Windows 10: Devices with a screen size less than 8-inches will not have a desktop

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Published onJanuary 27, 2015

published onJanuary 27, 2015

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Microsoft’s Joe Belfiore revealed via Twitter today that Windows 10 devices with a screen size less than 8-inches will not have a desktop. This means phones, phablets, and small tablets will not have a desktop. On the flip side, the desktop will only be made available to devices greater than 8-inches. You can see the tweet embedded below.

The HP Stream 7, for example, features a 7-inch display as well as an Intel Atom processor, but will have a desktop when it comes time for Windows 10. It appears that this change affects new devices running Windows 10, rather than existing devices which can upgrade to Windows 10. It will be curious to see how Microsoft implements this new desktop-requirement for small screen tablets, phablets, and phones.

@marypcbuk@jackschofield@ExNokian@sbisson@dinabass8″ & up = “desktop” w/ win32 apps. < 8" = phones, phablets, sm tablets. No dsktp.

— joebelfiore (@joebelfiore)January 26, 2015

Folks asking about updating 7″ existing devices to Win10 — you keep your desktop, you get continuum. Go try it yourself now! ?

— joebelfiore (@joebelfiore)January 27, 2015

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect what Belfiore has added. Existing small screen devices can upgrade to Windows 10, keeping the desktop. We’re not sure how this will play out. Stay tuned.

Radu Tyrsina

Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time).

For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web.

Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they’re looking for.

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Windows 10: Devices with a screen size less than 8-inches will not have a desktop