desktop removed.

Although, Microsoft has introduced the Tablet mode into Windows 10 that basically fades out the desktop, traditional applications still run in full screen mode. However, it appears that smaller devices under eight inches will only support modern Windows Store apps.

About the author

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.