Windows 10 is a major release ofMicrosoft'sWindows NT operating system. The successor toWindows 8.1, it wasreleased to manufacturing on July 15, 2015, and later to retail on July 29, 2015.[21] Windows 10 was made available for download viaMSDN andTechNet, as a free upgrade for retail copies ofWindows 8 and Windows 8.1 users via theMicrosoft Store, and toWindows 7 users viaWindows Update. Unlike previous Windows NT releases, Windows 10 receives newbuilds on an ongoing basis, which are available at no additional cost to users;[note 5] devices in enterprise environments can alternatively uselong-term support milestones that only receive critical updates, such as securitypatches.[22][23] It was succeeded byWindows 11, which was released on October 5, 2021.[24]
In contrast to thetablet-oriented approach of Windows 8, Microsoft provided thedesktop-oriented interface in line with previous versions of Windows in Windows 10. Other features added includeXbox Live integration,Cortana virtual assistant,virtual desktops and the improvedSettings component. Windows 10 also replacedInternet Explorer withMicrosoft Edge. As with previous versions, Windows 10 has been developed primarily forx86 processors; in 2018, a version of Windows 10 forARM processors was released.[25]
Windows 10 received generally positive reviews upon its original release, with praise given to the return of the desktop interface, improved bundled software compared to Windows 8.1, and other capabilities. However, media outlets had been critical to behavioral changes of the system like mandatoryupdate installation,privacy concerns over data collection andadware-like tactics used to promote the operating system on its release.[26] Microsoft initially aimed to have Windows 10 installed on over one billion devices within three years of its release;[22] that goal was ultimately reached almost five years after release on March 16, 2020,[27] and it had surpassedWindows 7 as the most popular version of Windows worldwide by January 2018, which remains to be the case in 2024. As of February 2025, Windows 10 is the most used version of Windows, accounting for 58.83% of the worldwide market share, while its successor Windows 11, holds 38%.[28] Windows 10 is the most-used traditional PC operating system, with a 46% share of users.[29]
At theMicrosoft Worldwide Partner Conference in 2011, Andrew Lees, the chief of Microsoft's mobile technologies, said that the company intended to have a singlesoftware ecosystem forPCs,smartphones,tablets, and other devices: "We won't have an ecosystem for PCs, and one for phones, and one for tablets—they'll all come together."[40][41]
In December 2013, technology writerMary Jo Foley reported that Microsoft was working on an update toWindows 8 codenamed "Threshold", after a planet in itsHalo franchise.[42] Similarly to "Blue" (which becameWindows 8.1),[43] Foley described Threshold, not as a single operating system, but as a "wave of operating systems" across multiple Microsoft platforms and services, quoting Microsoft sources, scheduled for the second quarter of 2015. She also stated that one of the goals for Threshold was to create a unified application platform and development toolkit for Windows,Windows Phone andXbox One (which all use a similar kernel based onWindows NT).[42][44]
At theBuild Conference in April 2014, Microsoft'sTerry Myerson unveiled an early build of what would become Windows 10 (build 9697) that added the ability to runMicrosoft Store apps inside desktop windows and amore traditional Start menu modeled afterWindows 7's design by using only a portion of the screen and including an application listing in the left column, with the right column displaying Windows 8-style app tiles. Myerson said that these changes would occur in a future update, but did not elaborate.[45][46] Microsoft also unveiled the concept of a "universal Windows app", allowing Windows Store apps created for Windows 8.1 to beported toWindows Phone 8.1 and Xbox One while sharing a common codebase, with an interface designed for different device form factors, and allowing user data andlicenses for an app to be shared between multiple platforms. Windows Phone 8.1 would share nearly 90% of the commonWindows Runtime APIs with Windows 8.1 on PCs.[45][47][48][49]
A screenshot of a build identifying itself as "Windows Technical Preview" (numbered 9834) was leaked in September 2014, showing a new virtual desktop system, a notification center, and a newFile Explorer icon.[50]
Announcement
"Windows 9" redirects here. For the Windows versions produced from 1995 to 2000, seeWindows 9x. For the Windows version following Windows 8, seeWindows 8.1.
On September 30, 2014, Microsoft officially announced that Threshold would be unveiled during a media event as Windows 10. Myerson said that Windows 10 would be Microsoft's "most comprehensive platform ever", providing a single, unified platform fordesktop andlaptop computers,tablets, smartphones, andall-in-one devices.[51][52][53] He emphasized that Windows 10 would take steps towards restoring user interface mechanics fromWindows 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.[54][55] Despite these concessions, Myerson noted that the touch-optimized interface would evolve as well on Windows 10.[56]
In regards to Microsoft naming the new operating system Windows 10 instead of Windows 9, Terry Myerson said that "based on the product that's coming, and just how different our approach will be overall, it wouldn't be right to call it Windows 9."[57] He also joked that they could not call it "Windows One" (referring to several recent Microsoft products with a similar brand, such asOneDrive,OneNote, and theXbox One) becauseWindows 1.0 already existed.[58] At a San Francisco conference in October 2014, Tony Prophet, Microsoft's Vice President of Windows Marketing, said that Windows 9 "came and went", and that Windows 10 would not be "an incremental step from Windows 8.1", but "a material step. We're trying to create one platform, one eco-system that unites as many of the devices from the small embedded Internet of Things, through tablets, through phones, through PCs and, ultimately, into the Xbox."[59]
Further details surrounding Windows 10's consumer-oriented features were presented during another media event held on January 21, 2015, titled "Windows 10: The Next Chapter". The keynote featured the unveiling of Cortana integration within the operating system, newXbox-oriented features, Windows 10 Mobile, an updatedOffice Mobile suite,Surface Hub—a large-screened Windows 10 device for enterprise collaboration based uponPerceptive Pixel technology,[60] along withHoloLens‑augmented realityeyewear and an associated platform for building apps that can renderholograms through HoloLens.[61]
Additional developer-oriented details surrounding the "Universal Windows Platform" concept were revealed and discussed during Microsoft'sBuild developers' conference. Among them were the unveiling of "Islandwood", which provides amiddlewaretoolchain for compilingObjective-C-based software (particularlyiOS) to run as universal apps on Windows 10 and Windows 10 Mobile. A port ofCandy Crush Saga made using the toolkit, which shared much of its code with the iOS version, was demonstrated, alongside the announcement that theKing-developed game would be bundled with Windows 10 at launch.[62][63][64][65]
At the 2015Ignite conference, Microsoft employee Jerry Nixon stated that Windows 10 would be the "last version of Windows", a statement reflecting the company's intent to apply thesoftware as a service business model to Windows, with new versions and updates to be released over an indefinite period.[66][67][68] In 2021, however, Microsoft announced that Windows 10 would be succeeded on compatible hardware byWindows 11—and that Windows 10 support will end on October 14, 2025, marking a departure from what had been dubbed "Windows as a service".[69][70]
Marketing
On July 20, 2015, Microsoft began "Upgrade Your World", anadvertising campaign centering on Windows 10, with the premiere of television commercials in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The commercials focused on the tagline "A more human way to do", emphasizing new features and technologies supported by Windows 10 that sought to provide a more "personal" experience to users.[71][72] The campaign culminated with launch events in thirteen cities on July 29, 2015, which celebrated "the unprecedented role our biggest fans played in the development of Windows 10".[73]
Release
On July 29, 2015, Microsoft officially announced that Windows 10 would bereleased for retail purchase[21] as a free upgrade from earlier versions of Windows. In comparison to previous Windows releases, which had a longer turnover between therelease to manufacturing (RTM) and general release to allow for testing by vendors (and in some cases, the development of "upgrade kits" to prepare systems for installation of the new version), anHP executive explained that because it knew Microsoft targeted the operating system for a 2015 release, the company was able to optimize its then-current and upcoming products for Windows 10 in advance of its release, negating the need for such a milestone.[74][better source needed]
The general availability build of Windows10, numbered 10240, was first released to Windows Insider channels for pre-launch testing on July 15, 2015, prior to its formal release.[75][76] Although a Microsoft official said there would be no specific RTM build of Windows 10, 10240 was described as an RTM build by media outlets because it was released to all Windows Insider members at once (rather than to users on the "Fast ring" first), it no longer carried pre-release branding anddesktop watermark text, and its build number hadmathematical connections to the number10 in reference to the operating system's naming.[77][78][79][80][81][82] The Enterprise edition was released tovolume licensing on August 1, 2015.[83]
Windows 10 is distributed digitally through the "Media Creation Tool", which is functionally identical to the Windows 8 online installer, and can also be used to generate anISO image or USB install media.[84] In-place upgrades are supported from most editions ofWindows 7 with Service Pack 1 and Windows8.1 withUpdate 1, while users with Windows8 must first upgrade to Windows8.1. Changing betweenarchitectures (e.g., upgrading from32-bit edition to a64-bit editions) via in-place upgrades is not supported; a clean installation is required.[85][86] In-place upgrades may be rolled back to the device's previous version of Windows, provided that 30days have not passed since installation, and backup files were not removed usingDisk Cleanup.
Windows 10 was available in 190countries and 111 languages upon its launch, and as part of efforts to "re-engage" with users in China, Microsoft also announced that it would partner withQihoo andTencent to help promote and distribute Windows10 in China, and that Chinese PC makerLenovo would provide assistance at its service centers and retail outlets for helping users upgrade to Windows10.[87][88][89] At retail, Windows 10 is priced similarly to editions of Windows 8.1, with U.S. prices set at$119 and $199 for Windows 10Home and Pro respectively. A Windows 10 Pro Pack license allows upgrades from Windows 10 Home to Windows 10 Pro.[90][91] Retail copies only ship onUSB flash drive media; however,system builder copies still ship asDVD-ROM media.[92] New devices shipping with Windows10 were also released during the operating system's launch window.[93]
During its first year of availability,[95] upgrade licenses for Windows10 could be obtained at no charge for devices with agenuine license for an eligible edition of Windows7 or8.1.[91][96][97]
This offer did not apply to Enterprise editions, as customers under an activeSoftware Assurance (SA)contract with upgrade rights are entitled to obtain Windows 10 Enterprise under their existing terms. All users running non-genuine copies of Windows, and those without an existing Windows7 or8/8.1 license, were ineligible for this promotion; although upgrades from a non-genuine version were possible, they result in a non-genuine copy of10.[98][87][97][99][100]
On the general availability build of Windows10 (theoriginal release), to activate and generate the "digital entitlement" for Windows10, the operating system must have first been installed as an in-place upgrade. During the free upgrade, agenuineticket.xml file is created in the background and the system's motherboard details are registered with a Microsoft Product Activation server. Once installed, the operating system can be reinstalled on that particular system via normal means without aproduct key, and the system's license will automatically be detected via online activation – in essence, the Microsoft Product Activation Server will remember the system's motherboard and give it the green light for product re-activation.[85][101][102] Because of installation issues with Upgrade Only installs, the November Update (version 1511) included additional activation mechanisms. This build treated Windows7 and Windows8/8.1 product keys as Windows10 product keys, meaning they could be entered during installation to activate the free license, without the need to upgrade first to "activate" the hardware with Microsoft's activation servers.[103] For major Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), Windows 8/8.1 and Windows 10 OEM product keys are embedded in the firmware of the motherboard and if the correct edition of Windows 10 is present on the installation media, they are automatically inputted during installation. Since the release of the Fall Creators Update (version 1709), Microsoft decided to release multi-edition installation media, to alleviate installation and product activation issues users experienced because of accidentally installing the wrong edition of Windows 10.
The Windows Insider Preview version of Windows10 automatically updated itself to the generally released version as part of the version progression and continues to be updated to new beta builds, as it had throughout the testing process.Microsoft explicitly stated thatWindows Insider was not a valid upgrade path for those running a version ofWindows that is ineligible for the upgrade offer; although, if it was not installed with a license carried over from an in-place upgrade to 10 Insider Preview from Windows7 or8.1, the Insider Preview does remain activated as long as the user does not exit the Windows Insider program.[98][104]
The offer was promoted and delivered via the "Get Windows10" application (also known as GWX), which was automatically installed viaWindows Update ahead of Windows 10's release, and activated on systems deemed eligible for the upgrade offer. Via anotification area icon, users could access an application that advertised Windows10 and the free upgrade offer, check device compatibility, and "reserve" an automatic download of the operating system upon its release.[105][106] On July 28, a pre-download process began in which Windows10 installation files were downloaded to some computers that had reserved it. Microsoft said that those who reserved Windows10 would be able to install it through GWX in a phased rollout process. The operating system could alternatively be downloaded at any time using a separate "Media Creation Tool" setup program, that allows for the creation ofDVD orUSB installation media.[84][93][107][108]
In May 2016, Microsoft announced that the free upgrade offer would be extended to users ofassistive technologies; however, Microsoft did not implement any means of certifying eligibility for this offer, which some outlets thereby promoted as being a loophole to fraudulently obtain a free Windows 10 upgrade. Microsoft said that the offer is not intended to be used in this manner.[109][110][111] In November 2017, Microsoft announced that this program would end on December 31, 2017.[112]
However, another method was found that allowed Windows 7 and 8/8.1 users to upgrade to Windows 10 using existing licenses, even though the free upgrade offers officially ended in 2017.[113] Some outlets have continued to promote it as a free method of upgrading from the now-unsupported Windows 7.[114] This free upgrade method was officially closed by Microsoft on September 20, 2023.[115] However, as of 2024, there are some reports that it still works, under certain conditions.[116][117]
Licensing
During upgrades, Windows10 licenses are not tied directly to a product key. Instead, the license status of the system's current installation of Windows is migrated, and a "Digital license" (known as "Digital entitlement" in version 1511 or earlier) is generated during theactivation process, which is bound to the hardware information collected during the process. If Windows10 is reinstalled cleanly and there have not been any significant hardware changes since installation (such as a motherboard change), the online activation process will automatically recognize the system's digital entitlement if no product key is entered during installations. However, unique product keys are still distributed within retail copies of Windows10. As with previous non-volume-licensed variants of Windows, significant hardware changes will invalidate the digital entitlement, and require Windows to be re-activated.[85][101]
Windows 10 makes its user experience and functionality more consistent between different classes of device, and addresses many shortcomings of the user interface introduced inWindows 8.[54][55][118]Windows 10 Mobile, the successor toWindows Phone 8.1, shared some user interface elements and apps with its PC counterpart.[119]
The Windows Runtime app ecosystem was revised into theUniversal Windows Platform (UWP).[47][120][121] These universal apps are made to run across multiple platforms and device classes, including smartphones, tablets, Xbox One consoles, and other devices compatible with Windows 10. Windows apps share code across platforms, haveresponsive designs that adapt to the needs of the device and available inputs, can synchronize data between Windows 10 devices (including notifications, credentials, and allowing cross-platform multiplayer for games), and are distributed through theMicrosoft Store (rebranded from Windows Store since September 2017).[122] Developers can allow "cross-buys", where purchased licenses for an app apply to all of the user's compatible devices, rather than only the one they purchased on (e.g., a user purchasing an app on PC is also entitled to use the smartphone version at no extra cost).[48][123][124]
The ARM version of Windows 10 allows running applications forx86 processors through32-bit software emulation.[125]
On Windows 10, the Microsoft Store serves as a unified storefront for apps, video content, and eBooks.[126] Windows 10 also allowsweb apps and desktop software (using eitherWin32 or.NET Framework) to be packaged for distribution on the Microsoft Store. Desktop software distributed through Windows Store is packaged using theApp-V system to allowsandboxing.[127][128]
User interface and desktop
The "Task View" display is a new feature to Windows 10, allowing the use of multiple workspaces.
A new iteration of theStart menu is used on the Windows 10 desktop, with a list of places and other options on the left side, and tiles representing applications on the right. The menu can be resized, and expanded into a full-screen display, which is the default option in Tablet mode.[54][118][129] A new virtual desktop system was added by a feature known as Task View, which displays all open windows and allows users to switch between them, or switch between multiple workspaces.[54][118] Universal apps, which previously could be used only in full screen mode, can now be used in self-contained windows similarly to other programs.[54][118] 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, Task View appears and the user is prompted to choose a second window to fill the unused side of the screen (called "Snap Assist").[118] The Windows system icons were also changed.[129]
Charms have been removed; their functionality in universal apps is accessed from anApp commands menu on their title bar.[54][118] In its place is Action Center, which displays notifications and settings toggles. It is accessed by clicking an icon in the notification area, or dragging from the right of the screen. Notifications can be synced between multiple devices.[119][129] The Settings app (formerly PC Settings) was refreshed and now includes more options that were previously exclusive to the desktopControl Panel.[130][131]
Windows 10 is designed to adapt its user interface based on the type of device being used and available input methods. It offers two separate user interface modes: a user interface optimized for mouse and keyboard, and a "Tablet mode" designed for touchscreens. Users can toggle between these two modes at any time, and Windows can prompt or automatically switch when certain events occur, such as disabling Tablet mode on a tablet if a keyboard or mouse is plugged in, or when a2-in-1 PC is switched to its laptop state. In Tablet mode, programs default to a maximized view, and the taskbar contains a back button and hides buttons for opened or pinned programs by default; Task View is used instead to switch between programs. The full screen Start menu is used in this mode, similarly to Windows 8, but scrolls vertically instead of horizontally.[55][132][133][134]
In 2017, researchers demonstrated that Windows Hello could be bypassed on fully-updated Windows 10 version 1703 with a color printout of a person's picture taken with an IR camera.[138] In 2021, researchers were again able to bypass the Windows Hello functionalities by using custom hardware disguised as a camera, which presented an IR photo of the owner's face.[139]
In addition to biometric authentication, Windows Hello supports authentication with aPIN. By default, Windows requires a PIN to consist of four digits, but can be configured to permit more complex PINs. However, a PIN is not a simplerpassword. While passwords are transmitted todomain controllers, PINs are not. They are tied to one device, and if compromised, only one device is affected. Backed by aTrusted Platform Module (TPM) chip, Windows uses PINs to create strong asymmetric key pairs. As such, the authentication token transmitted to the server is harder to crack. In addition, whereas weak passwords may be broken viarainbow tables, TPM causes the much-simpler Windows PINs to be resilient tobrute-force attacks.[140]
When Windows 10 was first introduced, multi-factor authentication was provided by two components: Windows Hello and Passport (not to be confused withthe Passport platform of 1998). Later, Passport was merged into Windows Hello.[141][137]
The enterprise edition of Windows 10 offers additional security features; administrators can set up policies for the automaticencryption of sensitive data, selectively block applications from accessing encrypted data, and enableDevice Guard—a system which allows administrators to enforce a high-security environment by blocking the execution of software that is not digitally signed by a trusted vendor or Microsoft. Device Guard is designed to protect againstzero-day exploits, and runs inside ahypervisor so that its operation remains separated from the operating system itself.[135][142]
Command line
The console windows based onWindows Console (for any console app, not justPowerShell andWindows Command Prompt) can now be resized without any restrictions, can be made to cover the full screen by pressingAlt+↵ Enter, and can use standard keyboard shortcuts, such as those forcut, copy, and paste. Other features such as word wrap and transparency were also added. These functions can be disabled to revert to the legacy console if needed.[143]
TheAnniversary Update addedWindows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), which allows the installation of auser space environment from a supportedLinuxdistribution that runs natively on Windows. The subsystem translates Linuxsystem calls to those of the Windows NT kernel (only claims full system call compatibility as of WSL 2, included in a later Windows update). The environment can execute theBash shell and 64-bit command-line programs (WSL 2 also supports 32-bit Linux programs and graphics, assuming supporting software installed,[144] and GPUs support for other uses[145]). Linux distributions for Windows Subsystem for Linux are obtained through Microsoft Store. The feature initially supported anUbuntu-based environment; Microsoft announced in May 2017 that it would addFedora andOpenSUSE environment options as well.[146][147][148][149][150][151][152]
Storage requirements
To reduce the storage footprint of the operating system, Windows 10 automaticallycompresses system files. The system can reduce the storage footprint of Windows by approximately 1.5GB for32-bit systems and 2.6GB for64-bit systems. The level of compression used is dependent on a performance assessment performed during installations or byOEMs, which tests how much compression can be used without harming operating system performance. Furthermore, the Refresh and Reset functions use runtime system files instead, making a separate recovery partition redundant, allowingpatches and updates to remain installed following the operation, and further reducing the amount of space required for Windows 10 by up to 12GB. These functions replace theWIMBoot mode introduced on Windows 8.1 Update, which allowed OEMs to configure low-capacity devices with flash-based storage to use Windows system files out of the compressedWIM image typically used for installation and recovery.[153][better source needed][154][155] Windows 10 also includes a function in its Settings app that allows users to view a breakdown of how their device's storage capacity is being used by different types of files, and determine whether certain types of files are saved to internal storage or anSD card by default.[156]
Online services and functionality
Windows 10 introducesMicrosoft Edge [Legacy], a new defaultweb browser. It featured a newstandards-compliant rendering engine derived fromTrident, and also includes annotation tools and integration with other Microsoft platforms present within Windows 10.[157][158][159]Internet Explorer 11 is maintained on Windows 10 for compatibility purposes, but is deprecated in favor ofEdge and, since mid-June 2022, is no longer supported on editions which follow Microsoft's Modern Lifecycle Policy.[160][161][162][163] The initial version of Edge (Edge Legacy) was later succeeded by a new iteration derived from theChromium Project andBlink layout engine (sometimes referred to as "New Edge"),[164] which replaced the previousEdgeHTML-based version of Edge (Edge Legacy),[165] and is bundled with the OS by default from build 20H2 onwards.[166]
Windows 10 incorporates a universalsearch box located alongside the Start and Task View buttons, which can be hidden or condensed into a single button.[167][168] Previous versions featured Microsoft'sintelligent personal assistant Cortana, which was first introduced with Windows Phone 8.1 in 2014, and supports both text and voice input. Many of its features are a direct carryover from Windows Phone, including integration withBing, setting reminders, aNotebook feature for managing personal information, as well as searching for files, playing music, launching applications and setting reminders or sending emails.[169][170][129] Since the November 2019 update, Microsoft has begun to downplay Cortana as part of a repositioning of the product towards enterprise use, with the May 2020 update removing its Windows shell integration and consumer-oriented features.[171][172][167][173]
Microsoft Family Safety is replaced by Microsoft Family, aparental controls system that applies across Windows platforms and Microsoft online services. Users can create a designated family, and monitor and restrict the actions of users designated as children, such as access to websites, enforcing age ratings on Microsoft Store purchases, and other restrictions. The service can also send weekly e-mail reports to parents detailing a child's computer usage. Unlike previous versions of Windows, child accounts in a family must be associated with a Microsoft account—which allows these settings to apply across all Windows 10 devices that a particular child is using.[174][175]
Windows 10 also offers the Wi-Fi Sense feature originating from Windows Phone 8.1; users can optionally have their device automatically connect to suggested open hotspots, and share their home network's password with contacts (either viaSkype,People, orFacebook) so they may automatically connect to the network on a Windows 10 device without needing to manually enter its password. Credentials are stored in an encrypted form on Microsoft servers and sent to the devices of the selected contacts. Passwords are not viewable by the guest user, and the guest user is not allowed to access other computers or devices on the network. Wi-Fi Sense is not usable on802.1X-encrypted networks. Adding "_optout" at the end of theSSID will also block the corresponding network from being used for this feature.[176]
Universal calling and messaging apps for Windows 10 are built in as of the November 2015 update: Messaging, Skype Video, and Phone. These offer built-in alternatives to the Skype download and sync with Windows 10 Mobile.[177][178]
Windows 10 provides greater integration with the Xbox ecosystem. Xbox SmartGlass is succeeded by theXbox Console Companion (formerly the Xbox app), which allows users to browse their game library (including both PC and Xbox console games), and Game DVR is also available using akeyboard shortcut, allowing users to save the last 30 seconds of gameplay as a video that can be shared to Xbox Live, OneDrive, or elsewhere.[179][180] Windows 10 also allows users to control and play games from an Xbox One console over a local network.[181] The Xbox Live SDK allows application developers to incorporate Xbox Live functionality into their apps, and future wireless Xbox One accessories, such as controllers, are supported on Windows with an adapter.[182] Microsoft also intends to allow cross-purchases and save synchronization between Xbox One and Windows 10 versions of games;Microsoft Studios games such asReCore andQuantum Break are intended as being exclusive to Windows 10 and Xbox One.[183]
Windows 10 adds native game recording and screenshot capture ability using the newly introduced Game Bar. Users can also have the OS continuously record gameplay in the background, which then allows the user to save the last few moments of gameplay to the storage device.[186]
Windows 10 includesDirectX 12, alongsideWDDM 2.0.[191][192] Unveiled March 2014 atGDC, DirectX 12 aims to provide "console-level efficiency" with "closer to the metal" access to hardware resources, and reducedCPU and graphics driveroverhead.[193][194] Most of the performance improvements are achieved throughlow-level programming, which allow developers to use resources more efficiently and reduce single-threaded CPU bottlenecking caused by abstraction through higher level APIs.[195][196] DirectX 12 will also feature support for vendor agnostic multi-GPU setups.[197] WDDM 2.0 introduces a new virtual memory management and allocation system to reduce workload on the kernel-mode driver.[191][198]
Windows 10 adds three new default typefaces compared to Windows 8, but omits several others. The removed typefaces are available in supplemental packs and may be added manually over a non-metered internet connection.[citation needed]
Windows 10 is available infive main editions for personal computing devices; the Home and Pro editions of which are sold at retail in most countries, and as pre-loaded software on new computers. Home is aimed at home users, while Pro is aimed atpower users and small businesses. Each edition of Windows 10 includes all of the capabilities and features of the edition below it, and adds additional features oriented towards its market segments; for example, Pro adds additional networking and security features such asBitLocker, Device Guard, Windows Update for Business, and the ability to join adomain. Enterprise and Education, contain additional features aimed towards business environments, and are only available throughvolume licensing.[199][200]
As part of Microsoft's unification strategies, Windows products that are based on Windows 10's common platform but meant for specialized platforms are marketed as editions of the operating system, rather than as separate product lines. An updated version of Microsoft'sWindows Phone operating system for smartphones, and also tablets, was branded asWindows 10 Mobile.[201] Editions of Enterprise and Mobile will also be produced forembedded systems, along withWindows 10 IoT Core, which is designed specifically for use in small footprint, low-cost devices andInternet of Things (IoT) scenarios and is similar in scope toWindows Embedded Compact.[199][200]
On May 2, 2017, Microsoft unveiled Windows 10 S (referred to in leaks as Windows 10 Cloud), a feature-limited edition of Windows 10 which was designed primarily for devices in the education market (competing, in particular, withChromeOS netbooks), such as theSurface Laptop that Microsoft also unveiled at this time. The OS restricts software installation to applications obtained from Microsoft Store; the device may be upgraded to Windows 10 Pro for a fee to enable unrestricted software installation. As a time-limited promotion, Microsoft stated that this upgrade would be free on the Surface Laptop until March 31, 2018.[202] Windows 10 S also contains a faster initial setup and login process, and allows devices to be provisioned using aUSB drive with the Windows Intune for Education platform.[203][204][205][206][207] In March 2018, Microsoft announced that Windows 10 S would be deprecated because of market confusion and would be replaced by "S Mode", an OEM option wherein Windows defaults to only allowing applications to be installed from Microsoft Store, but does not require payment in order to disable these restrictions.[208][209]
Mainstream support until January 12, 2027[211] Extended support until January 13, 2032[211]
Windows 10 was originally released following Microsoft's fixed lifecycle policy, receivingmainstream support for five years after its original release, followed by five years of extended support. However, starting in February 2018 this was switched to the modern lifecycle policy (excluding LTSC), with each version receiving 18 or 30 (only for H2 versions) months of support after release, depending on edition. Furthermore, Home edition does not support the deferral of feature updates and will thus often receive a new version of Windows 10 prior to the end of the 18-month support period.[214][210]
Microsoft will continue to support at least one standard Windows 10 release until October 14, 2025.[16][17] On April 27, 2023, Microsoft announced that version 22H2 would be the last of Windows 10, meaning this version will extend beyond the normal 18/30 months of support.[215][216]
Hardware exceptions
Microsoft's support lifecycle policy for the operating system notes that updates "are cumulative, with each update built upon all of the updates that preceded it", that "a device needs to install the latest update to remain supported", and that a device's ability to receive future updates will depend on hardware compatibility, driver availability, and whether the device is within theOEM's "support period"—a new aspect not accounted for in lifecycle policies for previous versions.[217][97][218][219] This policy was first invoked in 2017 to blockIntel Clover Trail devices from receiving theCreators Update, as Microsoft asserts that future updates "require additional hardware support to provide the best possible experience", and that Intel no longer provided support or drivers for the platform. Microsoft stated that these devices would no longer receive feature updates, but would still receive security updates through January 2023.[220]
Extended Security Updates
Microsoft announced an Extended Security Update (ESU) service in December 2023 for Windows 10 devices, lasting until October 2028, on an annual pricing plan. Unlike previous Windows ESU services, Windows 10 ESU will be available to individualconsumers as well, albeit only for a single year.[221][19][20][18]
Regarding pricing,Windows 365 andAzure Virtual Desktop customers with Windows 10virtual machines will get ESU for free,[20] for everyone else, however, annual pricing doubles each year. For businesses, per device, the pricing will be $61 for the first year, $122 for the second, and $244 for the third. Businesses using a cloud based update management solution such asMicrosoft Intune will get a 25% discount. For education users, per device pricing is $1 for the first year, then $2 and $4 for each subsequent year.[222][223] Consumer pricing is $30 per device, for one year only, with enrollment starting in 2025.[18]
Support and update branches
The following table collects current status of the aforementioned updating and support of different branches of Windows 10:[97][224][225][226][227]
Continuous, deferrable (excluding Home edition) for 12 months at a time; once a deferral period is past, no further deferrals possible until latest updates are installed
LTSC releases are stable 'snapshots' of AC
Upgrade support
Continuous updating, features come and go silently with new builds
Continuous updating or in-place upgrade to supported LTSC builds
In-place upgrade support for the three most recent LTSC builds
Update support
Only the latest build is supported
10 years (or ~6 months from deferring build upgrade or until future builds require hardware support the old device does not have.) + 1 year paid extended security updates (ESU) for consumers or 3 years for businesses and schools
5 years (for 2021, non-IoT) or 5 years mainstream + 5 years extended (for 2019 and older, allIoT versions)
Unlike previous versions of Windows, Windows Update does not allow the selective installation of updates, and all updates (includingpatches, feature updates, anddriver software) are downloaded and installed automatically. Users can only choose whether their system willreboot automatically to install updates when the system is inactive, or be notified to schedule a reboot.[229][230] If a wireless network is designated as "Metered"—a function which automatically reduces the operating system's background network activity to conservelimits on Internet usage—most updates are not downloaded until the device is connected to a non-metered network. Version 1703 allows wired (Ethernet) networks to be designated as metered, but Windows may still download certain updates while connected to a metered network.[231][232]
Inversion 2004, by installing the August 2020 security update and later versions, driver and non-security updates pushed via Windows Update that are considered optional are no longer automatically downloaded and installed in their devices. Users can access them onSettings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View optional update.[233]
Updates can cause compatibility or other problems; a Microsoft troubleshooter program allows bad updates to be uninstalled.[234][235]
Under the Windowsend-user license agreement, users consent to the automatic installation of all updates, features and drivers provided by the service, and implicitly consent "without any additional notice" to the possibility of features being modified or removed.[236][237][238] The agreement also states, specifically for users of Windows10 inCanada, that they may pause updates by disconnecting their device from the Internet.[239]
Windows Update can also use apeer-to-peer system for distributing updates; by default, users'bandwidth is used to distribute previously downloaded updates to other users, in combination with Microsoft servers. Users can instead choose to only use peer-to-peer updates within theirlocal area network.[240]
Apublic beta program for Windows10 known as theWindows Insider Program began with the first publicly available preview release on October 1, 2014. Insider preview builds are aimed towards enthusiasts and enterprise users for the testing and evaluation of updates and new features.[241] Users of theWindows Insider program receive occasional updates to newer preview builds of the operating system and continue to be able to evaluate preview releases aftergeneral availability (GA) in July 2015—this is in contrast to previous Windows beta programs, where public preview builds were released less frequently and only during the months preceding GA.[54][56][242][241][243] Windows Insider builds continue to be released, postrelease to manufacturing (RTM) of Windows10.[98][104]
^Windows 10 builds that have this color have reached their expiration dates and are no longer supported by Microsoft in their respective servicing channel.
^Windows 10 builds that have this color are no longer the latest version of Windows 10, but are still supported by Microsoft in their respective servicing channel.
^Windows 10 builds that have this color are the latest (by servicing channel) public version of Windows 10.
Feature updates
Windows 10 is often described by Microsoft as being a "service", as it receives regular "feature updates" that contain new features and other updates and fixes.[97][244][245][246] In April 2017, Microsoft stated that these updates would be released twice a year every March and September in the future, which eventually continued untilversion 21H2.[247] Mainstream builds of Windows 10, up to 2004, were labeled "YYMM", with "YY" representing the two-digit year and "MM" representing the month of release. For example, version 1809 was released in September (the ninth month) of 2018. This was changed with the 20H2 release where "MM" represents the half of the year in which the update was released, for example H1 for the first half and H2 for the second half.[248]
Before version 1903, the pace at which feature updates are received by devices was dependent on which release channel was used. The default branch for all users of Windows10 Home and Pro was "Semi-Annual Channel (Targeted)" (formerly "Current Branch", or "CB"),[246] which received stable builds after they were publicly released by Microsoft. Each build of Windows 10 is supported for either 18 or 30 (only for H2 versions) months after its original release, dependent on edition.[246] In enterprise environments, Microsoft officially intended that this branch was used for "targeted" deployments of newly released stable versions so that they could be evaluated and tested on a limited number of devices before a wider deployment. Once a stable build is certified by Microsoft and its partners as being suitable for broad deployment, the build is then released on the "Semi-Annual Channel" (formerly "Current Branch for Business", or "CBB"), which is supported by the Pro and Enterprise editions of Windows 10.[246][230][249] Semi-Annual Channel receives stable builds on a four-month delay from their release on the Targeted channel.[246] Administrators can also use the "Windows Update for Business" system, as well as existing tools such asWSUS andSystem Center Configuration Manager, to organize structured deployments of feature updates across their networks.[246][230]
The Windows Insider branches receive unstable builds as they are released; it is divided into two channels, "Dev" (which receives new builds immediately after their release), and "Beta" (whose releases are slightly delayed from their "Dev" release).[246]
Enterpriselicensees may use the Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC (formerly LTSB) edition, where "LTSC" stands for "Long-Term Servicing Channel", which only receive quality of life updates (i.e. security patches), and has a full 5 or 10-year support lifecycle for each build.[246][249][227] This edition is designed for "special-purpose devices" that perform a fixed function (such asautomated teller machines and medical equipment). For this reason, it excludes Cortana, Microsoft Store, and all bundled Universal Windows Platform apps (including but not limited to Microsoft Edge, hence these builds ship only with Internet Explorer as browser).[250][251][246][97][252][253] Microsoft director 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."[254] Four LTSC builds have been released, correlating with the RTM, 1607, 1809, and 21H2 versions of Windows 10, respectively.[255][256][257]
In July 2017, Microsoft announced changes in the terminology for Windows branches as part of its effort to unify the update cadence with that ofOffice 365 ProPlus andWindows Server 2016.[258][246] The branch system now defines two paces of upgrade deployment in enterprise environments, "targeted" initial deployment of a new version on selected systems immediately after its stable release for final testing, and "broad" deployment afterwards. Hence, "Current Branch" is now known as "Semi-Annual Channel (Targeted)", and "Current Branch for Business" for broad deployment is now referred to as "Semi-Annual Channel".[259][246]
In February 2019, Microsoft announced changes again in delivering updates beginning with release ofversion 1903: a single SAC will be released, SAC-T will be retired, and users are no longer able to switch to different channels. Instead, these updates can be deferred from 30 to 90 days, or depending on how the device was configured to defer the updates.[260][261] In April 2019, it was announced that, in addition, feature updates will no longer be automatically pushed to users.[262] However, after the release of version 2004, the update only pushed for those running a feature update version that is nearing end of service or it can be paused for up to 35 days.[263][264] In November 2021, following the launch of version 21H2, Microsoft made a commitment to deliver feature updates every October or November.[265] Thus, Microsoft rebranded the "Semi-Annual Channel" to the "General Availability Channel".[266][267] On April 27, 2023, Microsoft announced thatversion 22H2, released in November 2022, would be the last feature update for Windows 10.[268]
Feature updates prior toversion 1909 were distributed solely as an in-place upgrade installation, requiring the download of a complete operating system package (approximately 3.5 GB in size for 64-bit systems). Unlike previous builds, version 1909 was designed primarily as an update rollup version of 1903, which focused primarily on minor feature additions and enhancements. For upgrades to 1909 from 1903, a new delivery method was used where its changes were delivered as part of the monthly cumulative update, but were left in a dormant state until the 1909 update "enablement" patch is installed. The full upgrade process was still used for those using builds prior to 1903.[269][270]
Features in development
In May 2017, Microsoft unveiledFluent Design System (previously codenamed "Project Neon"), a revamp ofMicrosoft Design Language 2 that includes guidelines for the designs and interactions used within software designed for all Windows 10 devices and platforms. The new design language will include the more prominent use of motion, depth, and translucency effects. Microsoft stated that the implementation of this design language would be performed over time, and it had already started to implement elements of it in the Creators Update and Fall Creators Update.[271]
On December 7, 2016, Microsoft announced that, as part of a partnership withQualcomm, it planned to introduce support for runningWin32 software onARM architecture with a 32-bit x86 processor emulator, in 2017. Terry Myerson stated that this move would enable the production ofQualcomm Snapdragon-based Windows devices with cellular connectivity and improved power efficiency over Intel-compatible devices, and still capable of running the majority of existing Windows software (unlike the previousWindows RT, which was restricted to Windows Store apps). Microsoft is initially targeting this project towards laptops.[125] Microsoft launched the brandingAlways Connected PCs in December 2017 to market Windows 10 devices with cellular connectivity, which included two ARM-based 2-in-1 laptops from Asus and HP featuring the Snapdragon 835 system-on-chip, and the announcement of a partnership between AMD and Qualcomm to integrate itsSnapdragon X16 gigabit LTE modem with AMD'sRyzen Mobile platform.[25][272]
In August 2019, Microsoft began testing changes to its handling of the user interface on convertible devices—downplaying the existing "Tablet Mode" option in favor of presenting the normal desktop with optimizations for touch when a keyboard is not present, such as increasing the space between taskbar buttons and displaying thevirtual keyboard when text fields are selected.[273]
In April 2021, the ability to run Linux applications using agraphical user interface, such asAudacity, directly in Windows, was introduced as a preview.[274] This feature would later be included as part of the updated Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 forWindows 11 only.
In November 2022, Microsoft released Windows Subsystem For Linux 2 on the Microsoft Store, for both Windows 10 and 11,[275] allowing Linux graphical user interface applications to be used natively using WSL.
The basic hardware requirements to install Windows 10 were initially the same as those for Windows 8 and Windows 8.1, and only slightly higher than for Windows 7 andWindows Vista. As of the May 2019 update, the minimum disk space requirement has been increased to 32 GB. In addition, on new installations, Windows permanently reserves up to 7 GB of disk space in order to ensure proper installation of future feature updates.[277][278]
The 64-bit variants require aCPU that supports certain instructions.[279] Devices with low storage capacity must provide aUSB flash drive orSD card with sufficient storage for temporary files during upgrades.[280]
Some pre-built devices may be described as "certified" by Microsoft. Certified tablets must includePower,Volume up, andVolume down keys;⊞ Win andRotation lock keys are no longer required.[281]
As with Windows 8, all certified devices must ship withUEFI Secure Boot enabled by default. Unlike Windows 8, OEMs are no longer required to make Secure Boot settings user-configurable, meaning that devices may optionally be locked to run only Microsoft-signed operating systems.[282] A supported infrared-illuminated camera is required for Windows Hello face authentication, and a supported fingerprint reader is required for Windows Hello fingerprint authentication.[96] Device Guard requires a UEFI system with no third-party certificates loaded, and CPU virtualization extensions (including SLAT andIOMMU) enabled in firmware.
Beginning with IntelKaby Lake and AMDBristol Ridge, Windows 10 is the only version of Windows that Microsoft will officially support on newer CPUmicroarchitectures.[283][284] Terry Myerson stated that Microsoft did not want to make further investments in optimizing older versions of Windows and associated software for newer generations of processors.[285][286] These policies were criticized by the media, who especially noted that Microsoft was refusing to support newer hardware (particularly Intel'sSkylake CPUs, which was also originally targeted by the new policy with a premature end of support that was ultimately retracted)[287][288] on Windows 8.1, a version of Windows that was still in mainstream support until January 2018.[289][290] In addition, an enthusiast-createdmodification was released that disabled the check and allowed Windows 8.1 and earlier versions to continue to work on the platform.[291]
Windows 10 versions 1703 and later do not supportIntel Clover Trail system-on-chips, per Microsoft's stated policy of only providing updates for devices during their OEM support period.[220][292]
Starting with Windows 10 version 2004, Microsoft will require new OEM devices to use 64-bit processors, and will therefore cease the distribution of x86 (32-bit) variants of Windows 10 via OEM channels. The 32-bit variants of Windows 10 will remain available via non-OEM channels, and Microsoft will continue to "[provide] feature and security updates on these devices".[293] This was later followed byWindows 11 dropping support for 32-bit hardware altogether, thus making Windows 10 the final version of Windows to have a 32-bit version available.[294]
Physical memory limits
The maximum amount ofRAM that Windows 10 can support varies depending on the product edition and theprocessor architecture. All 32-bit editions of Windows 10, including Home and Pro, support up to 4 GB.[295] 64-bit editions of Windows 10 Education and Pro support up to 2 TB, 64-bit editions of Windows 10 Pro for Workstations and Enterprise support up to 6 TB, while the 64-bit edition of Windows 10 Home is limited to 128 GB.[295]
Processor limits
Windows 10 supports up to two physical processors.[296] A maximum of 32 cores is supported in 32-bit versions of Windows 10, whereas up to 256 cores are supported in the 64-bit versions.[296]
Windows 10 received generally positive reviews, with most reviewers considering it superior to its predecessorWindows 8.[297][298][299]CNN Business praised every aspect of Windows 10.[300]TechRadar felt that it could be "the new Windows 7", citing the operating system's more familiar user interface, improvements to bundled apps, performance improvements, a "rock solid" search system, and the Settings app being more full-featured than its equivalents on8 and8.1. The Edge browser was praised for its performance, although it was not in a feature-complete state at launch. While considering them a "great idea in principle", concerns were shown for Microsoft's focus on the universal app ecosystem:
It's by no means certain that developers are going to flock to Windows10 fromiOS andAndroid simply because they can convert their apps easily. It may well become a no-brainer for them, but at the moment a conscious decision is still required.[301]
Engadget was similarly positive, noting that the upgrade process was painless and that Windows10's user interface had balanced aspects of Windows8 with those of previous versions with a more mature aesthetic. Cortana's always-onvoice detection was considered to be its "true strength", also citing its query capabilities and personalization features, but noting that it was not as pre-emptive asGoogle Now. Windows10's stock applications were praised for being improved over their Windows 8 counterparts, and for supporting windowed modes. The Xbox app was also praised for its Xbox One streaming functionality, although recommending its use over a wired network because of inconsistent quality over Wi-Fi. In conclusion, it was argued that "Windows10 delivers the most refined desktop experience ever from Microsoft, and yet it's so much more than that. It's also a decent tablet OS, and it's ready for a world filled with hybrid devices. And, barring another baffling screwup, it looks like a significant step forward for mobile. Heck, it makes the Xbox One a more useful machine."[302]
On the other handArs Technica panned the new Tablet mode interface for removing the charms and app switching, making the Start button harder to use by requiring users to reach for the button on the bottom-left rather than at the center of the screen when swiping with a thumb, and for making application switching less instantaneous through the use of Task View. Microsoft Edge was praised for being "tremendously promising", and "a much better browser than Internet Explorer ever was", but criticized it for its lack of functionality on-launch. In conclusion, contrasting Windows8 as being a "reliable" platform albeit consisting of unfinished concepts, Windows10 was considered "the best Windows yet", and was praised for having a better overall concept in its ability to be "comfortable and effective" across a wide array of form factors, but that it was buggier than previous versions of Windows were on-launch.[303]
ExtremeTech felt that Windows10 restricted the choices of users, citing its more opaque setting menus, forcing users to give up bandwidth for the peer-to-peer distribution of updates, and for taking away user control of specific functions, such as updates, explaining that "it feels, once again, as if Microsoft has taken the seed of a good idea, like providing users with security updates automatically, and shoved the throttle to maximum."[304] Windows 10 has also received criticism because of deleting files without user permission after auto updates.[305]
Critics characterized the release of Windows10 as being forced onto users of past versions of Windows.[26] Critics have also noted that Windows10 heavily emphasizesfreemium services, and contains various advertising facilities. Some outlets have considered these to be a hidden "cost" of the free upgrade offer.[306][307][308] Examples of these have includedmicrotransactions in bundled games such asMicrosoft Solitaire Collection,[309][306][310][311] default settings that display promotions of "suggested" apps in the Start menu, "tips" on the lock screen that may contain advertising,[307][308] ads displayed in File Explorer for Office 365 subscriptions on Creators' Update,[308] and various advertising notifications displayed by default which promote Microsoft Edge when it is not set as the default web browser (including, in a September 2018 build, nag pop-ups displayed to interrupt the installation process of competitors).[312][313]
Due to the high system requirements of its successorWindows 11, some critics have cited Windows 10 being better than its successor and have warned not to switch to Windows 11 given its high system requirements, despite very limited new features compared to Windows 10 at the time of release.[314][315][316]
Worldwide market share of desktop Windows versions (as of February 28, 2025[update]) according toStatcounter.[317] Note: the values shown are percentages of Windows marketshare only; StatCounter tracks Windows vs. other operating systems separately.
Up to August 2016, Windows 10 usage was increasing, with it thenplateauing,[318] while eventually in 2018, it became more popular than Windows 7[319][320] (though Windows 7 was still more used in some countries in Asia and Africa in 2019). As of March 2020[update], the operating system is running on over a billion devices, reaching the goal set by Microsoft two years after the initial deadline.[27]
Twenty-four hours after it was released, Microsoft announced that over 14million devices were running Windows10.[321] On August 26, Microsoft said over 75million devices were running Windows10, in 192countries, and on over 90,000 unique PC or tablet models.[322] According to Terry Myerson, there were over 110million devices running Windows10 as of October 6, 2015.[323] On January 4, 2016, Microsoft reported that Windows10 had been activated on over 200million devices since the operating system's launch in July 2015.[324][325]
According to StatCounter, Windows 10 overtook Windows 8.1 in December 2015.[326][327]Iceland was the first country where Windows 10 was ranked first (not only on the desktop, but across all platforms),[328] with several larger European countries following. For one week in late November 2016, Windows 10 overtook first rank from Windows 7 in the United States, before losing it again.[329] By February 2017, Windows 10 was losing market share to Windows 7.[330]
In mid-January 2018, Windows 10 had a slightly higher global market share than Windows 7,[319] with it noticeably more popular on weekends,[331] while popularity varies widely by region, e.g. Windows 10 was then still behind in Africa[332] and far ahead in some other regions e.g. Oceania.[333] Windows 10 is now the most used version in virtually all countries. Its market share peaked at 82.5% in December 2021, shortly after the introductions of its successor, and since then the share has been declining ever since[334] Windows 11's release, which is now the second most popular Windows version in many countries.
As of 2024[update], Windows 10 is estimated to have a 64% share of Windows PCs,[28] still 2 times its successorWindows 11's share of 32% (and 19 times Windows 7's 3.3% share). Windows 10 has an estimated 46% share of all traditional PCs (the rest being other Windows editions and other operating systems such asmacOS andLinux), and an estimated 16% share of all devices (including mobile, tablet and console)[29] are running Windows 10.
Update system changes
Windows 10 Home is permanently set to download all updates automatically, including cumulative updates, security patches, and drivers, and users cannot individually select updates to install or not.[335] Tom Warren ofThe Verge felt that, given web browsers such asGoogle Chrome had already adopted such an automatic update system, such a requirement would help to keep all Windows10 devices secure, and felt that "if you're used to family members calling you for technical support because they've failed to upgrade to the latest Windows service pack or some malware disabled Windows Update then those days will hopefully be over."[336]
Concerns were raised that because of these changes, users would be unable to skip the automatic installation of updates that are faulty or cause issues with certain system configurations—although build upgrades will also be subject to public beta testing via Windows Insider program.[337][336] There were also concerns that the forced installation of driver updates through Windows Update, where they were previously designated as "optional", could cause conflicts with drivers that were installed independently of Windows Update.
Criticism was also directed towards Microsoft's decision to no longer provide specific details on the contents of cumulative updates for Windows 10.[338] On February 9, 2016, Microsoft retracted this decision and began to provide release notes for cumulative updates on the Windows website.[339]
Some users reported that during the installation of the November upgrade, some applications (particularly utility programs such asCPU-Z andSpeccy) were automatically uninstalled during the upgrade process, and some default programs were reset to Microsoft-specified defaults (such as Photos app, and Microsoft Edge forPDF viewing), both without warning.[340][341]
Further issues were discovered upon the launch of the Anniversary Update ("Redstone"), including a bug that caused some devices to freeze (but addressed by cumulative update KB3176938, released on August 31, 2016),[342][343] and that fundamental changes to how Windows handleswebcams had caused many to stop working.[344]
In June 2017, a Redstone 3 Insider build (RS_EDGE_CASE in PC andrs_IoT on Mobile) was accidentally released to both Insider and non-Insider users on all Windows 10 devices, but the update was retracted, with Microsoft apologizing and releasing a note on their Windows Insider Program blog describing how to prevent the build from being installed on their device.[345] According toDona Sarkar, this was due to "an inadvertent deployment to the engineering system that controls which builds/which rings to push out to insiders."[346]
AGartner analyst felt that Windows 10 Pro was becoming increasingly inappropriate for use in enterprise environments because of support policy changes by Microsoft, including consumer-oriented upgrade lifecycle length, and only offering extended support for individual builds to Enterprise and Education editions of Windows 10.[347]
Critics have acknowledged that Microsoft's update and testing practices had been affecting the overall quality of Windows 10. In particular, it was pointed out that Microsoft's internal testing departments had been prominently affected by a major round of layoffs undertaken by the company in 2014. Microsoft relies primarily on user testing and bug reports via the Windows Insider program (which may not always be of sufficient quality to identify a bug), as well as correspondence with OEMs and other stakeholders. In the wake of the known folder redirection data loss bug in the version 1809, it was pointed out that bug reports describing the issue had been present on theFeedback Hub app for several months prior to the public release. Following the incident, Microsoft updated Feedback Hub so that users may specify the severity of a particular bug report. When announcing the resumption of 1809's rollout, Microsoft stated that it planned to be more transparent in its handling of update quality in the future, through a series of blog posts that will detail its testing process and the planned development of a "dashboard" that will indicate the rollout progress of future updates.[348][349][350][351][352]
Distribution practices
Microsoft was criticized for the tactics that it used to promote its free upgrade campaign for Windows 10, includingadware-like behaviors,[353] usingdark patterns to coax users into installing the operating system,[354][355][356][357] downloading installation files without user consent,[358][353] and making it difficult for users to suppress the advertising and notifications if they did not wish to upgrade to Windows 10.[358][353][359] The upgrade offer was marketed and initiated using the "Get Windows 10" (GWX) application, which was first downloaded and installed via Windows Update in March 2015.[354][357] Third-party programs were created to assist users in applying measures to disable GWX.[360]
In September 2015, it was reported that Microsoft was triggering automatic downloads of Windows 10 installation files on all compatible Windows 7 or 8.1 systems configured to automatically download and install updates, regardless of whether or not they had specifically requested the upgrade. Microsoft officially confirmed the change, claiming it was "an industry practice that reduces the time for installation and ensures device readiness." This move was criticized by users withdata caps or devices with low storage capacity, as resources were consumed by the automatic downloads of up to 6 GB of data. Other critics argued that Microsoft should not have triggered any downloading of Windows 10 installation files without user consent.[353][358][361]
In October 2015, Windows 10 began to appear as an "Optional" update on the Windows Update interface, but pre-selected for installation on some systems. A Microsoft spokesperson said that this was a mistake, and that the download would no longer be pre-selected by default.[356] However, on October 29, 2015, Microsoft announced that it planned to classify Windows 10 as a "recommended" update in the Windows Update interface sometime in 2016, which would cause an automatic download of installation files and a one-time prompt with a choice to install to appear.[362][363] In December 2015, it was reported that a new advertising dialog had begun to appear, only containing "Upgrade now" and "Upgrade tonight" buttons, and no obvious method to decline installation besides the close button.[355]
In March 2016, some users also alleged that their Windows 7 and 8.1 devices had automatically begun upgrading to Windows 10 without their consent.[364] In June 2016, the GWX dialog's behavior changed to make closing the window imply a consent to a scheduled upgrade.[365][366] In December 2016, Microsoft's chief marketing officerChris Capossela admitted that the company had "gone too far" by using these tactics, stating "we know we want people to be running Windows 10 from a security perspective, but finding the right balance where you're not stepping over the line of being too aggressive is something we tried and for a lot of the year I think we got it right."[367]
On January 21, 2016, Microsoft was sued insmall claims court by a user whose computer had attempted to upgrade to Windows 10 without her consent shortly after the release of the operating system. The upgrade failed, and her computer was left in a broken state thereafter, which disrupted the ability to run her travel agency. The court ruled in favor of the user and awarded her $10,000 in damages, but Microsoft appealed. However, in May 2016, Microsoft dropped the appeal and chose to pay the damages. Shortly after the suit was reported on by theSeattle Times, Microsoft confirmed it was updating the GWX software once again to add more explicit options for opting out of a free Windows 10 upgrade;[368][369][366] the final notification was a full-screen pop-up window notifying users of the impending end of the free upgrade offer, and contained "Remind me later", "Do not notify me again" and "Notify me three more times" as options.[370]
In March 2019, Microsoft announced that it would display notifications informing users on Windows 7 devices of the upcoming end of extended support for the platform, and direct users to a website urging them to upgrade to Windows 10 or purchase new hardware. This dialog will be similar to the previous Windows 10 upgrade prompts, but will not explicitly mention Windows 10.[371]
Privacy and data collection
Privacy advocates and other critics have expressed concern regarding Windows10's privacy policies and its collection and use of customer data.[372] Under the default "Express" settings, Windows10 is configured to send various information to Microsoft and other parties, including the collection of user contacts, calendar data, and "associated input data" to personalize "speech, typing, and inking input", typing and inking data to improve recognition, allowing apps to use a unique "advertisingID" for analytics and advertising personalization (functionality introduced by Windows 8.1)[373] and allow apps to request the user's location data and send this data to Microsoft and "trusted partners" to improve location detection (Windows8 had similar settings, except that location data collection did not include "trusted partners"[304]). Users can opt out from most of this data collection,[304][372] but telemetry data for error reporting and usage is also sent to Microsoft, and this cannot be disabled on non-Enterprise editions of Windows10.[304] Microsoft's privacy policy states, however, that "Basic"-level telemetry data isanonymized and cannot be used to identify an individual user or device.[374] The use of Cortana also requires the collection of data "such as Your PC location, data from your calendar, the apps you use, data from your emails and text messages, who you call, your contacts and how often you interact with them on Your PC" to personalize its functionality.[372][375]
Rock Paper Shotgun writer Alec Meer argued that Microsoft's intent for this data collection lacked transparency, stating that "there is no world in which 45pages of policy documents and opt-out settings split across 13different settings screens and an external website constitutes 'real transparency'."[372] Joel Hruska ofExtremeTech wrote that "the company that brought us the 'Scroogled' campaign nowhoovers up your data in ways that would make Google jealous."[304] However, it was also pointed out that the requirement for such vast usage of customer data had become a norm, citing the increased reliance oncloud computing and other forms of external processing, as well as similar data collection requirements for services on mobile devices such asGoogle Now andSiri.[372][375] In August 2015, Russian politicianNikolai Levichev called for Windows10 to be banned from use within theRussian government, as it sends user data to servers in the United States. The Russian government had passed a federal law requiring all online services to store the data of Russian users on servers within the country by September 2016 or be blocked.[376][377] Writing forZDNet, Ed Bott said that the lack of complaints by businesses about privacy in Windows10 indicated "how utterly normal those privacy terms are in 2015."[378] In aComputerworld editorial, Preston Gralla said that "the kind of information Windows10 gathers is no different from what other operating systems gather. But Microsoft is held to a different standard than other companies".[379]
The Microsoft Services agreement reads that the company's online services may automatically "download software updates or configuration changes, including those that prevent you from accessing the Services, playing counterfeit games, or using unauthorized hardware peripheral devices." Critics interpreted this statement as implying that Microsoft would scan for and deleteunlicensed software installed on devices running Windows10.[380] However, others pointed out that this agreement was specifically for Microsoft online services such as Microsoft account,Office 365, Skype, as well as Xbox Live, and that the offending passage most likely referred todigital rights management onXbox consoles and first-party games, and not plans to police pirated video games installed on Windows10 PCs.[380][381] Despite this, sometorrent trackers announced plans to block Windows10 users, also arguing that the operating system could send information to anti-piracy groups that are affiliated with Microsoft.[382] Writing about these allegations, Ed Bott ofZDNet compared Microsoft's privacy policy to Apple's and Google's and concluded that he "[did not] see anything that looks remotely likeBig Brother."[378] ColumnistKim Komando argued that "Microsoft might in the future run scans and disable software or hardware it sees as a security threat", consistent with the Windows10 update policy.[383]
In September 2019, Microsoft hid the option to create a local account during a fresh installation if a PC is connected to the internet. This move was criticized by users who did not want to use an online Microsoft account.[384][385] Additionally, in Windows 10 Home, the first Microsoft account linked to the primary user's account can no longer be unlinked, but other users can unlink their own Microsoft accounts from their user accounts.
In late-July 2020, Windows Defender began to classify modifications of thehosts file that block Microsoft telemetry servers as being a severe security risk.[386]
^Specific language packs included on the device depend on the mobile operator (for cellular connected devices) or device manufacturer. Additional language packs are available for download on the Microsoft Store, pursuant to manufacturer and carrier support.
^Applies to all non-LTSC versions with the latest feature update & excludesIoT Core edition.
^For LTSC versions & some editions, along with some hardware configurations.
^In addition to additional test builds of Windows 10, which are available to Windows Insiders.
^If going by unofficial requirements,Windows 11 version 23H2 is the final minor version to support processors without POPCNT and SSE4.2, or without ARMv8.1 minimum specifications.[30][31]
^"Genuine Windows and Windows 10".Windows Blog. Microsoft. May 16, 2015.Archived from the original on October 5, 2015. RetrievedMay 16, 2015.While our free offer to upgrade to Windows 10 will not apply to Non-Genuine Windows devices.
^"Announcing CUDA on Windows Subsystem for Linux 2".NVIDIA Developer Blog. June 17, 2020.Archived from the original on December 18, 2020. RetrievedJanuary 2, 2021.For WSL 2 to be able to leverage the power of GPU-PV, Microsoft had to implement the foundation of their graphics framework within the Linux guest: the WDDM model with the GPU-PV protocol. The new Microsoft driver sits behind support for the WDDM model on Linux, called dxgkrnl.
^craigloewen-msft."WSL 2 Frequently Asked Questions".Microsoft Learn.Archived from the original on December 1, 2020. RetrievedJanuary 2, 2021.We have released support for accessing the GPU inside of WSL 2 distros! This means you can now use WSL for machine learning, artificial intelligence, and data science scenarios more easily when big data sets are involved.
^"WTF? Windows 10 now actually losing market share". October 1, 2016.It was expected, that once Windows 10 stopped being free, upgrades would slow significantly. [..] In September though, according to NetMarketShare, Windows 10 didn't just show slower growth, it actually went into reverse gear and lost usage share. Yes, you read that right.
