Microsoft to introduce Windows 10 ‘lean edition’ to cut down install size on some devices

While we are still waiting on the overdue Windows 10 ‘April Update', Microsoft has already begun work on the next feature update, codenamed ‘Redstone 5'. Apparently, the next major update will include a ‘lean edition' of Windows 10, which will be designed for devices with less storage.

The Windows 10 ‘lean edition' was revealed to The Verge by sources close to Microsoft's plans. Apparently, the edition will be offered to OEMs for low-end tablets and laptops, as well as other devices with at least 16GB of storage.

The latest test build of Windows 10 (version 17650) already has references to this lean edition, which cuts the install size of the OS down by 2GB. Microsoft is said to be reducing this further before release by removing certain features that won't be necessary on low-end devices.

Features removed in the lean edition will include legacy desktop apps, like Internet Explorer. Tools like Registry Edit will also be removed in test builds, but things could change by the time it actually rolls out. Currently, it is expected that Microsoft will talk more about this at May, during the company's annual Build conference.

KitGuru Says: While most enthusiasts won't have a need for something like this, it is still interesting to see. However, I can't help but wonder if this could have been rolled into Windows 10 S, which already served as a cut down version of the operating system when it was first unveiled. 

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