Microsoft Release Windows 10 and It’s Free!

Windows 10 was officially released globally on 29th July 2015, as the replacement for the current Windows 8.1 operating system. Windows 8 received a mixed reception, with many users opting instead to stick to the familiar feel of Windows 7. With Windows 10, Microsoft are looking to address this by offering Windows 10 for free and bringing back some of the familiar feel of Windows 7, while retaining the aspects of Windows 8 which were popular. But Windows 10 is more than just a combination of previous versions, it comes with a host of new features.

Here is a quick run down of the main highlights of this new operating system:

The start menu is back, making all of your files and apps accessible from the Windows button, in the familiar position at the bottom left of the screen
There is a new personal assistance application, called Cortana, always present on the task bar. Similar to Apple’s Siri, Cortana can answer general questions by searching the web or your PC for answers and carry out simple tasks such as setting reminders
A new web browser called Edge replaces Internet Explorer. With Microsoft losing ground to Google Chrome and other browsers, Edge brings a more modern and sleek feel to Microsoft’s default web browser
There is a whole host of new ways to manage and view your open applications, including a new task view and even the ability to create and switch between multiple virtual desktops

Free Upgrade

Microsoft are offering consumers with Windows 7, 8 or 8.1 a free upgrade to Windows 10 for the first year of release. Microsoft are deploying an app to advise eligible users that they qualify for the free upgrade. The app checks the user device for compatibility, downloads the installation and then prompts the user to upgrade.

Microsoft have also released the upgrade app to small and medium size businesses, whose devices are joined to an Active Directory domain, but with no Group Policy denying updates. Large companies running Windows Enterprise or using System Center to manage updates will not automatically receive the app, so will have to plan their deployment.