Windows 10

Windows 10
source
Name	Windows 10
Developer	Microsoft
Family	Microsoft Windows
Released	July 29, 2015
Latest release version	22H2 (10.0.19045)
Source model	Closed source
License	Commercial software
Website	https://www.microsoft.com/windows

Windows 10. It is a major release of the Microsoft Windows operating system, developed by Microsoft. Succeeding Windows 8.1, it was officially released on July 29, 2015, and was marketed as a unifying platform for a wide range of devices, from traditional personal computers to IoT appliances. The operating system introduced a hybrid user experience that blended the familiar desktop environment with modern touch-optimized elements, aiming to address criticisms of its predecessor while introducing new services like the digital assistant Cortana and the Microsoft Edge web browser.

Development and release

The development of the operating system, codenamed "Threshold," began under the leadership of Terry Myerson and the Windows and Devices Group following the mixed reception to Windows 8. At the Build 2014 conference, Microsoft executives, including Joe Belfiore, first demonstrated key concepts, emphasizing a return of the Start menu and the ability to run Universal Windows Platform apps in windows. A public insider preview was released in October 2014, allowing millions of users to test early builds. The final version was unveiled at a media event on June 1, 2015, and launched globally on July 29, 2015, with a free upgrade offer for users of Windows 7 and Windows 8.1. Major updates, such as the November Update and the Anniversary Update, were delivered regularly through Windows Update.

Features

A central feature was the reintroduction of a customizable Start menu, which integrated live tiles from the Modern UI alongside a traditional list of applications. The Taskbar introduced Task View, enabling virtual desktops for better multitasking. The Microsoft Edge browser replaced Internet Explorer as the default, built on a new EdgeHTML engine and featuring integration with Cortana and a reading list. Cortana itself was deeply integrated, providing voice-activated assistance and search across the Windows Shell. The Windows Store was unified into the Microsoft Store, distributing Universal Windows Platform apps. Security was enhanced with Windows Hello for biometric authentication and Windows Defender for built-in antivirus protection. The DirectX 12 API provided advanced graphics capabilities for PC games.

Editions

The operating system was offered in multiple editions tailored for different markets. The core consumer versions were Windows 10 Home and Windows 10 Pro, with the latter adding features for businesses like Group Policy management and BitLocker. For larger organizations, Windows 10 Enterprise and Windows 10 Education provided advanced security and deployment tools. Specialized editions included Windows 10 Mobile for smartphones, Windows 10 IoT Core for embedded devices, and variants for specific workstations and servers. Each edition shared the same core kernel and update servicing model but differed in included features and licensing terms managed through Microsoft Volume Licensing.

System requirements

Minimum hardware requirements were modest, requiring a processor with a clock speed of at least 1 gigahertz, 1 gigabyte of RAM for the 32-bit version or 2 GB for the 64-bit version, and approximately 20 GB of free storage on a hard disk drive. A graphics card compatible with DirectX 9 or later with a WDDM driver was necessary for display. The Trusted Platform Module 2.0 was recommended for certain security features like Windows Hello. For an optimal experience with features such as Cortana and Windows Hello, a microphone, webcam, and internet connection were required. These specifications were designed to ensure compatibility with a vast ecosystem of hardware from partners like Intel, AMD, and Nvidia.

Reception and legacy

Initial critical reception from publications like PC World and The Verge was generally positive, praising the refined interface and strong feature set compared to Windows 8. The free upgrade campaign was successful, leading to rapid adoption, though some policies like aggressive update schedules and telemetry data collection drew criticism from privacy advocates. Its role as the "last version of Windows" under a continuous servicing model was a significant shift in strategy for Microsoft. It remained a widely deployed operating system for years, forming the foundation for its successor, Windows 11, which was announced in June 2021. Its long-term support channel versions continue to be used in many enterprise and institutional environments.

Category:Microsoft Windows Category:2015 software