Windows 10 Lean spotted in the wild, expected to be stripped of major features

Google’s Android Go platform has popularised the idea of a stripped-down and efficient version of a full-blown operating system. Low-end devices with lesser resources tend to perform better when exposed only to the necessary stuff. It seems that Microsoft is willing to try out something similar with Windows 10, if the leaks are to believed.

A report by Softpedia suggests that Microsoft is prepping a lighter version of Windows 10 with the upcoming ‘Redstone 5’ update for the PC OS. The version is expected to be called Windows 10 Lean and will be stripped-off unnecessary stuff that hog resources on PCs. If you wonder how much will be removed from a standard Windows 10 version, somebody on Twitter mentioned that Windows 10 Lean doesn’t even ship with default wallpaper. Another user noticed that the new version will lack certain core apps such as the Registry Editor. However, all of these apps can be imported, which means that users will be able to install Win32 applications.

It’s believed that Windows 10 Lean will be part of the Windows 10 S category. Windows 10 S was offered as a version for premium ultrabooks that preferred enhanced security and faster boot times. However, Windows 10 S was only limited to support applications installed from the Microsoft Store, which meant users were stuck with the Edge browser and were limited to apps from the Microsoft Store. It seems that Windows 10 Lean will be a spiritual successor to Windows 10 S.

(source)