What is Windows 10? | Definition, Features & Versions

The growth of Microsoft Windows has been made through new ideas and changes over time. So, the system has kept fitting our needs in each generation. Especially Windows 10, which they released in July 2015, is at the top of this growth.

Because this version mixes old style with new features, they also made version 10 work well on many devices. For example, it works on personal computers and tablets.

So, it makes the user experience the same on every device. In this article, I will tell you clearly what Windows 10 is and what its versions are.

What is the Microsoft Windows 10 Operating System?

Windows 10 is Microsoft’s new operating system, part of the Windows NT group. They made it official in September 2014.

They showed a short demo at the Build 2014 event. Then they began testing the beta in October 2014.

After that, they gave it to all users on July 29, 2015. So, Windows 10 came out after a long time of work.

The Early Years of Windows

Microsoft’s system story started in 1982 with MS-DOS. This system worked with commands on early Intel computers. But later, it had to become easier for users.

So in 1985, they added a picture-based screen (GUI). They called this new system Windows with the new screen. The first version was named Windows 1.0.

Then, in 1987, they launched Windows 2.0. Also, in version 2.03, we could place windows on top of each other.

The Evolution of Windows

In 1992, they released Windows 3.0 and 3.1. So, they stopped using the old system. And they began a new chapter.

Then, in 1995, they introduced Windows 95 OS. Microsoft wanted this version to be easier to use.

The better-looking screen and new system core were popular. Now the system uses NT-style features. They also added the taskbar and start menu. And we could use the plug-and-play function too.

Transition to the 2000s

In 1998, they made Windows 98, then Windows 2000 came later. In 2001, they released Windows XP. It came in both Home and Professional types.

This system was safe and worked without problems. After that, Windows 7 brought many new things. For example, we got multi-touch and better internet options. Also, file handling got easier.

Windows 8 Era

This system worked faster than XP and Vista. Then came Windows 8 and 8.1. These versions had new designs and themes.

They also changed the start menu completely. They added quick search and worked well with many devices. So, the system became more modern.

Introduction of Windows 10

Microsoft called the media on September 30, 2014. At the event, they showed the first look of the new system.

At first, people thought it would come out in April 2015. But it launched earlier than they thought. Microsoft built this system for all devices.

Technical Preview Release

They changed the start menu in the new version. They updated the icons and the window looks. In addition, they added a notification center and message boxes.

Also, they gave the option to use many desktops. The new version had Explorer 11 too. Now we can run Metro/Modern apps in full screen.

Cortana and Other Innovations

Microsoft also brought Cortana to computers. This helper was only on phones before.

On September 30, 2014, they showed Windows 10 officially. They skipped the name Windows 9. But on October 3, a beta version came out.

Technical Preview Release

The first version supported just a few languages. It had American and British English at the start.

They also added Portuguese, Chinese, and Russian. This early version was for developers and testers.

Consumer Features

Microsoft did a big event on January 21, 2015. Of course, they shared new features at that event.

The new desktop look got attention. They showed the message center, Spartan browser, and the new app store. They also talked about Cortana and DirectX 12.

Design, Features, and Development

Microsoft gave a big chance to Windows 7 SP1 and Windows 8.1 users. Because Windows 10 was free for one year after its release. In June 2015, a new tool was made available.

This tool tells the user when updates will be downloaded. Also, people in the Insider program were allowed to get a license. Of course, some rules had to be followed.

However, Microsoft also made a new app system. Universal apps could now work on all types of devices.

For example, one app could run on a PC, tablet, and Xbox. Surface Hub and HoloLens were also supported. So, developers could use one code for many platforms.

The user interface was also changed. It could switch based on mouse or touch use. Also, the Start menu came back in a new version.

The menu looked like the one in Windows 7 and 8. But Windows 10 added many new tools. Task View and the virtual desktop were key new things.

Microsoft Edge took the place of Internet Explorer. Fingerprint and face login were added. Business security was also made better. Plus, DirectX 12 and WDDM 2.0 helped games.

Microsoft called Windows 10 a system that consistently gets updates. Also, some business users could choose different update plans.

For example, non-important fixes could come more slowly. But security fixes would keep coming for five years.

Terry Myerson, who led Windows, gave a big goal. He wanted one billion devices to use Windows in two or three years.

The system was made carefully to reach this goal. On the launch day, Windows 10 got good comments. People liked the desktop design.

Still, some people didn’t like the touch screen design. The Windows 8 layout had bad feedback on that. But most updates were liked. Cortana and Edge were good changes. Xbox Live in Windows also made users happy.

But user control was partly reduced. Updates would now install on their own.

Microsoft also made this system available to all devices. Computers, tablets, and phones use the same base. Even Windows Phone 10 could be put on some Android phones.

Developed Search System

This Microsoft OS includes a search system that indexes all files on the hard drive from installation. Users can access this search box from the taskbar.

Typing a search text in this box will scan and list all the folders or files on the computer.

Windows 10 System Requirements

To install Windows 10 from scratch, you need to meet some system requirements. The basic requirements are almost the same as Windows 8 and 8.1.

However, it is slightly higher than Windows 7 and Vista. However, some changes were made with the May 2019 update.

Microsoft increased the disk space requirement to 32 GB. It also started to reserve extra space for future versions.

Therefore, the system reserves 7 GB of space for updates. This reduces the risk of errors during installation.

All Windows 10 Editions

Microsoft Windows 10 is not just a single version. It includes editions for different purposes.

Windows 10 Versions (Stable)

Version 1511 (November Update)

1511 is the second Stable version of Windows 10, and the Build Number is 10586. Update shipped this Update on November 12, 2015.

1511 is the second Stable version, and the Build Number is 10586. Update shipped this Update on November 12, 2015.

1607 (Anniversary Update)

The code for Win10 is the first release of the Redstone (RS1) series, and the third stable release is 1607. An update released on August 2, 2016, included the distribution of this Update.

This Update includes stylus support, Cortana enhancements, and improvements to the Ink platform. It also consists of the new edition of the Skype application and the offline browsing feature of Windows Defender.

Redstone supports the Windows Subsystem for Linux feature to run Ubuntu-based binary programs.

1703 (Creators Update)

The 1703 version, called Redstone 2, the fourth stable of Windows 10, was released on October 26, 2016, with an update.

Users can manually install it using the Update Assistant and the Media Creation Tool.

This Update includes enhancements to content creation, productivity, and game features to help create virtual reality and three-dimensional content.

In addition, thanks to the Game Mode feature that supports playing games more enjoyably and performing games on the computer, it was possible for the computer hardware to provide prioritization and optimization for the games.

With this version, the Defender application, which provides computer security, was developed and changed to Defender Security Center.

1709 (Fall Creators Update)

The fifth stable version of Windows 10, 1709, was called Redstone 3 and was released with the Update on October 17, 2017.

This version introduces a new My People feature on the desktop taskbar, allowing it to perform actions such as Skype, Email, or messaging.

It also helps protect important folders from ransomware with the Controlled Folder Access feature in Defender Security Center.

1803 (April 2018 Update)

The sixth stable version of this was named 1803, Redstone 4. Microsoft released this version on April 30, 2018, with manual and automatic update options.”

The primary feature of this version is the Timeline. This feature provides easy accessibility by listing users’ recent actions.

1809 (October 2018 Update)

The seventh stable version was named 1809, Redstone 5. An update accompanied the release of this version on October 2, 2018.

This version includes Clipboard, SwiftKey virtual keyboard, Snip & Sketch, and a new File Explorer-themed Dark theme.

1903 (May 2019 Update)

Microsoft finished the Redstone code series and started developing a new structure. The eighth stable version of this OS, 1903, was called the code 19H1.

This edition offers an additional SMS-approved security option on computers signed in with Microsoft accounts. In addition, it allows you to run desktop applications within Mixed Reality. It also includes the Sandbox feature, enabling users to run applications in a secure Hyper-V-based environment.

In addition, it has a new feature called Game Bar.

1909 (November 2019 Update)

1909, the ninth stable version of Windows 10, was named the 19H2 code. This version did not include adding new features in the November 12, 2019, update.

2004 (May 2020 Update)

2004, the tenth stable version of this OS, was named with the 20H1 code. After being used as an Insider Release Preview, it was distributed to users on May 27, 2020, with the Update.

This version includes the following features;

1. Easier access to Bluetooth pairing and settings.
2. Advanced Kaomojis and renamable virtual desktops.
3. DirectX12 Ultimate.
4. A chat-based Cortana interface.
5. Better integration with Android phones.
6. Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 (WSL 2).
7. Using Hello without a password.
8. Better search capability integrated with file explorer.
9. A Cloud option to reset Windows.
10. They are showing advanced disk information and the temperature of the video card in Task Manager.

For more features and details in the Windows 10 2004 (20H1) Update, you can review an article published by Microsoft.

20H2 (Ekim 2020 Update)

The 20H2 Update has dramatically improved the fast startup process. It also includes changes to the Start menu design and a new Chromium-based Microsoft Edge browser engine version.

21H1 (Mayıs 2021 Update)

The 21H1 Update improves system performance and includes security improvements. In addition, Defender has improved performance, and new features for Application Guard and auto-unlock functionality are available with Hello.

Major innovations in this release include news and interests and multi-camera features for Hello.

21H2 (Kasım 2021 Update)

The 21H2 Update includes similar visual changes to Windows 11’s design and adds DirectX 12 Ultimate support. The software also features enhancements to boost system stability, performance, and security.

22H2 (2022 Update)

The 22H2 update is the latest version released by Microsoft for the Windows 10 operating system.

This update does not have any new features, unlike previous versions. However, it includes improvements to system performance and the security of existing features.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

We have provided a comprehensive outline of Windows 10, encompassing its definition, characteristics, and versions, akin to notable operating systems such as Microsoft’s XP and 7.

Although Windows 11 has been launched, version 10 remains highly popular and has a significant user base. Its key advantages are constant updates, unique features, and bug fixes.

Moreover, Microsoft has ensured that this operating system receives critical updates for its five-year support life and non-critical ones at a slower rate.