Microsoft Windows 10 is now available as a free upgrade over a limited time for genuine 7 and 8/8.1 operating systems, or with new PCs and tablets. It includes innovations such as Cortana, an Xbox app and Microsoft Edge and the company says it is the most secure Windows ever, as it is delivered as a service and kept automatically up-to-date with innovations and security updates.
The new Windows Store and Windows Software Development Kit also became available on Wednesday, opening the door to new and innovative app experiences on Windows 10.
To launch “10”, fan celebrations were held in 13 countries and via a new yearlong initiative to celebrate people and organisations making a difference around the world. Microsoft encourages people to share how they plan to #UpgradeYourWorld and to vote for a global nonprofit to receive a cash donation by simply mentioning the nonprofit in a post on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter and using the hashtags #UpgradeYourWorld and #vote. More information on Upgrade Your World can be found at http://www.windows.com/upgradeyourworld .
“From the beginning, Windows 10 has been unique — built with feedback from over 5 mln fans, delivered as a service and offered as a free upgrade,” said Terry Myerson, executive vice president, Windows and Devices Group, at Microsoft.
Windows 10 is fast and familiar — with the return of the Start menu and Live Tiles for instant, streaming updates – and enhancements to Windows Defender and SmartScreen to help safeguard against viruses, malware and phishing. Innovations include Windows Hello, which offers a fast, secured, password-free way to log in.
Windows 10 has been designed to work with Office and Skype and allows you to switch between apps and stay organised with Snap and Task View. Other innovations include:
• Cortana, the personal digital assistant;
• New Microsoft Edge for quick browsing, mark up and sharing on the Web;
• An integrated Xbox app;
• Continuum to optimise apps across touch and desktop modes;
• Built-in apps including photos, maps, the new music app Groove, movies & TV, shared across all devices with OneDrive;
• A Phone Companion app that enables iPhones, Android or Windows phones to work seamlessly with Windows 10 devices.
• The new Office Mobile apps for tablets and the digital note-taking OneNote app.
Microsoft says Windows 10 will help companies protect against modern cyberattacks, with a platform that keeps companies up-to-date as businesses will be able to control and select the features and functionality for each group of employees.
Windows 10 includes built-in, enterprise-grade security, so customers can replace passwords with more secure options, protect corporate data and corporate identities, and run only the software they trust. New management and deployment tools simplify device management, help lower costs, and enable companies to power their business with the enterprise strength of the Microsoft Azure cloud.
Upgrading to Windows 10 is easy for customers running a genuine Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 PC or tablet. People who reserved their upgrade will be notified in waves when their upgrade is ready to be installed. For business customers, Windows 10 is available to start deploying within their work environments, and starting August 1, organisations that have volume licensing can upgrade to Windows 10 Enterprise and Windows 10 Education.
For retail, free upgrade programmes will be available Wednesday, with Windows 10 software becoming broadly available in retail stores around the world between mid-August and September.
For hardware and software requirements, see http://www.windows.com/windows10upgrade .
