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"Windows 9" redirects here. For the series of Microsoft Windows computer operating systems produced from 1995 to 2001, see Windows 9x.
For Windows 10 on smartphones and sub 8″ tablets, see Windows 10 Mobile.
Windows 10
Version of the Microsoft Windows operating system
File:Windows 10.jpg
Screenshot of Windows 10 Technical Preview, showing its desktop, taskbar, and Start menu
DeveloperMicrosoft
Latest release22H2 (10.0.19045.4717) (July 23, 2024; 14 days ago (2024-07-23)[1]) [±]
Latest previewJanuary Technical Preview (v10.0.9926) / January 23, 2015; 9 years ago (2015-01-23)
Update methodWindows Update, Windows Store, Windows Server Update Services
PlatformsIA-32, x64, ARMv7
Kernel typeHybrid
Preceded byWindows 8.1 (2013)
Official websitewindows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/home

Windows 10 is an upcoming personal computer operating system developed by Microsoft as part of the Windows NT family of operating systems. First presented in April 2014 at the Build Conference, it is scheduled to be released in 2015, and is currently in public beta testing. During its first year of availability, upgrades to Windows 10 will be offered at no charge for consumer users of Windows 7 and Windows 8.1.

The overlying goal of Windows 10 is to actualize Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to unify the Windows PC, Windows Phone, Windows Embedded and Xbox One product families, as well as new product categories such as the Surface Hub and HoloLens, around a common internal core and application ecosystem. Windows 10 also adjusts the user experience for different types of devices, and transitions between different interface behaviors on "convertible" laptops and tablets with keyboard docks. To improve the experience for keyboard and mouse users, Windows 10 adds a new revision of the desktop Start menu and a virtual desktop system, and it allows modern apps to run within windows on the desktop as well as in full-screen mode.

Development

In December 2013, technology writer Mary Jo Foley reported that Microsoft was working on an update to Windows 8, codenamed Threshold after a planet in Microsoft’s Halo franchise.[2] Similarly to "Blue" (which became Windows 8.1),[3] Foley called Threshold a "wave of operating systems" across multiple Microsoft platforms and services, scheduled for the second quarter of 2015. Foley reported that among the goals for Threshold was to create a unified application platform and development toolkit for Windows, Windows Phone and Xbox One (which all use a similar Windows NT kernel).[2][4] It was speculated that Threshold would be branded as "Windows 9".[5]

In April 2014, at the Build Conference, Microsoft’s Terry Myerson unveiled an updated version of Windows 8.1 that added the ability to run Windows Store apps inside desktop windows, and a more traditional Start menu in place of the Start screen seen in Windows 8. The new Start menu takes after Windows 7’s design by using only a portion of the screen and including a Windows 7-style application listing in the first column. The second column displays Windows 8-style app tiles. Myerson stated that these changes would occur in a future update, but did not elaborate.[6][7] Microsoft also unveiled the concept of a "universal Windows app," allowing modern apps to be ported to Windows Phone 8.1 and Xbox One while sharing a common codebase, and allowing user data and licenses for an app to be shared between multiple platforms.[6][8]

In July 2014, Microsoft’s new CEO Satya Nadella explained that the company was planning to "streamline the next version of Windows from three operating systems into one single converged operating system for screens of all sizes," unifying Windows, Windows Phone, and Windows Embedded around a common architecture and a unified application ecosystem. However, Nadella stated that these internal changes would not have any effect on how the operating systems are marketed and sold.[9][10] Screenshots of a Windows build which purported to be Threshold were leaked in July 2014, showing the previously presented Start menu and windowed modern apps[4] followed by further screenshot in September 2014 of a build identifying itself as "Windows Technical Preview", numbered 9834, showing a new virtual desktop system, a notification center, and a new File Explorer icon inspired by the Metro design language.[11]

Threshold was officially unveiled during a media event on September 30, 2014, under the name Windows 10; Myerson said that Windows 10 would be Microsoft’s "most comprehensive platform ever," providing a single, unified platform for desktop computers, laptops, tablets, smartphones, and all-in-one devices.[5][12][13] He emphasized that Windows 10 would take steps towards restoring user interface mechanics from Windows 7 to improve the experience for users on non-touch devices, noting criticism of Windows 8’s touch-oriented interface by keyboard and mouse users.[14][15] Despite these concessions, Myerson noted that the touch-oriented interface would "evolve" as well on 10.[16] In describing the changes, Joe Belfiore likened the two operating systems to electric cars, comparing Windows 7 to a first-generation Toyota Prius hybrid, and Windows 10 to an all-electric Tesla—considering the latter to be an extension of the technology first introduced in the former.[17] Regarding the operating system’s name, Terry Myerson refused to elaborate on why Microsoft skipped directly from Windows 8 to 10, stating only that "based on the product that’s coming, and just how different our approach will be overall, it wouldn’t be right". He also joked that they couldn’t call it "Windows One" (alluding to several recent Microsoft products with a similar brand, such as OneNote, Xbox One and OneDrive) because they had already made a Windows 1.[5]

Further details surrounding 10’s consumer-oriented features were presented during another media event held on January 21, 2015, entitled "Windows 10: The Next Chapter". The keynote featured the unveiling of Cortana integration within the operating system, new Xbox-oriented features, Windows 10 for phones and small tablets, an updated Office Mobile suite, Surface Hub—a large-screened Windows 10 device for enterprise collaboration based upon Perceptive Pixel technology,[18] along with HoloLens—augmented reality eyewear and an associated platform for building apps that can render "holograms" through HoloLens.[19] Additional information surrounding Windows 10 is expected to be announced during Build 2015.[14][16][20]

Features

A major aspect of Windows 10 is a focus on harmonizing user experiences and functionality between different classes of devices, along with addressing shortcomings in the Windows user interface that was first introduced in Windows 8.[14][15][21] A focus was placed on "universal apps"—Windows Runtime software that can be made to run across multiple platforms and device classes (including PC, smartphone, and tablet), synchronize data between devices, and allow developers to share code between variations of the app for each platform.[8][22] As an example, during the "Windows 10: The Next Chapter" event, Microsoft presented new Office apps designed for tablets and smartphones that share similar user interfaces and functionality between platforms; they will be bundled with Windows 10 Mobile, but available separately from Windows Store on the PC versions of Windows 10.[23][24]

Continuing with this pattern, the successor to Windows Phone 8.1 unveiled at the same event is also branded as Windows 10, and will share some user interface elements and apps with its PC counterpart.[25]

User interface and desktop

File:Multiple desktops in Windows 10.png
The "Task View" display allows the use of multiple workspaces.

Windows 10’s user interface changes its behavior depending on the type of device being used and available input methods. A new feature called Continuum handles transitions between interface modes on convertible laptops and tablets with docking keyboards. When a keyboard is attached, users are asked if they want to switch to a user interface mode that is optimized for mouse and keyboard, or stay within the touch-optimized mode.[15] A new iteration of the Start menu is used, with an application list and the "All apps" button on the left side, and live tiles on the right. The menu can be resized, and expanded into a full-screen display, which is the default option in touch environments.[14][21][26]

A new virtual desktop system known as Task View was added. Clicking the Task View button on the taskbar or swiping from the left side of the screen displays all open windows and allows users to switch between them, or switch between multiple workspaces. Modern apps, which previously could only be used full-screen, can now be used in desktop windows or full-screen mode.[14][21] Program windows can now be snapped to quadrants of the screen by dragging them to the corner. When a window is snapped to one side of the screen, the user is prompted to choose a second window to fill the unused side of the screen.[21] An universal search box offering Microsoft's Cortana is located alongside the Start and Task View buttons.[26] Windows' system icons were also changed to a new, flatter design.[26]

The charms have been removed; their functionality in modern apps is accessed from an "App commands" menu on their titlebar.[14][21] In its place is Action Center, which displays notifications and settings toggles. It is accessed by clicking an icon in the system tray, or dragging from the right of the screen. Notifications can be synced between multiple devices.[25][26] The Settings app (formerly PC Settings) was refreshed and now includes more options that were previously exclusive to the desktop Control Panel.[27][28]

Online services

Windows 10 incorporates Microsoft’s intelligent personal assistant Cortana, as introduced on Windows Phone.[29] It is implemented in a search box located next to the Start button, and supports both text and voice input.[30]

Windows 10 uses a new web rendering engine internally referred to as "Edge", which is "designed for interoperability with the modern web". Windows 10 also introduces a new web browser alongside Internet Explorer codenamed "Spartan"; both "Spartan" and Internet Explorer use the "Edge" engine by default, but can revert to MSHTML for backwards compatibility reasons on internal, enterprise web pages.[31][32][33]

The "Messaging" app removed on Windows 8.1 was restored with a new interface, using Skype as a backend for messaging and calls. Conversations and contacts can be synced between devices, and Skype contacts can be added by phone number.[26][34]

Multimedia and gaming

Windows 10 will provide heavier integration with the Xbox ecosystem: an updated Xbox app succeeds Xbox SmartGlass on Windows, allowing users to browse their game library (including both PC and Xbox console games), and Game DVR is also available using a keyboard shortcut, allowing users to save the last 30 seconds of gameplay as a video that can be shared to Xbox Live, OneDrive, or elsewhere.[35][36] Windows 10 will also allow users to control and play games from an Xbox One console over a local network.[37]

Windows 10 will ship with DirectX 12 and WDDM 2.0.[38][39] Unveiled March 2014 at GDC, DirectX aims to provide "console-level efficiency" with "closer to the metal" access to hardware resources, and reduced CPU and graphics driver overhead.[40][41]

Windows 10 adds platform-level support for the FLAC, HEVC, and Matroska media formats, allowing them to be opened in Windows Media Player and other applications natively.[42][43][44]

Update system

Windows 10 will be serviced in a significantly different manner from previous releases of Windows. While Microsoft began to distribute a larger number of updates for Windows 8 that added features (such as interface improvements) beyond security patches and bug fixes, Windows 10 will adopt a tiered approach: users receive critical updates, security patches and non-critical updates to the operating system and its functionality as they are released. In business environments, administrators can choose between "Current Branch for Business" (CBB) and long-term support release channels. CBB will receive all updates at the same pace as consumers, but allow administrators to opt out of or delay non-critical updates to ensure they are suitable for their environment. LTS versions of Windows 10 are periodic snapshots of Windows 10’s CBB branch, and will only receive critical patches over their 10-year support lifecycle. Systems can also be placed one or two versions behind the most recent LTS version to allow for structured deployments and internal lifecycles.[45][46][47] Stella Chernyak explained that "we have businesses [that] may have mission-critical environments where we respect the fact they want to test and stabilize the environment for a long time."[48]

Windows support and update branches [45][49]
Update branch Consumer Current Branch for Business (CBB) Long Term Servicing branches (LTS)
Licensing scheme OEM Volume licensing
Critical updates
Security patches and stability updates 		Yes Yes Yes
Non-critical updates
Functionality and feature upgrades 		Yes Opt out or delay No
Preview releases
Beta releases through the Windows Insider Program
Choice of fast or slow update ring 		Optional If permitted No
Update method Windows Update Windows Update or WSUS WSUS with periodic LTS releases spawned
Upgrade support Continuous updating The three most recent LTS releases
Support Lifetime of the device The three most recent LTS releases 10 years from LTS release date

Terry Myserson explained that with these changes, Microsoft thought of Windows 10 as a "service" which would be "[kept] current for the supported lifetime of the device", and that "the question ‘what version [of Windows] are you running’ will cease to make sense", implying that no further paid upgrades to Windows will be released after 10.[45][50][51]

Windows 10 update history

Preview releases

A public beta version of Windows 10 branded as "Windows Technical Preview" was released on October 1, 2014; the technical preview builds are aimed towards enthusiasts and enterprise users. Testers who opt into the "Windows Insider" program receive occasional automatic updates to the Windows Technical Preview, allowing Microsoft to collect feedback on changes throughout development of Windows 10. In previous Windows beta programs, public preview builds were released less frequently.[14][16][52][53][54]

Public release

Windows 10 is expected to be released in late 2015.[50][52] During its first year of availability, upgrade licenses for Windows 10 will be available at no-charge to users of consumer editions of Windows 7 and Windows 8.1.[45] Enterprise versions of 7 and 8.1 are not eligible to receive free upgrades under this promotion, but as with previous releases, customers under an active Software Assurance (SA) agreement will be entitled to upgrade to Windows 10 under their existing contracts. Customers whose SA contract is expired, or who have enterprise licenses that only cover existing versions of Windows and have no upgrade rights, will not receive the free upgrade. It is not known how Microsoft will monetize licenses for the consumer versions of Windows 10 following the conclusion of this promotion.[45][55] A separate update with "some" of the changes of Windows 10 is planned for Windows RT.[56]

On February 2, 2015, Microsoft announced that it would provide a free ARM port of Windows 10 for Raspberry Pi 2 devices through its Internet of Things developer program.[57]

Version history

See also: Windows 10 Mobile § Version history
Previous release Stable release Preview release
Table of versions: Windows 10
Version Release date Highlights

10.0.9926

January 23, 2015
  • Restyled window frames
  • Taskbar re-styled with new opaque appearance, smaller application icons, and underlines to denote active applications.[27]
  • Taskbar search button changed to a search box by default
  • Cortana support for U.S. English locale.
  • Full screen button added to Start menu[26]

New universal apps

  • Alarm app including world clock, timer and stop watch[58]
  • Calculator app replacing the traditional Win32 calculator
  • Maps app with Cortana integration[59]
  • Photos app with aggregated content and automatic enhancements.[25]
  • Settings app updated with new layout.[28]
  • Xbox app with support for sharing of in game video, streaming to Windows 10 devices[35]

6.4.9879

November 12, 2014

6.4.9860

October 21, 2014

6.4.9841

October 1, 2014
  • Reintroduction of a Windows 7 style Start menu
  • Task View (virtual desktops)
  • Windows Store apps can run on the desktop in windows, rather than only full screen.[63] (cf. Windows 10 § User interface and desktop)
  • New "experimental" options, including word wrap and Control key keyboard shortcuts in consoles (such as pasting text using Ctrl+V) on console windows such as Command Prompt, and a revised fullscreen mode usable on both the 32 and 64-bit versions at a native resolution with mouse support and a scroll bar.[14][16][64]
  • Can snap windows to quadrants of the screen by dragging them to a corner.[14][65]
  • The traditional calculator app is not present in a clean install, but it is kept when doing an upgrade.

Problems

  • There have been widely noted sound functionality problems with build 9926.

See also

References

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