What is Windows 10?

Microsoft developed Windows 10 as the current operating system in the family of Windows NT operating systems.

What is Windows 10?

What is Microsoft Windows 10 Operating System? What Are Its Features, Versions, and Types?

Microsoft unveiled Windows 10 in September 2014 and provided a brief demo presentation at the Build 2014 conference. Following that, the company entered a beta testing stage in October 2014. Windows 10 was publicly released to users on July 29, 2015, after the beta testing phase.

History

This incredible system of Microsoft started with the MS-DOS system launched in 1982. It ran directly in a command console with the first Intel processors.

In 1985, its name became Windows, with a graphical user interface (GUI) added to the MS-DOS system. The first developed GUI was called Windows 1.0.

Microsoft released Windows 2.0 in 1987 and improved the superimposition of Windows in version 2.03.

With the release of Windows 3.0 and 31 versions in 1992 after Microsoft’s first works, this infrastructure wholly ended, and another era began.

Targeting users and wanting to maximize usability, Microsoft introduced Windows 95 in 1995.

Microsoft designed a more advanced GUI with Windows 95, and they completely changed the Kernel and the structure of the operating system to Windows NT.

Microsoft equipped Windows 98 with a taskbar, a start button, and plug-and-play support for improved user experience and officially launched it in 1998. It announced Windows 2000 two years later.

With the announcement of Windows XP in 2001, with the release of Home and Professional versions, it became a safer Windows NT-based operating system.

Later, Windows 7 appeared, including multi-touch support and the new management of user accounts, such as improved network and file features. This system was much faster than WinXP and WinVista.

After these old systems, which contributed to making Windows 10 a stable and secure OS, Win8 and Win8.1 systems emerged, creating a completely different view. Windows 8, 8.1 systems with a brand new theme, start menu, and quick search appeared after Windows 7 with support for installing on multiple devices.

After all this Windows story, MS called the media to an event on September 30, 2014, showing a preview of Win10. However, the press thought that Microsoft’s next-generation platform would officially launch in April 2015.

On September 30, 2014, MS introduced Windows 10 as a seamless operating system for various machines, including computers, tablets, smartphones, and desktop consoles.

According to the latest news, the Technical Preview version of the system includes the following:

  • A new start menu.
  • Changes to some icons.
  • A notification center.
  • Borderless windows.
  • Dialog boxes.
  • Multiple desktops.
  • A new version of Internet Explorer 11.
  • An error reporting application.
  • Metro/Modern UI applications.

It had new features, including the capability to operate in full-screen mode.

In addition, the company would enable Microsoft’s voice assistant Cortana’s Windows Phone mobile systems to run on Win10.

Microsoft Corporation eventually announced on September 30, 2014, a new OS called Windows 10, not 9.

Microsoft completed a Windows 10 beta available on its website on October 3, 2014. The beta version supported American English, British English, Portuguese, Chinese, and Russian languages.

The Windows 10 technical preview was primarily for corporate users and the community. On January 21, 2015, Microsoft planned to announce consumer-focused features and other details, including the new operating system, at future events.

At the conference held on January 21, it introduced a new desktop theme, improved notification center, Microsoft Spartan, and a new version of Windows Store, Cortana, and DirectX 12.

Design, Features, and Development

Microsoft has announced its free availability one year from the release date for users with genuine Windows 7 (SP1) Service Pack 1 or Windows 8.1 operating systems to encourage and increase usage.

In June 2015, the user activated and offered a tool that notifies them when updates are ready to download for their device. Also, those participating in the Insider program can get a Windows 10 license after meeting specific terms and conditions.

With the introduction of a Universal application architecture, Microsoft developed a modern UI interface and architecture that allowed designing and running apps with almost the same code on practically any Microsoft product family, including personal computers, tablets, smartphones, embedded systems, Xbox One, Surface Hub, and HoloLens.

Microsoft revised the user interface to switch between mouse- and touch-screen-oriented interfaces based on available input devices.

Both interfaces have an updated Start menu with a layout similar to Windows 8 and Windows 7.

In addition, Windows 10 system, Task View, virtual desktop system, Microsoft Edge web browser, and other new or updated applications, built-in support for fingerprint or facial recognition input, new security features for business environments, DirectX 12 to improve graphics capabilities for video games and WDDM 2.0 features.

Microsoft has identified Windows 10 as a service that can receive constant updates for the system and its features and functionality. Microsoft developed it to receive critical updates, including security patches, during its five-year support life and non-critical updates at a slower rate.

Terry Myerson, Deputy General Manager for Windows and Devices Group for Windows, demonstrated that the objectives of this system were designed in this direction since it aimed to install Win10 on at least one billion devices for two or three years after Microsoft launched.

Targeting this, Terry Myerson generally received favorable reviews the day Windows 10 was released.

The decision to use the user interface offered by Windows 8 and 10 in a non-touch environment has been welcomed by critics. They appreciate that it provides the same desktop-oriented interface as Microsoft’s previous versions of Windows.

However, critics have criticized Microsoft for using the touch-oriented user interface of Windows 8.

Critics also welcomed Win10 promotional software enhancements on Win8.1, integration of Xbox Live, Cortana’s functionality, and replacement of Internet Explorer with Microsoft Edge.

Microsoft deauthorized the user to control some processes, and the Windows Update service automatically installed all updates.

Besides targeting to develop this system as a primary OS for different devices such as Microsoft PC, desktop, tablet, Xbox, and Windows Phone, it also provided the opportunity to install Windows Phone 10 ROM on some Android devices.

Developed Search System

Windows 10 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

While basic or minimum system requirements to install Windows 10 on your computer from scratch are the same as Win8 and Win8.1, they are slightly higher than older systems Win7 and WinVista.

With the May 2019 update, Microsoft increased the disk space requirement to 32 GB. It allocated 7 GB to ensure the successful installation of future system releases.

Component
Minimum
Recommended
1 GHz clock rate
IA-32 or x86-64 architecture with support for PAE, NX, and SSE2
x86-64 CPUs must also support CMPXCHG16B, PrefetchW, and LAHF/SAHF instructions.
The best and fastest hardware
IA-32 edition: 1 GB
x86-64 edition: 2 GB
4 GB
DirectX 9 graphics device
WDDM 1.0 or higher driver
WDDM 1.3 or higher driver
Display
800×600 pixels
N/A
Input device
Multi-touch display
Storage space
32 GB
N/A

All Windows 10 Editions

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

Home
It is the basic version of Windows with the most appropriate functions for a typical user.
Pro
Microsoft implemented more functionality, such as virtualization, Bitlocker, group policy management, or Remote Desktop, in this version intended for companies, programmers, and more advanced users.
Pro for Workstation
The Pro version targets higher CPU and RAM capacity for servers with a ReFS file system and large workloads.
Enterprise
The enterprise edition targets IT technology companies. There is also extra protection for connections with a ReFS file system and applications, and Direct access, a VPN network access application.
Mobile Enterprise
This edition is a lighter version optimized for tablets and business smartphones.
It is the safest and most stable, even for companies sought by the gaming community. Microsoft removed most features from this version to optimize system performance but continues to receive critical security updates.
Mobile
It is a light version of Windows for mobile devices.
Windows 10 S
It is an enterprise version but includes extra protection tools such as AppLocker, DirectAccess, or Device Guard. It is a lightweight version and is for educational platforms.
Team
It is a version targeting Surface Hub computers used in meeting rooms—for example, a whiteboard application and Skype for Business.
Pro Education
The Pro Education version is for organizations such as SMBs that do not need the advanced remote management features of the Enterprise-based version.
IoT
It is a system similar to Windows Embedded for programmable devices like Raspberry. It is generally compatible with the Internet of Things.
N and KN Version
Microsoft released these versions with the decision of the European Commission in 2004, as they were anti-competitive applications. They removed all media-related apps from the systems. If you want to install this feature, you must obtain the Media Feature Pack.

Windows 10 Versions (Stable)

Version 1511 (November Update)

Version 1511 is the second Stable version of Win10, and Build Number is 10586. Windows Update shipped this update on November 12, 2015.

Version 1511 is the second Stable version of Win10, and Build Number is 10586. Windows Update shipped this update on November 12, 2015.

Version 1607 (Anniversary Update)

The code for Windows 10 is the first release of the Redstone (RS1) series, and the third stable version is (1607). An update released on August 2, 2016, included the distribution of this update.

This update includes stylus support, Cortana enhancements, and Windows Ink platform improvements. It also consists of the new version 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.

Version 1703 (Creators Update)

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

Users can manually install this version using the Windows 10 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 more enjoyable 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 that provides the security of computers was developed and changed to Windows Defender Security Center.

Version 1709 (Fall Creators Update)

The fifth stable version of Windows 10, 1709, was called Redstone 3 and was distributed with the update released 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 message.

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

Version 1803 (April 2018 Update)

The sixth stable version of Windows 10 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.

Version 1809 (October 2018 Update)

The seventh stable version of Win10 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.

Version 1903 (May 2019 Update)

Microsoft finished the Redstone code series and started developing a new structure. The eighth stable version of Windows 10, 1903, was called the code 19H1.

This version offers an additional SMS-approved security option on computers signed in with Microsoft accounts. In addition, it allows you to run Windows desktop applications within Windows 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.

Version 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.

Version 2004 (May 2020 Update)

2004, the tenth stable version of Windows 10, was named with the 20H1 code. After being used as 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 Windows Hello without a password.
  8. Better search capability integrated with file explorer.
  9. A Cloud option to reset Windows.
  10. Showing advanced disk information and temperature of the video card on Task Manager.

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

Version 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.

Version 21H1 (Mayıs 2021 Update)

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

Major innovations in this release include News and Interests and multi-camera features to Windows Hello.

Version 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.

Version 22H2 (2022 Update)

The 22H2 update is the last version Microsoft released for the Windows 10 operating system. Unlike previous versions, this update has no new features but includes improvements for system performance and security of existing features.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Windows 10

What is Windows 10?
Microsoft developed Windows 10, an extensively used operating system that debuted on July 29, 2015, succeeding the 7 and 8/8.1. It enjoys widespread popularity and has garnered a large user base.
What features does Windows 10 offer?
Windows 10 is a feature-rich modern operating system offering many functionalities. Some notable features include the user-friendly Start menu, the voice assistant Cortana, the Microsoft Store for easy app downloads, the efficient Microsoft Edge web browser, virtual desktops for enhanced multitasking, DirectX 12 graphics technology for immersive gaming experiences, Xbox game streaming capabilities, robust security measures, and an array of additional features.
How many versions does Windows 10 consist of?
Windows 10 encompasses multiple editions designed to meet diverse user needs. These editions include Home, Pro, Education, and Enterprise. Each version provides unique features and caters to specific audiences.
How to get Windows 10?
There are several methods available for obtaining Windows 10. Suppose you already have a previous version of Windows. In that matter, you can upgrade to the 10 platforms for free (with the possibility of incurring a fee) or by purchasing a license. You can also acquire it by buying a pre-installed computer with the operating system or obtaining a license from a retail store.
What are the system requirements of Windows 10 OS?
Windows 10 OS sets forth specific system requirements to ensure smooth operation. These conditions include a CPU clocked at the lowest rate of 1 GHz or more increased, 1 GB of RAM hardware for 32-bit, or 2 for 64-bit platforms. Regarding storage, a minimum of 16 GB is required for 32-bit, whereas 64-bit structures necessitate 20 GB of free area. DirectX 9 graphics devices and a display resolution of at least 800 x 600 pixels are also required.
How can I update Windows 10?
Updating Windows 10 is a hassle-free process. Open Settings and go to the Update & Security area; hit the Check for Updates button. This action triggers Windows Update to scan for the most recent updates and provide notifications to download and install them.
How many years is Windows 10 supported?
The support duration for Windows 10 follows Microsoft’s published support cycle. Mainstream support, including security updates, has been provided for the prior version of Windows 10 for 10 years. However, the support timeframe for specific editions may vary. For instance, Windows 10 Home and Pro editions typically receive support for two significant update periods, totaling approximately 18 months.

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, Windows 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.

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