14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is indeed working to make the desktop in Windows 10 better for those who still rely on the mouse and keyboard as the main input method, but touch users won’t be neglected in this upcoming release.
In fact, while the desktop will be significantly improved to be used with the mouse and most Metro features will be gone from it, there’s at least one way that Microsoft is considering to make the desktop touch-friendly in the new OS version.
McAkins found that, when running Windows 10 on a touch-capable device, the context menus on the desktop look different when they’re launched with a touch input, thus making it easier to use on tablets and 2-in-1s.
New context menus in Windows 10
Windows 10 Technical Preview build 9888 already comes with new context menus on the desktop, but they’re currently available only when right-clicking the taskbar.
And still, there are signs that the same context menus could be made available all across the operating system in future builds, and the Consumer Preview which could see daylight anytime soon might get this change as well.
The new context menus look a bit more modern and better get in line with all the other changes implemented by Microsoft in Windows 10.
But when launched with touch, context menus are bigger and there’s more space between the available options to make sure that you tap the correct one.
New features to be unveiled this month
Microsoft will be holding a Windows 10 event aimed at the consumer experience in the new operating system on January 21, and more new features are expected to be announced during the show.
One of these features is called Continuum and will allow users to switch from the desktop to the Modern UI without interrupting their work. The new context menus optimized for touch thus play a very important role, giving everyone the power of working on the desktop as well, even though they only have a touchscreen and no mouse or keyboard.
The full version of Windows 10 is expected to arrive in early fall 2015, so a lot could change until then, including these context menus.
