Microsoft’s Windows 10 operating system is now available for desktops, notebooks, and large tablets. Later this year it’s coming to Xbox One game consoles and Windows Phone handsets. But what about tablets with ARM-based processors that originally shipped with Windows RT?

Nope. Microsoft has no plans to release Windows 10 as an update for Windows RT devices. But there is a software update for Windows RT on the way, and it’ll bring at least a few Windows 10-style features.

windows 10 start_03

We’ve known that for a while — Microsoft has been promising for months to bring some Windows 10 features to devices like the Surface 2, original Surface, Asus VivoTab RT and Nokia Lumi 2520.

Now an update to the Windows 10 FAQ page spells things out a few more details:

  • Windows RT is getting an update in September, 2015
  • It’ll include a new Start Menu
  • Users will also get an improved lock screen

One of the major differences between Windows 10 and Windows 8/8.1/Windows RT is that Windows 10 includes a Start Menu that covers just a portion of the window rather than your full screen (although you can check a settings box to make it go full-screen if that’s what you want). It sounds like Windows RT will be getting the Menu option soon.

It’s not clear what kind of improvements the lock screen will receiver.

What Windows RT users will not get is support for running Universal Windows apps. You’ll still be able to run Windows Store apps designed for Windows RT or Windows 8 and 8.1. But Universal apps require Windows 10… and that means developers who use Microsoft’s new tools to turn iOS and Android apps into Universal Windows apps will be bringing their software to Windows 10, but not to Windows RT.

In other words, if you’ve already got a Windows RT tablet, the September update might bring a few new features. But there’s really no good reason to spend money on a new Windows RT device anymore — especially when you can buy a full-fledged Windows 8.1 tablet (that’s upgradeable to Windows 10) for around $150 or less.

via ZDNet and WMPoweruser

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3 replies on “Windows RT update coming in Sept: New lock screen, Start Menu”

  2. Yeah, I lost out big time. Guess I’ll just sell off my Surface 2 RT and go with some other company for a Windows tablet.

  3. Unlock the dang tablet for us MS! We can find our own future with it thank you!.

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