Windows 10#Updates and support

At the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference in 2011, Andrew Lees, the chief of Microsoft's mobile technologies, said that the company intended to have a single software ecosystem for PCs, smartphones, tablets, and other devices: "We won't have an ecosystem for PCs, and one for phones, and one for tablets{{nsmdns}}they'll all come together."{{cite web|url=https://blog.chron.com/techblog/2011/07/microsoft-envisions-a-universal-os-but-it-might-not-be-called-windows|title=Microsoft envisions a universal OS, but it might not be called Windows|last=Silverman|first=Dwight|date=July 15, 2011|work=Houston Chronicle|publisher=Hearst Corporation|access-date=May 14, 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722084053/https://blog.chron.com/techblog/2011/07/microsoft-envisions-a-universal-os-but-it-might-not-be-called-windows|archive-date=July 22, 2011}}{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2011/07/14/microsoft-one-ecosystem-pcs-tablets-phones-tvs-windows-brand-over |title=Microsoft says it will have a 'single ecosystem' for PCs, tablets, phones, and TVs... and is 'Windows' dead? |last=Patel |first=Nilay |date=July 14, 2011 |publisher=Vox Media |work=The Verge |access-date=May 26, 2015 |archive-date=November 3, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171103181626/https://www.theverge.com/2011/07/14/microsoft-one-ecosystem-pcs-tablets-phones-tvs-windows-brand-over |url-status=live}}

In December 2013, technology writer Mary Jo Foley reported that Microsoft was working on an update to Windows 8 codenamed "Threshold", after a planet in its Halo franchise. Similarly to "Blue" (which became Windows 8.1),{{cite web | url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/2027618/is-windows-blue-a-set-of-coordinated-updates-for-all-microsoft-products-.html | title=Is 'Windows Blue' a set of coordinated updates for all Microsoft products? | publisher=IDG | work=PC World | date=February 8, 2013 | last=Chacos | first=Brad | access-date=April 7, 2015 | archive-date=February 2, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202180321/http://www.pcworld.com/article/2027618/is-windows-blue-a-set-of-coordinated-updates-for-all-microsoft-products-.html | url-status=live}} 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 and Xbox One (which all use a similar kernel based on Windows NT).{{cite web|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-codename-threshold-the-next-major-windows-wave-takes-shape/|title=Microsoft codename 'Threshold': The next major Windows wave takes shape|last=Foley|first=Mary Jo|author-link=Mary Jo Foley|date=December 2, 2013|website=ZDNet|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=April 22, 2019|archive-date=December 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171209220704/https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-codename-threshold-the-next-major-windows-wave-takes-shape/|url-status=live}}{{cite web | url=https://www.theverge.com/2014/7/21/5924013/windows-9-screenshots-start-menu | title=Leaked 'Windows 9' screenshots offer a closer look at the new Start Menu | publisher=Vox Media | date=July 21, 2014 | access-date=September 30, 2014 | website=The Verge | first=Tom | last=Warren | archive-date=July 8, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170708213235/https://www.theverge.com/2014/7/21/5924013/windows-9-screenshots-start-menu | url-status=live}}

At the Build Conference in April 2014, Microsoft's Terry Myerson unveiled an early build of what would become Windows 10 (build 9697) that added the ability to run Microsoft Store apps inside desktop windows and a more traditional Start menu modeled after Windows 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.{{cite web|url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/2138443/rejoice-the-start-menu-is-coming-back-to-windows.html|title=Rejoice! The Start menu is coming back to Windows|last=Chacos|first=Brad|date=April 2, 2014|work=PC World|publisher=IDG|access-date=May 14, 2019|archive-date=April 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190407203338/https://www.pcworld.com/article/2138443/rejoice-the-start-menu-is-coming-back-to-windows.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2014/04/future-windows-8-1-update-will-finally-bring-back-the-start-menu/|title=Future Windows 8.1 update will finally bring back the Start menu|last=Cunningham|first=Andrew|date=April 2, 2014|work=Ars Technica|access-date=April 22, 2019|archive-date=August 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830072731/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2014/04/future-windows-8-1-update-will-finally-bring-back-the-start-menu/|url-status=live}} Microsoft also unveiled the concept of a "universal Windows app", allowing Windows Store apps created for Windows 8.1 to be ported to Windows Phone 8.1 and Xbox One while sharing a common codebase, with an interface designed for different device form factors, and allowing user data and licenses for an app to be shared between multiple platforms. Windows Phone 8.1 would share nearly 90% of the common Windows Runtime APIs with Windows 8.1 on PCs.{{cite web|url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/2138625/microsoft-introduces-universal-apps-that-scale-across-phones-tablets-and-pcs.html|title=Microsoft's universal Windows apps run on tablets, phones, Xbox, and PCs|last=Chacos|first=Brad|date=April 2, 2014|work=PC World|publisher=IDG|access-date=May 14, 2019|archive-date=April 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190407203348/https://www.pcworld.com/article/2138625/microsoft-introduces-universal-apps-that-scale-across-phones-tablets-and-pcs.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/developers/articles/week03jul14/universal-apps-what-are-they-and-how-are-they-good-for-developers|title=Universal Apps: What are they and how are they good for developers?|last=Wigley|first=Andy|date=July 18, 2014|publisher=Microsoft|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160203211341/http://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/developers/articles/week03jul14/universal-apps-what-are-they-and-how-are-they-good-for-developers/|archive-date=February 3, 2016|access-date=March 31, 2015}}

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 new File Explorer icon.{{cite web | url=https://www.theverge.com/2014/9/11/6135079/windows-9-leak-technical-preview | title=Leaked Windows 9 screenshots reveal the future of the desktop | publisher=Vox Media | access-date=September 30, 2014 | website=The Verge | first=Tom | last=Warren | date=September 11, 2014 | archive-date=December 16, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216210230/https://www.theverge.com/2014/9/11/6135079/windows-9-leak-technical-preview | url-status=live}}

{{Redirect|Windows 9|the Windows versions produced from 1995 to 2000|Windows 9x|the Windows version following Windows 8|Windows 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 for desktop and laptop computers, tablets, smartphones, and all-in-one devices.{{cite web | url=http://www.slate.com/blogs/future_tense/2014/09/30/microsoft_windows_10_operating_system_windows_8_was_so_bad_it_s_skipping.html | title=Windows 8 Was So Bad That Microsoft Is Skipping Windows 9 | publisher=The Slate Group | work=Slate | date=September 30, 2014 | last=Oremus | first=Will | access-date=October 1, 2014 | archive-date=December 19, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151219141552/http://www.slate.com/blogs/future_tense/2014/09/30/microsoft_windows_10_operating_system_windows_8_was_so_bad_it_s_skipping.html | url-status=live}}{{cite web | url=http://blogs.seattletimes.com/brierdudley/2014/09/29/microsoft-previews-windows-9/ | title=Microsoft reveals Windows 10 | publisher=Seattle Times Network | work=Seattle Times | last=Dudley | first=Brier | access-date=November 5, 2015 | archive-date=September 30, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140930232105/http://blogs.seattletimes.com/brierdudley/2014/09/29/microsoft-previews-windows-9/ | url-status=dead}}{{cite news | url=http://www.extremetech.com/computing/191279-why-is-it-called-windows-10-not-windows-9 | title=Why is it called Windows 10 not Windows 9? | publisher=Ziff Davis | date=February 2, 2015 | work=ExtremeTech | last1=Lendino | first1=Jamie | access-date=October 1, 2014 | archive-date=November 20, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171120065028/http://www.extremetech.com/computing/191279-why-is-it-called-windows-10-not-windows-9 | url-status=live}} He emphasized that Windows 10 would take steps towards restoring user interface mechanics from Windows 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.{{cite web | url=https://www.theverge.com/2014/9/30/6868695/microsoft-windows-10-announced-official | title=Windows 10 is the official name for Microsoft's next version of Windows | publisher=Vox Media | date=September 30, 2014 | website=The Verge | first=Tom | last=Warren | access-date=September 18, 2017 | archive-date=November 23, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171123143201/https://www.theverge.com/2014/9/30/6868695/microsoft-windows-10-announced-official | url-status=live}} Despite these concessions, Myerson noted that the touch-optimized interface would evolve as well on Windows 10.{{cite news|url=https://www.extremetech.com/computing/191135-windows-9-event-san-francisco-live-blog|title=Microsoft's Windows 10 event in San Francisco: Updated live blog|last=Anthony|first=Sebastian|date=September 30, 2014|website=ExtremeTech|access-date=May 14, 2019|archive-date=April 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190407203454/https://www.extremetech.com/computing/191135-windows-9-event-san-francisco-live-blog|url-status=live}}

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."{{cite web | url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/sep/30/microsoft-windows-10-release | title=Microsoft unveils Windows 10: 'It wouldn't be right to call it Windows 9' | work=The Guardian | date=September 30, 2014 | first=Dominic | last=Rushe | access-date=December 18, 2016 | archive-date=May 10, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510143037/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/sep/30/microsoft-windows-10-release | url-status=live}} He also joked that they could not call it "Windows One" (referring to several recent Microsoft products with a similar brand, such as OneDrive, OneNote, and the Xbox One) because Windows 1.0 already existed.{{cite web | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/microsoft-windows-idUSL2N0RV1RF20140930 | title=Microsoft names next operating system 'Windows 10' | work=Reuters |publisher=Thomson Reuters | date=September 30, 2014 | first=Bill | last=Rigby}} 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."{{cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/this-is-what-happened-to-windows-9-2014-10|title=Microsoft's New Windows Marketing Boss Explains What Happened to Windows 9|last=Bort|first=Julie|date=October 13, 2014|work=Business Insider|access-date=May 14, 2019|archive-date=August 6, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240806012348/https://www.businessinsider.com/this-is-what-happened-to-windows-9-2014-10|url-status=live}} Dave Plummer speculated that Microsoft wanted to avoid compatibility issues with applications that check the operating system's version string for "Windows 9" and believe that they are running on Windows 95 or Windows 98.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfCMNNaA6aY |title=The REAL Reason There Could Never Be a Windows 9 |date=2025-04-07 |last=Plummer |first=Dave |author-link=Dave Plummer |access-date=2025-04-09 |via=YouTube}}

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, new Xbox-oriented features, Windows 10 Mobile, an updated Office Mobile suite, Surface Hub{{nsmdns}}a large-screened Windows 10 device for enterprise collaboration based upon Perceptive Pixel technology,{{cite web |title=Microsoft announces 84-inch Surface Hub tailored for Windows 10 |url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/1/21/7867585/microsoft-surface-hub-announced |website=The Verge |date=January 21, 2015 |publisher=Vox Media |access-date=January 24, 2015 |archive-date=March 9, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180309184301/https://www.theverge.com/2015/1/21/7867585/microsoft-surface-hub-announced |url-status=live}} along with HoloLens‑augmented reality eyewear and an associated platform for building apps that can render holograms through HoloLens.{{cite web |title=Windows 10: Cortana, a New Browser...and Holograms? |url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2475515,00.asp |website=PC Magazine |date=January 21, 2015 |publisher=Ziff Davis Media |access-date=January 24, 2015 |archive-date=October 15, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171015004446/https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2475515,00.asp |url-status=live}}

Additional developer-oriented details surrounding the "Universal Windows Platform" concept were revealed and discussed during Microsoft's Build developers' conference. Among them were the unveiling of "Islandwood", which provides a middleware toolchain for compiling Objective-C-based software (particularly iOS) to run as universal apps on Windows 10 and Windows 10 Mobile. A port of Candy Crush Saga made using the toolkit, which shared much of its code with the iOS version, was demonstrated, alongside the announcement that the King-developed game would be bundled with Windows 10 at launch.{{cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2015/05/humanity-weeps-as-candy-crush-saga-comes-pre-installed-with-windows-10/|title=Humanity weeps as Candy Crush Saga comes preinstalled with Windows 10|last=Walton|first=Mark|date=May 15, 2015|website=Ars Technica|publisher=Conde Nast|access-date=May 14, 2019|archive-date=December 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171202064054/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2015/05/humanity-weeps-as-candy-crush-saga-comes-pre-installed-with-windows-10/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/2960526/microsoft-releases-ios-to-windows-app-maker-windows-bridge-to-open-source.html|title=Microsoft releases iOS-to-Windows app maker Windows Bridge to open source|last=Hachman|first=Mark|date=August 6, 2015|website=PC World|publisher=IDG|access-date=May 14, 2019|archive-date=May 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200516001011/https://www.pcworld.com/article/2960526/microsoft-releases-ios-to-windows-app-maker-windows-bridge-to-open-source.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.anandtech.com/show/9205/microsoft-demonstrates-android-and-ios-applications-running-on-windows-10|title=Microsoft Demonstrates [sic] Android and iOS Applications Running on Windows 10|last=Chester|first=Brandon|date=April 29, 2015|website=Anandtech|publisher=Purch Inc.|access-date=May 14, 2019|archive-date=May 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190514062559/https://www.anandtech.com/show/9205/microsoft-demonstrates-android-and-ios-applications-running-on-windows-10|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/2015/05/01/everything-you-need-to-know-about-porting-android-and-ios-apps-to-windows-10/|title=Everything you need to know about porting Android and iOS apps to Windows 10|last=Protalinski|first=Emil|date=May 1, 2015|website=VentureBeat|access-date=May 14, 2019|archive-date=November 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171121215309/https://venturebeat.com/2015/05/01/everything-you-need-to-know-about-porting-android-and-ios-apps-to-windows-10/|url-status=live}}

At the 2015 Ignite 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 the software as a service business model to Windows, with new versions and updates to be released over an indefinite period.{{cite web|last1=Loeb|first1=Larry|date=July 28, 2015|title=Windows 10: Microsoft Attempts A SaaS Model|url=https://www.informationweek.com/software/operating-systems/windows-10-microsoft-attempts-a-saas-model/a/d-id/1321473|work=www.informationweek.com|access-date=June 27, 2021|archive-date=May 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508071939/https://www.informationweek.com/software/operating-systems/windows-10-microsoft-attempts-a-saas-model/a/d-id/1321473|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|first=Mark|last=Hachman|date=April 30, 2015|title=Windows forever: Windows 10 builds will continue even after Microsoft ships it|url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/2917474/windows-forever-windows-10-builds-will-continue-even-after-microsoft-ships-it.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302150358/https://www.pcworld.com/article/2917474/windows-forever-windows-10-builds-will-continue-even-after-microsoft-ships-it.html|archive-date=March 2, 2021|access-date=June 16, 2021|website=PCWorld}}{{Cite web|title=Windows 10 Takes Its Place as Microsoft's 'Forever OS'|website=Redmondmag.com|url=https://redmondmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2019/01/windows-10-microsofts-forever-os.aspx|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210409165315/https://redmondmag.com/blogs/scott-bekker/2019/01/windows-10-microsofts-forever-os.aspx|archive-date=April 9, 2021|access-date=June 16, 2021}} In 2021, however, Microsoft announced that Windows 10 would be succeeded on compatible hardware by Windows 11—and that Windows 10 support will end on October 14, 2025, marking a departure from what had been dubbed "Windows as a service".{{Cite web|last=Keizer|first=Gregg|date=July 13, 2021|title=Say goodbye to all that: Microsoft ends Windows-as-a-Service|url=https://www.computerworld.com/article/3624741/say-goodbye-to-all-that-microsoft-ends-windows-as-a-service.html|access-date=July 25, 2021|website=Computerworld|archive-date=July 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210725005613/https://www.computerworld.com/article/3624741/say-goodbye-to-all-that-microsoft-ends-windows-as-a-service.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last1=Warren|first1=Tom|title=Microsoft to end Windows 10 support on October 14th, 2025|url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/6/14/22533018/microsoft-windows-10-end-support-date|access-date=July 17, 2021|website=The Verge|date=June 14, 2021|publisher=Vox Media|archive-date=July 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210708143112/https://www.theverge.com/2021/6/14/22533018/microsoft-windows-10-end-support-date|url-status=live}} PC World argued that the widely reported comment was however taken out of context, noting that the official event transcript marks it only as a segue rather than a core part of the talk. It argues that Nixon was referring to the fact that he could talk freely at the event because 10 was the last version in current development.{{Cite web |last=Hachman |first=Mark |date=2021-06-18 |title=Why is there a Windows 11 if Windows 10 is the last Windows? |url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/394724/why-is-there-a-windows-11-if-windows-10-is-the-last-windows.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211014012149/https://www.pcworld.com/article/394724/why-is-there-a-windows-11-if-windows-10-is-the-last-windows.html |archive-date=2021-10-14 |access-date=2023-12-13 |website=PCWorld}}

On July 20, 2015, Microsoft began "Upgrade Your World", an advertising 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.{{cite web|title=Microsoft kicks off Windows 10 ad campaign|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-kicks-off-windows-10-ad-campaign/|website=ZDNet|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=July 23, 2015|archive-date=July 23, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150723003921/http://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-kicks-off-windows-10-ad-campaign/?|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Microsoft Strikes New Tone for Windows 10 Release|url=http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/07/13/microsoft-strikes-new-tone-for-windows-10-release/?_r=0|access-date=July 23, 2015|work=The New York Times|date=July 13, 2015|archive-date=July 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709114247/https://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/07/13/microsoft-strikes-new-tone-for-windows-10-release/?_r=0|url-status=live}} 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".{{cite web|url=https://www.computerworld.com/article/2947479/microsoft-to-kick-off-windows-10-ad-campaign-next-week.html|title=Microsoft to kick off Windows 10 ad campaign next week|last=Keizer|first=Gregg|date=July 13, 2015|website=Computerworld|publisher=IDG|access-date=May 14, 2019|archive-date=April 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190413173040/https://www.computerworld.com/article/2947479/microsoft-to-kick-off-windows-10-ad-campaign-next-week.html|url-status=live}}

On July 29, 2015, Microsoft officially announced that Windows 10 would be released for retail purchase as a free upgrade from earlier versions of Windows. In comparison to previous Windows releases, which had a longer turnover between the release 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), an HP 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.{{cite news |url=https://www.thurrott.com/windows/windows-10/3901/hp-exec-explains-why-windows-10-launch-is-different |title=HP Exec Explains Why Windows 10 Launch is Different |last1=Thurrott |first1=Paul |date=June 1, 2015 |website=Thurrott.com |publisher=self-published |access-date=June 21, 2015 |archive-date=June 20, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150620182148/https://www.thurrott.com/windows/windows-10/3901/hp-exec-explains-why-windows-10-launch-is-different |url-status=live}}{{better source needed|date=September 2016}}

The general availability build of Windows{{nbsp}}10, numbered 10240, was first released to Windows Insider channels for pre-launch testing on July 15, 2015, prior to its formal release.{{cite web|title=Windows 10 Build 10240 Released To All Insiders|url=http://www.anandtech.com/show/9444/windows-10-build-10240-released-to-all-insiders|website=AnandTech|publisher=Purch, Inc.|access-date=July 27, 2015|archive-date=July 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725223249/http://www.anandtech.com/show/9444/windows-10-build-10240-released-to-all-insiders|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Windows 10 testers get access to the final version|url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/7/15/8974359/microsoft-windows-10-build-10240-testers|website=The Verge|date=July 15, 2015|publisher=Vox Media|access-date=July 15, 2015|archive-date=July 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716022650/http://www.theverge.com/2015/7/15/8974359/microsoft-windows-10-build-10240-testers|url-status=live}} 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 and desktop watermark text, and its build number had mathematical connections to the number{{nbsp}}10 in reference to the operating system's naming.{{cite web|url=http://www.extremetech.com/computing/210787-windows-10-build-10240-is-the-rtm-version-but-microsoft-wishes-youd-stop-calling-it-that|title=Windows 10 Build 10240 is the RTM version, but Microsoft wishes you'd stop calling it that|website=ExtremeTech|date=July 24, 2015 |access-date=August 4, 2015|archive-date=November 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171104235021/http://www.extremetech.com/computing/210787-windows-10-build-10240-is-the-rtm-version-but-microsoft-wishes-youd-stop-calling-it-that|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://news.softpedia.com/news/windows-10-has-reached-rtm-487002.shtml|title=Windows 10 Has Reached RTM|first=Bogdan|last=Popa|date=July 15, 2015|website=Softpedia|access-date=August 4, 2015|archive-date=July 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150724183111/http://news.softpedia.com/news/windows-10-has-reached-rtm-487002.shtml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.winbeta.org/news/its-official-windows-10-has-reached-rtm|title=Windows 10 hits RTM milestone ahead of July 29th launch|website=WinBeta|date=November 30, 2001|access-date=August 4, 2015|archive-date=October 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161015104212/http://www.winbeta.org/news/its-official-windows-10-has-reached-rtm|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Windows 10's final build number is delightfully clever|url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/7/15/8945373/windows-10-rtm-final-build-number|website=The Verge|date=July 15, 2015|access-date=July 27, 2015|archive-date=July 28, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150728071837/http://www.theverge.com/2015/7/15/8945373/windows-10-rtm-final-build-number|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Thurrott|first1=Paul|title=No RTM for Windows 10, Microsoft Says|url=https://www.thurrott.com/windows/windows-10/4797/no-rtm-for-windows-10-microsoft-says|website=Thurrott.com|date=July 22, 2015|access-date=July 27, 2015|archive-date=August 1, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150801164512/https://www.thurrott.com/windows/windows-10/4797/no-rtm-for-windows-10-microsoft-says|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Microsoft has finalized Windows 10|url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/7/15/8950481/microsoft-windows-10-rtm-date|website=The Verge|date=July 15, 2015|publisher=Vox Media|access-date=July 15, 2015|archive-date=July 15, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715172408/http://www.theverge.com/2015/7/15/8950481/microsoft-windows-10-rtm-date|url-status=live}} The Enterprise edition was released to volume licensing on August 1, 2015.{{cite web|title=Experts Talk Windows 10 and Microsoft's New Service Branch Options|url=https://redmondmag.com/articles/2015/07/30/windows-10-service-branch-options.aspx|website=Redmond Magazine|access-date=August 6, 2015|archive-date=September 5, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905095036/https://redmondmag.com/articles/2015/07/30/windows-10-service-branch-options.aspx|url-status=live}}

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 an ISO image or USB install media.{{cite magazine|title=How to Upgrade to Windows 10|url=https://www.wired.com/2015/07/everything-you-need-to-know-about-windows-10-how-to-upgrade/|magazine=Wired|date=July 29, 2015|access-date=July 31, 2015|last1=Barrett|first1=Brian|archive-date=August 6, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240806012348/https://www.wired.com/2015/07/everything-you-need-to-know-about-windows-10-how-to-upgrade/|url-status=live}} In-place upgrades are supported from most editions of Windows 7 with Service Pack 1 and Windows{{nbsp}}8.1 with Update 1, while users with Windows{{nbsp}}8 must first upgrade to Windows{{nbsp}}8.1. Changing between architectures (e.g., upgrading from 32-bit edition to a 64-bit editions) via in-place upgrades is not supported; a clean installation is required.{{cite web |last1=Bott |first1=Ed |author-link=Ed Bott |title=Windows 10 to launch 'this summer' with free upgrades even for pirated copies |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-10-to-launch-this-summer-with-free-upgrades-for-pirated-copies/ |website=ZDNet |access-date=March 18, 2015 |archive-date=March 21, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150321000329/http://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-10-to-launch-this-summer-with-free-upgrades-for-pirated-copies/ |url-status=live}} In-place upgrades may be rolled back to the device's previous version of Windows, provided that 30{{nbsp}}days have not passed since installation, and backup files were not removed using Disk Cleanup.

Windows 10 was available in 190{{nbsp}}countries 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 with Qihoo and Tencent to help promote and distribute Windows{{nbsp}}10 in China, and that Chinese PC maker Lenovo would provide assistance at its service centers and retail outlets for helping users upgrade to Windows{{nbsp}}10.{{cite web |title=Windows 10 will be a free upgrade for all users worldwide [Updated] |url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2015/03/windows-10-will-be-a-free-upgrade-for-genuine-and-non-genuine-users/ |website=Ars Technica |date=March 18, 2015 |access-date=March 18, 2015 |archive-date=March 20, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150320174751/http://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2015/03/windows-10-will-be-a-free-upgrade-for-genuine-and-non-genuine-users/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Microsoft says Windows 10 could ship this summer, and new features keep coming |url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/2898418/microsoft-will-ship-windows-10-this-summer.html |website=PC World |date=March 17, 2015 |access-date=March 18, 2015 |archive-date=March 18, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150318222414/http://www.pcworld.com/article/2898418/microsoft-will-ship-windows-10-this-summer.html |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Windows 10 will be free for software pirates |url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/3/18/8241023/windows-10-free-for-software-pirates |website=The Verge |date=March 18, 2015 |access-date=March 18, 2015 |archive-date=March 18, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150318204741/http://www.theverge.com/2015/3/18/8241023/windows-10-free-for-software-pirates |url-status=live}} At retail, Windows 10 is priced similarly to editions of Windows 8.1, with U.S. prices set at $119 and $199 for Windows 10{{nbsp}}Home and Pro respectively. A Windows 10 Pro Pack license allows upgrades from Windows 10 Home to Windows 10 Pro.{{cite web|title=Microsoft prices Windows 10 licenses at $119 for Home, $199 for Pro|url=http://www.cnet.com/news/microsoft-prices-single-windows-10-licenses-at-119-for-home-199-for-pro/|website=CNET|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=June 1, 2015|archive-date=June 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150603020458/http://www.cnet.com/news/microsoft-prices-single-windows-10-licenses-at-119-for-home-199-for-pro/|url-status=live}} Retail copies only ship on USB flash drive media; however, system builder copies still ship as DVD-ROM media.{{cite web|last1=Smith|first1=Ryan|title=Windows 10 Retail Will Be on USB Flash Drives|url=http://www.anandtech.com/show/9450/windows-10-retail-will-be-on-usb-flash-drives|website=AnandTech|publisher=Purch, Inc.|access-date=July 17, 2015|archive-date=July 17, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150717102918/http://www.anandtech.com/show/9450/windows-10-retail-will-be-on-usb-flash-drives|url-status=live}} New devices shipping with Windows{{nbsp}}10 were also released during the operating system's launch window.{{cite web|title=Windows 10 won't be available on all new PCs come launch day|url=http://www.cnet.com/news/windows-10-wont-be-available-on-new-pcs-come-launch-day/|website=CNET|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=July 14, 2015|archive-date=July 14, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150714102730/http://www.cnet.com/news/windows-10-wont-be-available-on-new-pcs-come-launch-day/|url-status=live}}

Windows RT devices cannot be upgraded to Windows{{nbsp}}10.{{cite web |title=Microsoft's Windows RT isn't dead...yet |url=http://www.cnet.com/news/microsofts-windows-rt-isnt-dead-yet/ |website=CNET |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=January 21, 2015 |archive-date=January 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150122001305/http://www.cnet.com/news/microsofts-windows-rt-isnt-dead-yet/ |url-status=live}}

{{See also|Windows 10 editions#Free upgrade}}

During its first year of availability,{{cite web|title=Upgrade to Windows 10: FAQ|url=http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/upgrade-to-windows-10-faq|website=Microsoft|access-date=May 18, 2016|archive-date=May 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160518051428/http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/upgrade-to-windows-10-faq|url-status=live}} upgrade licenses for Windows{{nbsp}}10 could be obtained at no charge for devices with a genuine license for an eligible edition of Windows{{nbsp}}7 or{{nbsp}}8.1.{{cite web|title=Details of free Windows 10 update become a little clearer, but questions remain|url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2015/05/details-of-free-windows-10-update-become-a-little-clearer-but-questions-remain/|website=Ars Technica|date=May 19, 2015|access-date=May 21, 2015|archive-date=May 20, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150520232531/http://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2015/05/details-of-free-windows-10-update-become-a-little-clearer-but-questions-remain/|url-status=live}}

This offer did not apply to Enterprise editions, as customers under an active Software Assurance (SA){{nbsp}}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 Windows{{nbsp}}7 or{{nbsp}}8/8.1 license, were ineligible for this promotion; although upgrades from a non-genuine version were possible, they result in a non-genuine copy of{{nbsp}}10.{{cite web|title=Microsoft stealthily backs away from free Windows 10 promise|url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2015/06/microsoft-stealthily-backs-away-from-free-windows-10-promise/|website=Ars Technica|date=June 21, 2015|access-date=June 22, 2015|archive-date=June 21, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150621233617/http://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2015/06/microsoft-stealthily-backs-away-from-free-windows-10-promise/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Genuine Windows and Windows 10|url=http://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2015/05/15/genuine-windows-and-windows-10/|website=Windows Blog|date=May 16, 2015|publisher=Microsoft|quote=While our free offer to upgrade to Windows 10 will not apply to Non-Genuine Windows devices|access-date=May 16, 2015|archive-date=October 5, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151005003553/http://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2015/05/15/genuine-windows-and-windows-10/|url-status=live}}.{{cite web |title=The Windows 10 free upgrade for pirates: More confusing than it seems |url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2015/03/the-windows-10-free-upgrade-for-pirates-more-confusing-than-it-seems/ |website=Ars Technica |date=March 19, 2015 |access-date=March 19, 2015 |archive-date=March 19, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150319213218/http://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2015/03/the-windows-10-free-upgrade-for-pirates-more-confusing-than-it-seems/ |url-status=live}}

On the general availability build of Windows{{nbsp}}10 (the original release), to activate and generate the "digital entitlement" for Windows{{nbsp}}10, the operating system must have first been installed as an in-place upgrade. During the free upgrade, a genuineticket.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 a product 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.{{cite web|title=How to clean install Windows 10|url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/7/31/9077997/microsoft-windows-10-clean-install-how-to-guide|website=The Verge|date=July 31, 2015|access-date=August 22, 2015|archive-date=August 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150822025107/http://www.theverge.com/2015/7/31/9077997/microsoft-windows-10-clean-install-how-to-guide|url-status=live}} Because of installation issues with Upgrade Only installs, the November Update (version 1511) included additional activation mechanisms. This build treated Windows{{nbsp}}7 and Windows{{nbsp}}8/8.1 product keys as Windows{{nbsp}}10 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.{{cite web|title=Announcing Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 10565|url=http://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2015/10/12/announcing-windows-10-insider-preview-build-10565/|website=Windows 10 blog|date=October 12, 2015|publisher=Microsoft Corporation|access-date=October 12, 2015|archive-date=January 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111051550/https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2015/10/12/announcing-windows-10-insider-preview-build-10565/|url-status=live}} 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 Windows{{nbsp}}10 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 that Windows Insider was not a valid upgrade path for those running a version of Windows 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 Windows{{nbsp}}7 or{{nbsp}}8.1, the Insider Preview does remain activated as long as the user does not exit the Windows Insider program.{{cite web|title=Microsoft clarification kinda clears up free Windows 10 license confusion|url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2015/06/microsoft-clarification-kinda-clears-up-free-windows-10-license-confusion/|website=Ars Technica|date=June 22, 2015|publisher=Conde Nast Digital|access-date=June 23, 2015|archive-date=June 23, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150623055255/http://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2015/06/microsoft-clarification-kinda-clears-up-free-windows-10-license-confusion/|url-status=live}}

The offer was promoted and delivered via the "Get Windows{{nbsp}}10" application (also known as GWX), which was automatically installed via Windows Update ahead of Windows 10's release, and activated on systems deemed eligible for the upgrade offer. Via a notification area icon, users could access an application that advertised Windows{{nbsp}}10 and the free upgrade offer, check device compatibility, and "reserve" an automatic download of the operating system upon its release.{{cite web|last1=Keizer|first1=Gregg|title=Automatic update delivered to most Windows 7 and 8.1 consumer devices illustrates aggressive marketing intent|url=http://www.computerworld.com/article/2906810/microsoft-seeds-windows-7-81-pcs-with-windows-10-upgrade-nag-notices.html|website=Computerworld|date=April 8, 2015|publisher=IDC|access-date=July 4, 2015|archive-date=July 5, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705200858/http://www.computerworld.com/article/2906810/microsoft-seeds-windows-7-81-pcs-with-windows-10-upgrade-nag-notices.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=Reserve your free Windows 10 upgrade, download available on July 29|url=http://www.networkworld.com/article/2929473/microsoft-subnet/reserve-your-free-windows-10-upgrade-download-available-on-july-29.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150602181301/http://www.networkworld.com/article/2929473/microsoft-subnet/reserve-your-free-windows-10-upgrade-download-available-on-july-29.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 2, 2015|website=Network World|date=June 2015|access-date=June 1, 2015}} On July 28, a pre-download process began in which Windows{{nbsp}}10 installation files were downloaded to some computers that had reserved it. Microsoft said that those who reserved Windows{{nbsp}}10 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 of DVD or USB installation media.{{cite web|title=Windows 10 installation files already sneaking onto Windows 7 and 8 PCs|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/2953593/windows/windows-10-installation-files-already-sneaking-onto-windows-7-and-8-pcs.html|website=PC World|date=July 28, 2015|publisher=IDG|access-date=July 29, 2015|archive-date=July 30, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150730193410/http://www.pcworld.com/article/2953593/windows/windows-10-installation-files-already-sneaking-onto-windows-7-and-8-pcs.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=How to get the Windows 10 update|url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/7/28/9060737/microsoft-windows-10-upgrade-how-to-guide|website=The Verge|date=July 28, 2015|publisher=Vox Media|access-date=July 29, 2015|archive-date=July 29, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150729005532/http://www.theverge.com/2015/7/28/9060737/microsoft-windows-10-upgrade-how-to-guide|url-status=live}}

In May 2016, Microsoft announced that the free upgrade offer would be extended to users of assistive 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.{{cite web|title=Here's How to Get Windows 10 for Free—Still|url=http://www.cnet.com/news/microsoft-windows-10-free-upgrade-offer-assistive-features/|website=CNET|access-date=August 1, 2016|archive-date=August 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160802180507/http://www.cnet.com/news/microsoft-windows-10-free-upgrade-offer-assistive-features/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Microsoft waives July's Windows 10 upgrade deadline for assistive-tech users|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/3067755/windows/microsoft-waives-julys-windows-10-upgrade-deadline-for-assistive-tech-users.html|website=PC World|date=May 9, 2016|publisher=IDG|access-date=August 1, 2016|archive-date=August 6, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240806012421/https://www.pcworld.com/article/414777/microsoft-waives-julys-windows-10-upgrade-deadline-for-assistive-tech-users.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last1=Warren|first1=Tom|title=You can still get Windows 10 for free with this trick|url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/8/1/12340318/microsoft-windows-10-free-upgrade-still-available|publisher=Vox Media|website=The Verge|access-date=August 1, 2016 |date=August 1, 2016}} In November 2017, Microsoft announced that this program would end on December 31, 2017.{{Cite news|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-quietly-announces-end-of-last-free-windows-10-upgrades/|title=Microsoft quietly announces end of last free Windows 10 upgrade offer|last=Bott|first=Ed|author-link=Ed Bott|work=ZDNet|access-date=November 3, 2017|archive-date=November 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171104203202/http://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-quietly-announces-end-of-last-free-windows-10-upgrades/|url-status=live}}

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.{{Cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/gordonkelly/2020/02/04/how-to-upgrade-to-windows-10-for-free-in-2020/#6cc24ad875ff|title=How To Upgrade To Windows 10 For 'Free' In 2020 [Updated]|last=Kelly|first=Gordon|work=Forbes|access-date=July 17, 2020}} Some outlets have continued to promote it as a free method of upgrading from the now-unsupported Windows 7.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/1/14/21065140/how-to-upgrade-microsoft-windows-7-10-free-os|title=How to upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10 for free|last=Warren|first=Tom|work=The Verge|access-date=November 14, 2020|archive-date=November 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116043111/https://www.theverge.com/2020/1/14/21065140/how-to-upgrade-microsoft-windows-7-10-free-os|url-status=live}} This free upgrade method was officially closed by Microsoft on September 20, 2023.{{Cite web |title=Windows Ends Installation Path for Free Windows 7/8 Upgrade |url=https://devicepartner.microsoft.com/en-us/communications/comm-windows-ends-installation-path-for-free-windows-7-8-upgrade |access-date=2023-09-29 |website=devicepartner.microsoft.com |archive-date=November 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107212410/https://devicepartner.microsoft.com/en-us/communications/comm-windows-ends-installation-path-for-free-windows-7-8-upgrade |url-status=live}} However, as of 2024, there are some reports that it still works, under certain conditions.{{Cite web |last=Bott |first=Ed |author-link=Ed Bott |date=May 13, 2024 |title=Can you still get a Windows 10 upgrade for free? |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/can-you-still-get-a-windows-10-upgrade-for-free/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240529140756/https://www.zdnet.com/article/can-you-still-get-a-windows-10-upgrade-for-free/ |archive-date=May 29, 2024 |access-date=June 12, 2024 |website=ZDNet}}{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoOiq7yeyuo |title=Windows 10 clean installation can still be activated with Windows 7 Product Key in 2024! |date=March 12, 2024 |access-date=June 12, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240612101523/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoOiq7yeyuo |archive-date=June 12, 2024 |url-status=live |via=YouTube |work=Tuxhardware}}

During upgrades, Windows{{nbsp}}10 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 the activation process, which is bound to the hardware information collected during the process. If Windows{{nbsp}}10 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 Windows{{nbsp}}10. As with previous non-volume-licensed variants of Windows, significant hardware changes will invalidate the digital entitlement, and require Windows to be re-activated.{{cite web|title=How to make sure your free copy of Windows 10 is activated|url=http://winsupersite.com/windows-10/how-make-sure-your-free-copy-windows-10-activated|first=Richard|last=Hay|website=Supersite for Windows|publisher=Penton|date=July 30, 2015|access-date=July 31, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150801182728/http://winsupersite.com/windows-10/how-make-sure-your-free-copy-windows-10-activated|archive-date=August 1, 2015|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=Why you can't find your product key after upgrading to Windows 10|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/2970075/windows/why-you-cant-find-your-product-key-after-upgrading-to-windows-10.html|first=Ian|last=Paul|website=PC World|publisher=IDG|date=August 12, 2015|access-date=August 13, 2015|archive-date=August 14, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150814222247/http://www.pcworld.com/article/2970075/windows/why-you-cant-find-your-product-key-after-upgrading-to-windows-10.html|url-status=live}}

{{Main|Features new to Windows 10}}

{{See also|List of features removed in Windows 10}}

Windows 10 makes its user experience and functionality more consistent between different classes of device, and addresses many shortcomings of the user interface introduced in Windows 8. Windows 10 Mobile, the successor to Windows Phone 8.1, shared some user interface elements and apps with its PC counterpart.{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/1/21/7869441/windows-10-for-phones-features-hands-on|title=This is Windows 10 for phones|last=Warren|first=Tom|date=January 21, 2015|website=The Verge|publisher=Vox Media|access-date=April 22, 2019|archive-date=June 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160616213952/http://www.theverge.com/2015/1/21/7869441/windows-10-for-phones-features-hands-on|url-status=live}}

Windows 10 supports universal apps, an expansion of the Metro-style first introduced in Windows 8. Universal apps can be designed to run across multiple Microsoft product families with nearly identical code{{nsmdns}}including PCs, tablets, smartphones, embedded systems, Xbox One, Surface Hub and Mixed Reality. The Windows user interface was revised to handle transitions between a mouse-oriented interface and a touchscreen-optimized interface based on available input devices{{nsmdns}}particularly on 2-in-1 PCs. Both interfaces include an updated Start menu which incorporates elements of Windows 7's traditional Start menu with the tiles of Windows 8. Windows 10 also introduced the Microsoft Edge series of web browsers, a virtual desktop system, a window and desktop management feature called Task View, support for fingerprint and face recognition login, new security features for enterprise environments, and {{nowrap|DirectX 12}}.

The Windows Runtime app ecosystem was revised into the Universal Windows Platform (UWP).{{cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2015/03/dont-call-them-metro-microsoft-rebrands-universal-apps-as-windows-apps/|title=Don't call them Metro: Microsoft rebrands Universal apps as "Windows apps"|last=Anthony|first=Sebastian|date=March 29, 2015|work=Ars Technica|publisher=Condé Nast|access-date=May 14, 2019|archive-date=December 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171203050733/https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2015/03/dont-call-them-metro-microsoft-rebrands-universal-apps-as-windows-apps/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Guide to Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps|url=https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dn894631.aspx?f=255&MSPPError=-2147217396|website=MSDN|publisher=Microsoft|access-date=August 12, 2015|archive-date=September 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925164749/https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dn894631.aspx?f=255&MSPPError=-2147217396|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/3/26/8295177/microsoft-windows-apps-universal-apps |title=Microsoft's universal apps are now called Windows apps |first=Tom |last=Warren |date=March 26, 2015 |access-date=April 3, 2015 |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402124042/http://www.theverge.com/2015/3/26/8295177/microsoft-windows-apps-universal-apps |url-status=live}} 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, have responsive 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 the Microsoft Store (rebranded from Windows Store since September 2017).{{Cite news|url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/9/22/16348986/microsoft-store-windows-10-app-store|title=Windows Store rebranded to Microsoft Store in Windows 10|work=The Verge|access-date=May 16, 2018|archive-date=January 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200105164657/https://www.theverge.com/2017/9/22/16348986/microsoft-store-windows-10-app-store|url-status=live}} 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).{{cite web |url=http://blogs.windows.com/buildingapps/2015/03/02/a-first-look-at-the-windows-10-universal-app-platform/ |title=A first look at the Windows 10 universal app platform |last1=Kevin |first1=Gallo |date=March 2, 2015 |website=Windows Blog |publisher=Microsoft |access-date=March 9, 2015 |archive-date=March 10, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150310031810/http://blogs.windows.com/buildingapps/2015/03/02/a-first-look-at-the-windows-10-universal-app-platform/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Our first look at Windows 10 on phones, and Universal Apps for touchscreens |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2015/01/our-first-look-at-windows-10-on-phones-and-universal-apps-for-touchscreens/ |website=Ars Technica |date=January 21, 2015 |access-date=February 7, 2015 |archive-date=January 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150124023151/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2015/01/our-first-look-at-windows-10-on-phones-and-universal-apps-for-touchscreens/ |url-status=live}}

The ARM version of Windows 10 allows running applications for x86 processors through 32-bit software emulation.

On Windows 10, the Microsoft Store serves as a unified storefront for apps, video content, and eBooks.{{cite news|url=https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2015/07/06/updates-to-entertainment-in-windows-10/|title=Updates to Entertainment in Windows 10|last=LeBlanc|first=Brandon|date=July 6, 2015|work=Windows Experience Blog|publisher=Microsoft|access-date=May 14, 2019|archive-date=August 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803214450/https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2015/07/06/updates-to-entertainment-in-windows-10/|url-status=live}} Windows 10 also allows web apps and desktop software (using either Win32 or .NET Framework) to be packaged for distribution on the Microsoft Store. Desktop software distributed through Windows Store is packaged using the App-V system to allow sandboxing.{{cite web |url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2015/03/microsofts-next-attempt-to-fill-the-windows-10-app-gap-web-app-apps/ |title=Microsoft's next attempt to fill the Windows 10 app gap: Web app apps |last1=Peter |first1=Bright |date=March 3, 2015 |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |access-date=March 9, 2015 |archive-date=March 10, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150310020911/http://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2015/03/microsofts-next-attempt-to-fill-the-windows-10-app-gap-web-app-apps/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/heres-how-microsoft-hopes-to-get-android-and-ios-phone-apps-into-its-windows-10-store/|title=Here's how Microsoft hopes to get Android and iOS phone apps into its Windows 10 Store|last=Foley|first=Mary Jo|author-link=Mary Jo Foley|date=April 29, 2015|website=ZDNet|access-date=May 14, 2019|archive-date=April 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190423102420/https://www.zdnet.com/article/heres-how-microsoft-hopes-to-get-android-and-ios-phone-apps-into-its-windows-10-store/|url-status=live}}

File:Virtual Desktops in Windows 10.png" display is a new feature to Windows 10, allowing the use of multiple workspaces.]]

A new iteration of the Start 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. 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.{{cite web|url=https://www.tomsguide.com/us/windows-10-unveiled,news-19648.html|title=Microsoft Unveils Windows 10 with New Start Menu|last=Andronico|first=Michael|date=September 30, 2014|website=Tom's Guide|access-date=May 14, 2019|archive-date=April 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190407203343/https://www.tomsguide.com/us/windows-10-unveiled,news-19648.html|url-status=live}} Universal apps, which previously could be used only in full screen mode, can now be used in self-contained windows similarly to other programs. 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"). The Windows system icons were also changed.

Charms have been removed; their functionality in universal apps is accessed from an App commands menu on their title bar. 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.{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/1/28/7927109/windows-10-features-hands-on|title=Windows 10: a closer look at the future of Microsoft's vision for PCs|last=Warren|first=Tom|date=January 28, 2015|website=The Verge|publisher=Vox Media|access-date=April 22, 2019|archive-date=February 8, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150208001246/http://www.theverge.com/2015/1/28/7927109/windows-10-features-hands-on|url-status=live}} The Settings app (formerly PC Settings) was refreshed and now includes more options that were previously exclusive to the desktop Control Panel.{{cite web|url=http://www.alphr.com/microsoft/microsoft-windows-10/25290/windows-10-uk-release-everything-you-need-to-know|title=Windows 10 review: Technical Preview (January 2015)|date=July 29, 2015|website=PC Pro|access-date=February 7, 2015|archive-date=August 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150803071634/http://www.alphr.com/microsoft/microsoft-windows-10/25290/windows-10-uk-release-everything-you-need-to-know|url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Windows 10 Settings Menu: The System tab |url=http://www.cnet.com/how-to/windows-10-settings-menu-the-system-tab/ |website=CNET |access-date=February 7, 2015 |archive-date=February 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150208010206/http://www.cnet.com/how-to/windows-10-settings-menu-the-system-tab/ |url-status=live}}

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 a 2-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.{{cite web |title=Watch how Windows 10 works with touch interfaces |url=https://www.theverge.com/2014/9/30/6873963/windows-10-continuum-touch-interface |website=The Verge |date=September 30, 2014 |access-date=September 30, 2014 |publisher=Vox Media |archive-date=January 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180108231623/https://www.theverge.com/2014/9/30/6873963/windows-10-continuum-touch-interface |url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Windows 10 Technical Preview 2: Configure Tablet Mode|url=https://www.thurrott.com/windows/windows-10/3116/windows-10-technical-preview-2-configure-tablet-mode|website=Thurrott.com|date=April 23, 2015|access-date=July 16, 2015|last1=Thurrott|first1=Paul|archive-date=July 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716174216/https://www.thurrott.com/windows/windows-10/3116/windows-10-technical-preview-2-configure-tablet-mode|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Windows 10 Technical Preview 2: Continuum and Tablet Mode|url=https://www.thurrott.com/windows/windows-10/2240/windows-10-technical-preview-2-continuum-and-tablet-mode|website=Thurrott.com|date=March 20, 2015|access-date=July 16, 2015|last1=Thurrott|first1=Paul|archive-date=July 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716180008/https://www.thurrott.com/windows/windows-10/2240/windows-10-technical-preview-2-continuum-and-tablet-mode|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last1=Bowden|first1=Zack|title=Windows 10: The tablet experience is better than ever (with video)|url=http://www.winbeta.org/news/windows-10-tablet-experience-better-ever|website=WinBeta|date=July 3, 2015|access-date=July 16, 2015|archive-date=August 5, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150805021502/http://www.winbeta.org/news/windows-10-tablet-experience-better-ever|url-status=live}}

File:Windows Hello in Enpass.png (a password manager)]]

Windows 10 incorporates multi-factor authentication technology based upon standards developed by the FIDO Alliance.{{cite web|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-reveals-audacious-plans-to-tighten-security-with-windows-10/|title=Microsoft reveals audacious plans to tighten security with Windows 10|last1=Bott|first1=Ed|author-link=Ed Bott|date=October 22, 2014|website=ZDNet|access-date=April 22, 2019|archive-date=March 26, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190326084356/https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-reveals-audacious-plans-to-tighten-security-with-windows-10/|url-status=live}} The operating system includes improved support for biometric authentication through the Windows Hello platform. Devices with supported cameras (requiring infrared illumination, such as Intel RealSense) allow users to log in with iris or face recognition, similarly to Kinect. Devices with supported readers allow users to log in through fingerprint recognition. Support was also added for palm-vein scanning through a partnership with Fujitsu in February 2018.{{Cite news|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/no-more-windows-10-passwords-microsoft-says-hello-to-palm-vein-biometrics/|title=No more Windows 10 passwords? Microsoft says Hello to palm-vein biometrics|last=Tung|first=Liam|date=February 9, 2018|work=ZDNet|access-date=February 10, 2018|archive-date=February 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180210184005/http://www.zdnet.com/article/no-more-windows-10-passwords-microsoft-says-hello-to-palm-vein-biometrics/|url-status=live}} Credentials are stored locally and protected using asymmetric encryption.{{cite web |title=Windows 10 says "Hello" to logging in with your face and the end of passwords |url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2015/03/windows-10-says-hello-to-logging-in-with-your-face-and-the-end-of-passwords/ |website=Ars Technica |date=March 17, 2015 |access-date=March 17, 2015 |archive-date=December 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201195832/https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2015/03/windows-10-says-hello-to-logging-in-with-your-face-and-the-end-of-passwords/ |url-status=live}}

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.{{Cite web|last=Staff|first=Ars|date=December 21, 2017|title=Specially prepared photos shown bypassing Windows Hello facial recognition|url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2017/12/specially-prepared-photos-shown-bypassing-windows-hello-facial-recognition/|access-date=July 18, 2021|website=Ars Technica|archive-date=July 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718135404/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2017/12/specially-prepared-photos-shown-bypassing-windows-hello-facial-recognition/|url-status=live}} 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.{{Cite web|last=WIRED|date=July 18, 2021|title=Hackers got past Windows Hello by tricking a webcam|url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2021/07/hackers-got-past-windows-hello-by-tricking-a-webcam/|access-date=July 18, 2021|website=Ars Technica|archive-date=July 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718134919/https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2021/07/hackers-got-past-windows-hello-by-tricking-a-webcam/|url-status=live}}

In addition to biometric authentication, Windows Hello supports authentication with a PIN. 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 simpler password. While passwords are transmitted to domain controllers, PINs are not. They are tied to one device, and if compromised, only one device is affected. Backed by a Trusted 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 via rainbow tables, TPM causes the much-simpler Windows PINs to be resilient to brute-force attacks.{{cite web |last1=Halfin |first1=Dani |last2=Syfuhs |first2=Steve |title=Why a PIN is better than a password |url=https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/identity-protection/hello-for-business/hello-why-pin-is-better-than-password |website=Microsoft Docs |publisher=Microsoft |date=October 23, 2017 |access-date=July 15, 2019 |archive-date=July 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715152114/https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security/identity-protection/hello-for-business/hello-why-pin-is-better-than-password |url-status=live}}

When Windows 10 was first introduced, multi-factor authentication was provided by two components: Windows Hello and Passport (not to be confused with the Passport platform of 1998). Later, Passport was merged into Windows Hello.{{cite web|last1=Halfin|first1=Dani|last2=Lich|first2=Brian|last3=McIlhargey|first3=Bill|title=Windows Hello for Business Overview|url=https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/access-protection/hello-for-business/hello-overview|website=Microsoft Docs|publisher=Microsoft|access-date=October 30, 2017|date=April 5, 2017|archive-date=November 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107023300/https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/access-protection/hello-for-business/hello-overview|url-status=live}}

The enterprise edition of Windows 10 offers additional security features; administrators can set up policies for the automatic encryption of sensitive data, selectively block applications from accessing encrypted data, and enable Device Guard{{nsmdns}}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 against zero-day exploits, and runs inside a hypervisor so that its operation remains separated from the operating system itself.{{cite web|url=http://www.techradar.com/news/software/security-software/device-guard-safeguards-windows-10-with-hardware-authentication-1291767|title=Device Guard safeguards Windows 10 with hardware authentication|last=Nguyen|first=Chuong|date=April 22, 2015|website=TechRadar|publisher=Future|access-date=April 22, 2019|archive-date=November 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171126054000/http://www.techradar.com/news/software/security-software/device-guard-safeguards-windows-10-with-hardware-authentication-1291767|url-status=live}}

The console windows based on Windows Console (for any console app, not just PowerShell and Windows Command Prompt) can now be resized without any restrictions, can be made to cover the full screen by pressing {{Keypress|Alt|Enter}}, and can use standard keyboard shortcuts, such as those for cut, 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.{{cite web|url=https://blogs.windows.com/buildingapps/2014/10/07/console-improvements-in-the-windows-10-technical-preview/|title=Console Improvements in the Windows 10 Technical Preview|last=Denning|first=Adam|date=October 7, 2014|website=Windows Developer Blog|publisher=Microsoft|access-date=April 22, 2019|archive-date=November 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171124092813/https://blogs.windows.com/buildingapps/2014/10/07/console-improvements-in-the-windows-10-technical-preview/|url-status=live}}

File:Screenshot of ‘Bash on Ubuntu on Windows’.png for Ubuntu, running on Windows 10]]

The Anniversary Update added Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), which allows the installation of a user space environment from a supported Linux distribution that runs natively on Windows. The subsystem translates Linux system 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 the Bash shell and 64-bit command-line programs (WSL 2 also supports 32-bit Linux programs and graphics, assuming supporting software installed,{{Cite web|date=June 17, 2020|title=Announcing CUDA on Windows Subsystem for Linux 2|url=https://developer.nvidia.com/blog/announcing-cuda-on-windows-subsystem-for-linux-2/|quote=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.|access-date=January 2, 2021|website=NVIDIA Developer Blog|archive-date=December 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201218161845/https://developer.nvidia.com/blog/announcing-cuda-on-windows-subsystem-for-linux-2/|url-status=live}} and GPUs support for other uses{{Cite web|last=craigloewen-msft|title=WSL 2 Frequently Asked Questions|url=https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wsl/wsl2-faq|quote=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.|access-date=January 2, 2021|website=Microsoft Learn|archive-date=December 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201093917/https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wsl/wsl2-faq|url-status=live}}). Linux distributions for Windows Subsystem for Linux are obtained through Microsoft Store. The feature initially supported an Ubuntu-based environment; Microsoft announced in May 2017 that it would add Fedora and OpenSUSE environment options as well.{{cite web|last1=Gartenberg|first1=Chaim|title=Linux distros won't run on Windows 10 S after all|url=https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2017/5/19/15666356/linux-distros-command-line-windows-10-s-store|website=The Verge|publisher=Vox Media|date=May 19, 2017|access-date=May 26, 2017|archive-date=May 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170519192157/https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2017/5/19/15666356/linux-distros-command-line-windows-10-s-store|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-to-show-bash-on-linux-running-on-windows-10/|title=Microsoft to show Bash on Linux running on Windows 10|last1=Foley|first1=Mary Jo|author-link1=Mary Jo Foley|date=March 29, 2016|website=ZDNet|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=April 21, 2019|archive-date=April 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190420131827/https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-to-show-bash-on-linux-running-on-windows-10/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/heres-how-microsoft-will-support-bash-on-windows-10/|title=Here's how Microsoft will support Bash on Windows 10|last1=Foley|first1=Mary Jo|author-link1=Mary Jo Foley|date=March 30, 2016|website=ZDNet|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=April 21, 2019|archive-date=April 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190420131821/https://www.zdnet.com/article/heres-how-microsoft-will-support-bash-on-windows-10/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://blogs.windows.com/buildingapps/2016/03/30/run-bash-on-ubuntu-on-windows/|title=Run Bash on Ubuntu on Windows|last1=Harsh|first1=Mike|date=March 30, 2016|website=Windows Experience Blog|publisher=Microsoft|access-date=April 22, 2019|archive-date=May 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190516052449/https://blogs.windows.com/buildingapps/2016/03/30/run-bash-on-ubuntu-on-windows/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last1=Hanselman|first1=Scott|title=Developers can run Bash Shell and user-mode Ubuntu Linux binaries on Windows 10|url=http://www.hanselman.com/blog/DevelopersCanRunBashShellAndUsermodeUbuntuLinuxBinariesOnWindows10.aspx|website=Scott Hanselman's Blog|date=March 30, 2016|access-date=April 2, 2016|archive-date=April 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160402095025/http://www.hanselman.com/blog/DevelopersCanRunBashShellAndUsermodeUbuntuLinuxBinariesOnWindows10.aspx|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last1=Aiello|first1=Joey|title=Bash for Windows: Why it's awesome and what it means for PowerShell|url=https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/powershell/2016/04/01/bash-for-windows-why-its-awesome-and-what-it-means-for-powershell/|website=Windows PowerShell Blog|publisher=Microsoft|date=April 1, 2016|access-date=April 2, 2016|archive-date=April 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160402031105/https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/powershell/2016/04/01/bash-for-windows-why-its-awesome-and-what-it-means-for-powershell/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2017/5/11/15625320/ubuntu-suse-linux-fedora-windows-store-microsoft-build-2017|title=Ubuntu, SUSE Linux, and Fedora are all coming to the Windows Store|last=Gartenberg|first=Chaim|date=May 11, 2017|website=The Verge|publisher=Vox Media|access-date=April 22, 2019|archive-date=June 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170620163637/https://www.theverge.com/circuitbreaker/2017/5/11/15625320/ubuntu-suse-linux-fedora-windows-store-microsoft-build-2017|url-status=live}}

To reduce the storage footprint of the operating system, Windows 10 automatically compresses system files. The system can reduce the storage footprint of Windows by approximately 1.5{{nbsp}}GB for 32-bit systems and 2.6{{nbsp}}GB for 64-bit systems. The level of compression used is dependent on a performance assessment performed during installations or by OEMs, 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, allowing patches and updates to remain installed following the operation, and further reducing the amount of space required for Windows 10 by up to 12{{nbsp}}GB. These functions replace the WIMBoot 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 compressed WIM image typically used for installation and recovery.{{cite news |url=https://www.thurrott.com/windows/windows-10/2062/microsoft-explains-os-compression-in-windows-10 |title=Microsoft Explains OS Compression in Windows 10 |last1=Thurrot |first1=Paul |date=March 16, 2015 |newspaper=Thurrott.com |publisher=self-published |access-date=March 17, 2015 |archive-date=August 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170826210853/https://www.thurrott.com/windows/windows-10/2062/microsoft-explains-os-compression-in-windows-10 |url-status=live}}{{better source needed|date=September 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-promises-drastic-cuts-in-disk-space-use-for-windows-10/|title=Microsoft promises drastic cuts in disk space use for Windows 10|last1=Bott|first1=Ed|author-link=Ed Bott|date=March 16, 2015|website=ZDnet|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=March 17, 2015|archive-date=March 17, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150317003437/http://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-promises-drastic-cuts-in-disk-space-use-for-windows-10/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2015/03/16/how-windows-10-achieves-its-compact-footprint/|title=How Windows 10 achieves its compact footprint|date=March 16, 2015|website=Windows Experience Blog|publisher=Microsoft|access-date=April 22, 2019|archive-date=April 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421225709/https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2015/03/16/how-windows-10-achieves-its-compact-footprint/|url-status=live}} 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 an SD card by default.{{cite web|title=Leaked Windows 10 Build 9901 shows smarter Storage Sense|url=http://www.techrepublic.com/article/leaked-windows-10-build-9901-shows-smarter-storage-sense/|first=Tony|last=Bradley|website=TechRepublic|date=December 17, 2014|access-date=March 20, 2015|archive-date=April 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402171527/http://www.techrepublic.com/article/leaked-windows-10-build-9901-shows-smarter-storage-sense/|url-status=live}}

Windows 10 introduces Microsoft Edge [Legacy], a new default web browser. It featured a new standards-compliant rendering engine derived from Trident, and also includes annotation tools and integration with other Microsoft platforms present within Windows 10.{{cite web |title=Microsoft's Spartan browser: What's under the hood |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsofts-spartan-browser-whats-under-the-hood/ |first=Mary Jo |last=Foley |author-link=Mary Jo Foley |publisher=CBS Interactive |website=ZDNet |access-date=January 23, 2015 |archive-date=March 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306112840/http://www.zdnet.com/article/microsofts-spartan-browser-whats-under-the-hood/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Project Spartan and the Windows 10 January Preview Build |url=http://blogs.msdn.com/b/ie/archive/2015/01/22/project-spartan-and-the-windows-10-january-preview-build.aspx |website=IEBlog |publisher=Microsoft |access-date=January 23, 2015 |archive-date=January 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150122231219/http://blogs.msdn.com/b/ie/archive/2015/01/22/project-spartan-and-the-windows-10-january-preview-build.aspx |url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=The successor to Internet Explorer will be named Microsoft Edge|url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/4/29/8511169/microsoft-edge-official-name-internet-explorer-upgrade|first=Tom|last=Warren|website=The Verge|access-date=April 29, 2015|date=April 29, 2015|archive-date=April 29, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150429211200/http://www.theverge.com/2015/4/29/8511169/microsoft-edge-official-name-internet-explorer-upgrade|url-status=live}} Internet Explorer 11 is maintained on Windows 10 for compatibility purposes, but is deprecated in favor of Edge and, since mid-June 2022, is no longer supported on editions which follow Microsoft's Modern Lifecycle Policy.{{cite web |title=Microsoft relegates Internet Explorer to a 'legacy engine' to make way for new browser |url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/3/24/8284781/internet-explorer-is-slowly-dying |first=Tom |last=Warren |website=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |date=March 24, 2015 |access-date=March 25, 2015 |archive-date=March 25, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150325061911/http://www.theverge.com/2015/3/24/8284781/internet-explorer-is-slowly-dying |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Living on the Edge – our next step in helping the web just work |url=http://blogs.msdn.com/b/ie/archive/2014/11/11/living-on-the-edge-our-next-step-in-interoperability.aspx |website=IEBlog |publisher=Microsoft |access-date=January 23, 2015 |archive-date=January 11, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150111145128/http://blogs.msdn.com/b/ie/archive/2014/11/11/living-on-the-edge-our-next-step-in-interoperability.aspx |url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2022/06/15/internet-explorer-11-has-retired-and-is-officially-out-of-support-what-you-need-to-know|title=Internet Explorer 11 has retired and is officially out of support—what you need to know|date=June 15, 2022|access-date=August 26, 2022|archive-date=June 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615131949/https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2022/06/15/internet-explorer-11-has-retired-and-is-officially-out-of-support-what-you-need-to-know/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://docs.microsoft.com/lifecycle/announcements/internet-explorer-11-end-of-support-windows-10|title=Internet Explorer 11 desktop app support ended for certain versions of Windows 10|date=June 15, 2022|access-date=August 26, 2022|archive-date=August 6, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240806012406/https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/announcements/internet-explorer-11-end-of-support-windows-10|url-status=live}} The initial version of Edge (Edge Legacy) was later succeeded by a new iteration derived from the Chromium Project and Blink layout engine (sometimes referred to as "New Edge"),{{Cite web |last=Warren |first=Tom |date=November 4, 2019 |title=Microsoft's Edge Chromium browser will launch on January 15th with a new logo |url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/11/4/20942038/microsoft-edge-chromium-release-date-new-logo-features |access-date=January 9, 2020 |website=The Verge |archive-date=November 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191106185632/https://www.theverge.com/2019/11/4/20942038/microsoft-edge-chromium-release-date-new-logo-features |url-status=live}} which replaced the previous EdgeHTML-based version of Edge (Edge Legacy),{{cite web |title=What is Microsoft Edge Legacy? |url=https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-edge/what-is-microsoft-edge-legacy-3e779e55-4c55-08e6-ecc8-2333768c0fb0 |access-date=October 21, 2020 |website=Microsoft |archive-date=November 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106050457/https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-edge/what-is-microsoft-edge-legacy-3e779e55-4c55-08e6-ecc8-2333768c0fb0 |url-status=live}} and is bundled with the OS by default from build 20H2 onwards.{{Cite web |last=Warren |first=Tom |date=June 16, 2020 |title=Microsoft's next major Windows 10 update will include the new Edge browser |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/6/16/21293153/microsoft-windows-10-update-20h2-microsoft-edge-features |access-date=October 22, 2022 |website=The Verge |archive-date=October 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221022184318/https://www.theverge.com/2020/6/16/21293153/microsoft-windows-10-update-20h2-microsoft-edge-features |url-status=live}}

Windows 10 incorporates a universal search box located alongside the Start and Task View buttons, which can be hidden or condensed into a single button.{{Cite web|title=Review: Windows 10 May 2020 Update delivers little tweaks that add up to... well, not a lot|url=https://www.computerworld.com/article/3541312/review-windows-10-may-2020-update-delivers-little-tweaks-that-add-up-to-well-not-a-lot.html|last=Gralla|first=Preston|date=May 12, 2020|website=Computerworld|access-date=May 17, 2020|archive-date=May 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200517230207/https://www.computerworld.com/article/3541312/review-windows-10-may-2020-update-delivers-little-tweaks-that-add-up-to-well-not-a-lot.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Microsoft starts pushing coronavirus info in Windows Search|url=https://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/article/678864/microsoft-starts-pushing-coronavirus-info-windows-search/|website=PC World|access-date=May 17, 2020|archive-date=May 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200505224445/https://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/article/678864/microsoft-starts-pushing-coronavirus-info-windows-search/|url-status=live}} Previous versions featured Microsoft's intelligent 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 with Bing, setting reminders, a Notebook feature for managing personal information, as well as searching for files, playing music, launching applications and setting reminders or sending emails.{{cite web|title=Windows 10: Can Cortana persuade us to talk to our tech?|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-10-can-cortana-persuade-us-to-talk-to-our-tech/|last1=Kingsley-Hughes|first1=Adrian|date=January 21, 2015|website=ZDNet|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=March 17, 2015|archive-date=March 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150322054718/http://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-10-can-cortana-persuade-us-to-talk-to-our-tech/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Windows 10 brings Cortana to the desktop|url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2015/01/windows-10-brings-cortana-to-the-desktop/|last1=Gallagher|first1=Sean|date=January 22, 2015|website=Ars Technica|publisher=Condé Nast|access-date=March 17, 2015|archive-date=December 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171202151936/https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2015/01/windows-10-brings-cortana-to-the-desktop/|url-status=live}} 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.{{Cite web|date=May 21, 2019|title=Windows 10 May 2019 Update review: Sandbox and a better Windows Update improve your PC|url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/3363697/windows-10-may-2019-update-review.html|access-date=May 22, 2019|website=PCWorld|archive-date=May 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190503175005/https://www.pcworld.com/article/3363697/windows-10-may-2019-update-review.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Warren|first=Tom|date=May 22, 2019|title=Windows 10 May 2019 Update: the 10 best new features|url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/5/22/18635282/microsoft-windows-10-may-2019-update-features-review|access-date=May 22, 2019|website=The Verge|archive-date=May 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190522134947/https://www.theverge.com/2019/5/22/18635282/microsoft-windows-10-may-2019-update-features-review|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Microsoft drops Cortana consumer skills in new Windows 10 update|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/2/28/21157816/microsoft-cortana-windows-10-productivity-skills-assistant-update|last=Gartenberg|first=Chaim|date=February 28, 2020|website=The Verge|access-date=May 17, 2020|archive-date=April 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406233807/https://www.theverge.com/2020/2/28/21157816/microsoft-cortana-windows-10-productivity-skills-assistant-update|url-status=live}}

Microsoft Family Safety is replaced by Microsoft Family, a parental 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{{nsmdns}}which allows these settings to apply across all Windows 10 devices that a particular child is using.{{cite news|title=Inside Microsoft Family and Windows 10 Parental Controls|url=https://www.thurrott.com/windows/windows-10/5187/inside-microsoft-family-and-windows-10-parental-controls|website=Thurrott.com|date=August 11, 2015|access-date=September 12, 2015|last1=Thurrott|first1=Paul|archive-date=September 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925153702/https://www.thurrott.com/windows/windows-10/5187/inside-microsoft-family-and-windows-10-parental-controls|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=People are freaking out over a feature in Windows 10's family accounts|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/there-are-privacy-concerns-over-windows-10s-family-activity-report-2015-8|first=Max|last=Slater-Robins|date=August 27, 2015|access-date=September 12, 2015|work=Business Insider|archive-date=August 31, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150831011934/http://uk.businessinsider.com/there-are-privacy-concerns-over-windows-10s-family-activity-report-2015-8|url-status=live}}

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 via Skype, People, or Facebook) 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 on 802.1X-encrypted networks. Adding "_optout" at the end of the SSID will also block the corresponding network from being used for this feature.{{cite web|url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/2943752/wifi-passwordsharing-feature-in-windows-10-raises-security-concerns.html|title=Windows 10's Wi-Fi Sense password sharing sparks security concerns|last=Frank|first=Blair Hanley|date=July 2, 2015|website=PC World|publisher=IDG|access-date=April 22, 2019|archive-date=April 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421235112/https://www.pcworld.com/article/2943752/wifi-passwordsharing-feature-in-windows-10-raises-security-concerns.html|url-status=live}}

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.{{cite web|url=http://www.techradar.com/us/news/software/operating-systems/the-next-major-windows-10-update-is-scheduled-for-november-1303427|title=The next major Windows 10 update is scheduled for November|last=Martinez|first=Juan|website=TechRadar|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160811052541/http://www.techradar.com/us/news/software/operating-systems/the-next-major-windows-10-update-is-scheduled-for-november-1303427|archive-date=August 11, 2016|url-status=dead|access-date=April 22, 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/1/22/7871919/skype-for-windows-10-features|title=Microsoft is turning Skype into its own version of iMessage in Windows 10|last=Warren|first=Tom|date=January 22, 2015|website=The Verge|publisher=Vox Media|access-date=April 22, 2019|archive-date=April 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180428050828/https://www.theverge.com/2015/1/22/7871919/skype-for-windows-10-features|url-status=live}}

{{See also|List of Xbox Live games on Windows 10}}

Windows 10 provides greater integration with the Xbox ecosystem. Xbox SmartGlass is succeeded by the Xbox 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 a keyboard shortcut, allowing users to save the last 30 seconds of gameplay as a video that can be shared to Xbox Live, OneDrive, or elsewhere.{{cite web |title=Xbox on Windows 10: social features, game DVR and more |url=https://www.engadget.com/2015/01/21/microsoft-windows-10-xbox/ |website=Engadget |date=January 21, 2015 |publisher=AOL |access-date=January 21, 2015 |archive-date=October 31, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191031050340/https://www.engadget.com/2015/01/21/microsoft-windows-10-xbox/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Xbox app coming to Windows 10, Microsoft confirms |url=http://www.polygon.com/2015/1/21/7867479/xbox-app-windows-10-microsoft-phil-spencer |website=Polygon |date=January 21, 2015 |publisher=Vox Media |access-date=January 21, 2015 |archive-date=March 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210320130003/https://www.polygon.com/2015/1/21/7867479/xbox-app-windows-10-microsoft-phil-spencer |url-status=live}} Windows 10 also allows users to control and play games from an Xbox One console over a local network.{{cite web |title=Windows 10 will let you stream Xbox One games to any Windows 10 PC or tablet |url=http://www.polygon.com/2015/1/21/7867545/windows-10-stream-xbox-one-games |website=Polygon |date=January 21, 2015 |publisher=Vox Media |access-date=January 21, 2015 |archive-date=March 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210320130031/https://www.polygon.com/2015/1/21/7867545/windows-10-stream-xbox-one-games |url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web |title=Phil Spencer Announces Developer Tools to Bring Games to Billions |url=http://news.xbox.com/2015/02/13/xbox-gdc-2015/ |website=Xbox Blog |date=February 13, 2015 |publisher=Microsoft |access-date=March 18, 2015 |archive-date=July 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701134221/http://news.xbox.com/2015/02/13/xbox-gdc-2015/ |url-status=live}} Microsoft also intends to allow cross-purchases and save synchronization between Xbox One and Windows 10 versions of games; Microsoft Studios games such as ReCore and Quantum Break are intended as being exclusive to Windows 10 and Xbox One.{{cite web|title=Xbox One and PC Cross-Buy Will Be "Platform Feature," Says Phil Specner|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-one-and-pc-cross-buy-will-be-platform-feature/1100-6434739/?ftag=GSS-05-10aaa0a|website=GameSpot|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=February 14, 2016|archive-date=February 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224181743/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-one-and-pc-cross-buy-will-be-platform-feature/1100-6434739/?ftag=GSS-05-10aaa0a|url-status=live}}

Candy Crush Saga and Microsoft Solitaire Collection are also automatically installed upon installation of Windows 10.{{cite web |url=http://news.xbox.com/2015/05/14/games-candy-crush-saga-is-coming-to-windows-10/ |title=Candy Crush Saga is Coming to Windows 10 |work=Xbox Wire |publisher=Microsoft |date=May 14, 2014 |access-date=May 15, 2014 |archive-date=November 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171101200646/https://news.xbox.com/2015/05/14/games-candy-crush-saga-is-coming-to-windows-10/ |url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2015-07/30/windows-10-paid-ad-removal-solitaire|title=Windows 10 makes you pay to remove ads from Solitaire|magazine=Wired|date=July 30, 2015|publisher=Condé Nast|access-date=November 5, 2015|last1=Kamen|first1=Matt|archive-date=May 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160508145051/http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2015-07/30/windows-10-paid-ad-removal-solitaire|url-status=live}}

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.{{cite web|url=https://support.xbox.com/en-CA/xbox-on-windows/social/record-game-clips-game-dvr-windows-10|title=Recording Game Clips {{!}} Game DVR {{!}} Windows 10 Games|website=support.xbox.com|access-date=April 2, 2016|archive-date=December 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201044219/https://support.xbox.com/en-CA/xbox-on-windows/social/record-game-clips-game-dvr-windows-10|url-status=dead}}

Windows 10 adds FLAC and HEVC codecs and support for the Matroska media container, allowing these formats to be opened in Windows Media Player and other applications.{{cite web |title=New build available to the Windows Insider Program |first=Gabe |last=Aul |publisher=Microsoft |url=http://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2014/11/12/new-build-available-to-the-windows-insider-program/ |date=November 12, 2014 |access-date=November 15, 2014 |archive-date=October 4, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171004214702/https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2014/11/12/new-build-available-to-the-windows-insider-program/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/2852595/audio-snobs-rejoice-windows-10-will-have-system-wide-flac-support.html|title=Audio snobs rejoice: Windows 10 will have system-wide FLAC support|last=Newman|first=Jared|date=November 26, 2014|website=PC World|publisher=IDG|access-date=April 22, 2019|archive-date=April 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421233601/https://www.pcworld.com/article/2852595/audio-snobs-rejoice-windows-10-will-have-system-wide-flac-support.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2014/11/27/windows-10-native-flac-mkv-support/|title=Windows 10 will play your .MKV and .FLAC files all on its own|last=Cooper|first=Daniel|date=April 22, 2019|website=Engadget|access-date=April 22, 2019|archive-date=January 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103002443/https://www.engadget.com/2014/11/27/windows-10-native-flac-mkv-support/|url-status=live}} Windows Media Center is no longer bundled.{{cite web |title=Windows 10 ohne Windows Media Center: Microsoft zieht den Schlussstrich [Update] |url=https://www.pcgameshardware.de/Windows-10-Software-259581/News/ohne-Windows-Media-Center-1158009/ |website=PC Games Hardware |access-date=April 11, 2022 |language=de |date=May 5, 2015 |archive-date=April 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220411005457/https://www.pcgameshardware.de/Windows-10-Software-259581/News/ohne-Windows-Media-Center-1158009/ |url-status=live}}

Windows 10 includes DirectX 12, alongside WDDM 2.0.{{cite web|url=http://anandtech.com/show/8962/the-directx-12-performance-preview-amd-nvidia-star-swarm|title=The DirectX 12 Performance Preview: AMD, NVIDIA, & Star Swarm|last=Smith|first=Ryan|date=February 6, 2015|website=Anandtech|publisher=Purch Inc.|access-date=April 22, 2019|archive-date=February 8, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150208024115/http://www.anandtech.com/show/8962/the-directx-12-performance-preview-amd-nvidia-star-swarm|url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Langley |first1=Bryan |title=DirectX 12 and Windows 10 |url=http://blogs.msdn.com/b/directx/archive/2014/10/01/directx-12-and-windows-10.aspx |website=DirectX Developer Blog |access-date=October 3, 2014 |archive-date=October 4, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141004051236/http://blogs.msdn.com/b/directx/archive/2014/10/01/directx-12-and-windows-10.aspx |url-status=dead}} Unveiled March 2014 at GDC, DirectX 12 aims to provide "console-level efficiency" with "closer to the metal" access to hardware resources, and reduced CPU and graphics driver overhead.{{cite web |title=Windows 10 will woo gamers with supercharged DirectX 12 graphics API |url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/2690788/windows-10-will-woo-gamers-with-supercharged-directx-12-graphics-api.html |website=PCWorld |date=October 3, 2014 |access-date=October 3, 2014 |archive-date=October 6, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006031000/http://www.pcworld.com/article/2690788/windows-10-will-woo-gamers-with-supercharged-directx-12-graphics-api.html |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Microsoft details DirectX 12 for better Xbox One, PC performance |url=http://www.techradar.com/news/gaming/microsoft-previews-directx-12-for-better-pc-and-xbox-one-performance-1235804 |website=Techradar |date=March 21, 2014 |access-date=October 3, 2014 |archive-date=October 6, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006103703/http://www.techradar.com/news/gaming/microsoft-previews-directx-12-for-better-pc-and-xbox-one-performance-1235804 |url-status=live}} Most of the performance improvements are achieved through low-level programming, which allow developers to use resources more efficiently and reduce single-threaded CPU bottlenecking caused by abstraction through higher level APIs.{{cite web |url=http://anandtech.com/show/7889/microsoft-announces-directx-12-low-level-graphics-programming-comes-to-directx/2 |title=Microsoft Announces DirectX 12: Low Level Graphics Programming Comes To DirectX |last1=Smith |first1=Ryan |date=March 24, 2014 |website=AnandTech |publisher=Purch Inc. |access-date=March 17, 2015 |archive-date=April 4, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150404230124/http://www.anandtech.com/show/7889/microsoft-announces-directx-12-low-level-graphics-programming-comes-to-directx/2 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://www.anandtech.com/show/9038/next-generation-opengl-becomes-vulkan-additional-details-released |title=Next Generation OpenGL Becomes Vulkan: Additional Details Released |last1=Smith |first1=Ryan |date=March 3, 2015 |website=Anandtech |publisher=Purch |access-date=June 20, 2015 |archive-date=June 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150624172154/http://www.anandtech.com/show/9038/next-generation-opengl-becomes-vulkan-additional-details-released |url-status=live}} DirectX 12 will also feature support for vendor agnostic multi-GPU setups.{{cite web |url=http://www.pcper.com/reviews/Graphics-Cards/BUILD-2015-Final-DirectX-12-Reveal |title=BUILD 2015: The Final DirectX 12 Reveal |last1=Michaud |first1=Scott |date=May 4, 2015 |website=PC Perspective|access-date=August 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905111424/http://www.pcper.com/reviews/Graphics-Cards/BUILD-2015-Final-DirectX-12-Reveal |archive-date=September 5, 2015 |url-status=live}} WDDM 2.0 introduces a new virtual memory management and allocation system to reduce workload on the kernel-mode driver.{{cite web |url=https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/hardware/dn932171(v=vs.85).aspx |title=What's new for Windows 10 Insider Preview display drivers (WDDM 2.0) |website=MSDN |publisher=Microsoft |access-date=June 20, 2015 |archive-date=July 1, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701133800/https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/hardware/dn932171(v=vs.85).aspx |url-status=live}}

{{Main|List of typefaces included with Microsoft Windows}}

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|date=February 2024}}

{{Main|Windows 10 editions}}

Windows 10 is available in five 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 at power 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 as BitLocker, Device Guard, Windows Update for Business, and the ability to join a domain. Enterprise and Education, contain additional features aimed towards business environments, and are only available through volume licensing.

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's Windows Phone operating system for smartphones, and also tablets, was branded as Windows 10 Mobile.{{cite web|title=Our first look at Windows 10 on phones, and Universal Apps for touchscreens|url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2015/01/our-first-look-at-windows-10-on-phones-and-universal-apps-for-touchscreens/|website=Ars Technica|date=January 21, 2015|publisher=Condé Nast|access-date=January 23, 2015|archive-date=January 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150124023151/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2015/01/our-first-look-at-windows-10-on-phones-and-universal-apps-for-touchscreens/|url-status=live}} Editions of Enterprise and Mobile will also be produced for embedded systems, along with Windows 10 IoT Core, which is designed specifically for use in small footprint, low-cost devices and Internet of Things (IoT) scenarios and is similar in scope to Windows Embedded Compact.{{cite web|title=Microsoft reveals all the editions of Windows 10|url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/5/13/8599841/windows-10-home-mobile-pro-editions|website=The Verge|date=May 13, 2015|access-date=May 13, 2015|archive-date=May 14, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150514151709/https://www.theverge.com/2015/5/13/8599841/windows-10-home-mobile-pro-editions|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Introducing Windows 10 Editions|date=May 13, 2015|url=http://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2015/05/13/introducing-windows-10-editions/|publisher=Microsoft|access-date=May 13, 2015|archive-date=November 21, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151121221310/http://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2015/05/13/introducing-windows-10-editions/|url-status=live}}

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, with ChromeOS netbooks), such as the Surface 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.{{Cite news|url=http://www.techradar.com/news/microsoft-starts-selling-a-surface-laptop-with-windows-10-pro-pre-installed|title=Microsoft starts selling a Surface Laptop with Windows 10 Pro pre-installed|work=TechRadar|access-date=February 3, 2018|archive-date=February 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180204182241/http://www.techradar.com/news/microsoft-starts-selling-a-surface-laptop-with-windows-10-pro-pre-installed|url-status=live}} Windows 10 S also contains a faster initial setup and login process, and allows devices to be provisioned using a USB drive with the Windows Intune for Education platform.{{cite web|title=Meet Windows 10 S, a streamlined, simplified, Windows Store-only OS for schools|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/3193700/windows/meet-windows-10-s-a-streamlined-simplified-windows-store-only-os-for-schools.html|website=PC World|date=May 2, 2017|access-date=May 2, 2017|archive-date=May 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170502193923/http://www.pcworld.com/article/3193700/windows/meet-windows-10-s-a-streamlined-simplified-windows-store-only-os-for-schools.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Windows 10 S is Microsoft's answer to Chrome OS|url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/5/2/15506378/microsoft-windows-10-s-os-operating-system-announced-features|website=The Verge|date=May 2, 2017|access-date=May 2, 2017|archive-date=May 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170505102035/https://www.theverge.com/2017/5/2/15506378/microsoft-windows-10-s-os-operating-system-announced-features|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2016/09/desktop-apps-make-their-way-into-the-windows-store/|title=Desktop apps make their way into the Windows Store|last=Bright|first=Peter|date=September 14, 2016|website=Ars Technica|publisher=Condé Nast|access-date=June 15, 2017|archive-date=September 14, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914180943/https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2016/09/desktop-apps-make-their-way-into-the-windows-store/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Windows 10 Cloud looks just like Windows 10 in leaked screenshots|url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/2/3/14502748/windows-10-cloud-leaked-screenshots|website=The Verge|date=February 3, 2017|publisher=Vox Media|access-date=March 11, 2017|archive-date=February 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170203223637/https://www.theverge.com/2017/2/3/14502748/windows-10-cloud-leaked-screenshots|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Leaked Microsoft document confirms Windows 10 Cloud and a Chromebook competitor|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/3191195/computers/leaked-microsoft-document-confirms-windows-10-cloud-and-a-chromebook-competitor.html|newspaper=Pcworld|date=April 21, 2017|publisher=IDG|access-date=April 23, 2017|archive-date=April 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170421234111/http://www.pcworld.com/article/3191195/computers/leaked-microsoft-document-confirms-windows-10-cloud-and-a-chromebook-competitor.html|url-status=live}} 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.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/3/8/17095424/microsoft-windows-10-s-mode-free-upgrades|title=Microsoft admits Windows 10 S was confusing, new 'S Mode' upgrades will be free|last=Warren|first=Tom|date=March 8, 2018|work=The Verge|access-date=April 22, 2019|archive-date=July 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190714173734/https://www.theverge.com/2018/3/8/17095424/microsoft-windows-10-s-mode-free-upgrades|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-10-to-permit-block-on-apps-installing-if-theyre-not-from-microsoft-store/|title=Windows 10 to permit block on apps installing if they're not from Microsoft Store|last=Tung|first=Liam|work=ZDNet|access-date=March 8, 2018|archive-date=March 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180313133804/http://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-10-to-permit-block-on-apps-installing-if-theyre-not-from-microsoft-store/|url-status=live}}

{{Infobox

| title = Support status summary

| headerstyle = background-color:#e8ece4

| header1 = Expiration date

| label2 = Servicing/normal support

| data2 = {{End date|2025|10|14}}{{cite web|title=Lifecycle FAQ - Windows|url=https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/faq/windows|website=Microsoft Learn|access-date=January 8, 2024|archive-date=January 8, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108162742/https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/faq/windows|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Windows 10 Lifecycle|url=https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/products/?terms=Windows%2010|website=Microsoft Learn|publisher=Microsoft|access-date=January 8, 2024|archive-date=January 8, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108162742/https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/products/?terms=Windows%2010|url-status=live}}

| label3 = Paid{{cite web |title=Lifecycle FAQ - Extended Security Updates |url=https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/faq/extended-security-updates#pricing |website=Microsoft Learn |publisher=Microsoft Corporation |access-date=20 October 2024}} Extended Security Updates (ESU) support

| data3 = For consumers:
{{End date|2026|10|13}}
For businesses and schools:
{{End date|2028|10|10}}

| header4 = Applicable Windows 10 editions
Excluding LTSB/LTSC editions:

| data5 = Home, Pro, Pro for Workstations, Education, Pro Education, Enterprise, IoT Enterprise, Team.

| header6 = Exceptions

| label7 = Windows 10 Mobile, Mobile Enterprise, and IoT Mobile

| data7 = Unsupported as of January 14, 2020{{cite web |url=https://www.neowin.net/news/windows-10-mobile-is-dead--again |title=Windows 10 Mobile is dead...again |last=Woods |first=Rich |date=January 14, 2020 |publisher=Neowin |access-date=August 21, 2020 |archive-date=January 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114214518/https://www.neowin.net/news/windows-10-mobile-is-dead--again |url-status=live}}

| label8 = Windows 10 IoT Core (non-LTSC)

| data8 = Unsupported as of November 10, 2020

| label9 = Windows 10 Enterprise and IoT Enterprise 2015 LTSB

| data9 = Mainstream support ended on October 13, 2020
Extended support until October 14, 2025

| label10 = Windows 10 Enterprise and IoT Enterprise 2016 LTSB

| data10 = Mainstream support ended on October 12, 2021
Extended support until October 13, 2026

| label11 = Windows 10 Enterprise, IoT Enterprise, and IoT Core 2019 LTSC

| data11 = Mainstream support ended January 9, 2024
Extended support until January 9, 2029

| label12 = Windows 10 Enterprise 2021 LTSC

| data12 = Supported until January 12, 2027

| label13 = Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2021 LTSC

| data13 = Mainstream support until January 12, 2027
Extended support until January 13, 2032

}}

Windows 10 was originally released following Microsoft's fixed lifecycle policy, receiving mainstream 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.{{cite web|title=Windows 10 Client and Windows Server Semi-Annual Channel Lifecycle Policy update|url=https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/announcements/windows-10-modern-policy|website=Microsoft Learn|date=August 2022|access-date=January 8, 2024|archive-date=January 8, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108162743/https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/announcements/windows-10-modern-policy|url-status=live}}

Microsoft will continue to support at least one standard Windows 10 release until October 14, 2025. 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.{{cite web |last1=Leznek |first1=Jason |title=Windows client roadmap update |url=https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/windows-it-pro-blog/windows-client-roadmap-update/ba-p/3805227 |website=Microsoft |date=April 27, 2023 |access-date=May 1, 2023 |archive-date=September 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230903135714/https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/windows-it-pro-blog/windows-client-roadmap-update-april-2023/ba-p/3805227 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Bowden |first1=Zack |title=Windows 10 is finished — Microsoft confirms 'version 22H2' is the last |url=https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/windows-10/windows-10-is-finished-microsoft-confirms-version-22h2-is-the-last |access-date=May 1, 2023 |work=Windows Central |date=April 27, 2023 |archive-date=September 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230903135717/https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/windows-10/windows-10-is-finished-microsoft-confirms-version-22h2-is-the-last |url-status=live}}

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 the OEM's "support period"‍{{nsmdns}}a new aspect not accounted for in lifecycle policies for previous versions.{{cite web|title=All editions of Windows 10 get 10 years of updates, support|url=http://www.computerworld.com/article/2949230/microsoft-windows/all-editions-of-windows-10-get-10-years-of-updates|work=Computerworld|date=July 17, 2015|publisher=IDG|access-date=July 18, 2015|archive-date=July 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150722005259/http://www.computerworld.com/article/2949230/microsoft-windows/all-editions-of-windows-10-get-10-years-of-updates|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=Microsoft swings security patch stick to keep customers up-to-date on Windows 10|url=http://www.computerworld.com/article/2935363/microsoft-windows/microsoft-swings-security-patch-stick-to-keep-customers-up-to-date-on-windows-10.html|website=Computerworld|date=June 13, 2015|publisher=IDG|access-date=July 18, 2015|archive-date=June 15, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615004241/http://www.computerworld.com/article/2935363/microsoft-windows/microsoft-swings-security-patch-stick-to-keep-customers-up-to-date-on-windows-10.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=Microsoft to provide free upgrades to Windows 10 for 2 to 4 years|url=http://www.computerworld.com/article/2945796/microsoft-windows/microsoft-to-provide-free-upgrades-to-windows-10-for-2-to-4-years.html|website=Computerworld|date=July 8, 2015|publisher=IDG|access-date=July 15, 2015|archive-date=November 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161129231620/http://www.computerworld.com/article/2945796/microsoft-windows/microsoft-to-provide-free-upgrades-to-windows-10-for-2-to-4-years.html|url-status=dead}} This policy was first invoked in 2017 to block Intel Clover Trail devices from receiving the Creators 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.

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 individual consumers as well, albeit only for a single year.{{cite news |title=Microsoft ending support for Windows 10 could send 240 mln PCs to landfills - report |url=https://www.reuters.com/technology/microsoft-ending-support-windows-10-could-send-240-mln-pcs-landfills-report-2023-12-21 |work=Reuters |date=December 21, 2023 |access-date=December 25, 2023 |archive-date=May 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508130426/https://www.reuters.com/technology/microsoft-ending-support-windows-10-could-send-240-mln-pcs-landfills-report-2023-12-21/ |url-status=live}}

Regarding pricing, Windows 365 and Azure Virtual Desktop customers with Windows 10 virtual machines will get ESU for free, 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 as Microsoft 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.{{cite web | url=https://www.theregister.com/2024/04/03/windows_10_extended_support/ | title=Want to keep Windows 10 secure? This is how much Microsoft will charge you | publisher=Situation Publishing | access-date=April 19, 2024 | website=The Register | first=Richard | last=Sped | date=April 3, 2024 | archive-date=August 6, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240806012349/https://www.theregister.com/2024/04/03/windows_10_extended_support/ | url-status=live}}{{cite web | url=https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/3/24120093/microsoft-windows-10-extended-security-updates-price | title=Microsoft reveals how much businesses will have to pay to keep using Windows 10 securely | publisher=Vox Media | access-date=April 19, 2024 | website=The Verge | first=Tom | last=Warren | date=April 3, 2024 | archive-date=August 6, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240806012349/https://www.theverge.com/2024/4/3/24120093/microsoft-windows-10-extended-security-updates-price | url-status=live}} Consumer pricing is $30 per device, for one year only, with enrollment starting in 2025.

The following table collects current status of the aforementioned updating and support of different branches of Windows 10:{{cite web |url=http://blogs.windows.com/business/2015/01/30/windows-10-for-enterprise-more-secure-and-up-to-date/ |title=Windows 10 for Enterprise: More secure and up to date |date=January 30, 2015 |work=Windows Experience Blog |publisher=Microsoft |access-date=February 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170708085808/https://blogs.windows.com/business/2015/01/30/windows-10-for-enterprise-more-secure-and-up-to-date/ |archive-date=July 8, 2017 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/piecing-together-the-windows-as-a-service-puzzle-for-windows-10/ |title=Piecing together the Windows as a Service puzzle for Windows 10 |last1=Foly |first1=Mary Jo |date=May 14, 2015 |website=ZDNet |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=June 1, 2015 |archive-date=June 1, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150601015358/http://www.zdnet.com/article/piecing-together-the-windows-as-a-service-puzzle-for-windows-10/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://windowsitpro.com/windows-10/keeping-windows-10-date-enterprises-cbb-will-have-8-months-update |title=Keeping Windows 10 Up-to-Date for Enterprises, CBB Will Have 8 Months to Update |last1=Trent |first1=Rod |date=June 12, 2015 |website=Windows IT Pro |publisher=Penton |access-date=July 1, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701164004/http://windowsitpro.com/windows-10/keeping-windows-10-date-enterprises-cbb-will-have-8-months-update |archive-date=July 1, 2015 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/windows-it-pro-blog/the-next-windows-10-long-term-servicing-channel-ltsc-release/ba-p/2147232|title=The next Windows 10 Long Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) release|date=February 18, 2021|publisher=Microsoft|access-date=July 2, 2021|archive-date=July 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709205103/https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/windows-it-pro-blog/the-next-windows-10-long-term-servicing-channel-ltsc-release/ba-p/2147232|url-status=live}}

{{clear}}

{{reflist|group=nb}}

{{Main|Windows 10 version history}}

Unlike previous versions of Windows, Windows Update does not allow the selective installation of updates, and all updates (including patches, feature updates, and driver software) are downloaded and installed automatically. Users can only choose whether their system will reboot automatically to install updates when the system is inactive, or be notified to schedule a reboot.{{cite web|title=Windows 10 lets you schedule Windows Update restarts|url=http://www.cnet.com/how-to/windows-10-lets-you-schedule-windows-update-restarts/|website=CNET|access-date=August 4, 2015|archive-date=February 19, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150219130153/http://www.cnet.com/how-to/windows-10-lets-you-schedule-windows-update-restarts/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Did Microsoft Just Backtrack on Forced Updates For Windows 10?|url=http://www.crn.com/news/applications-os/300077576/did-microsoft-just-backtrack-on-forced-updates-for-windows-10.htm|website=CRN.com|date=July 27, 2015|access-date=August 4, 2015|archive-date=July 28, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150728071222/http://www.crn.com/news/applications-os/300077576/did-microsoft-just-backtrack-on-forced-updates-for-windows-10.htm|url-status=live}} If a wireless network is designated as "Metered"—a function which automatically reduces the operating system's background network activity to conserve limits 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.{{cite web|url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/3181991/windows-10s-creators-update-may-nerf-a-workaround-to-mandatory-updates.html|title=Windows 10's Creators Update tweaks a workaround for mandatory updates|last=Paul|first=Ian|date=March 17, 2017|website=PC World|access-date=April 22, 2019|archive-date=April 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190418224139/https://www.pcworld.com/article/3181991/windows-10s-creators-update-may-nerf-a-workaround-to-mandatory-updates.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/2953132/windows/set-windows-10s-wi-fi-connections-as-metered-to-download-forced-updates-at-your-own-pace.html |title=Set Windows 10's Wi-Fi connections as metered to download forced updates at your own pace |website=PC World |publisher=IDG |date=July 28, 2016 |first=Ian |last=Paul |access-date=April 4, 2016 |archive-date=January 8, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170108005917/http://www.pcworld.com/article/2953132/windows/set-windows-10s-wi-fi-connections-as-metered-to-download-forced-updates-at-your-own-pace.html |url-status=live}}

In version 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 on Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View optional update.{{Cite web|date=August 12, 2020|title=Improving the update discoverability experience|url=https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/windows-it-pro-blog/improving-the-update-discoverability-experience/ba-p/1585674|access-date=August 12, 2020|website=Microsoft Tech Community|archive-date=September 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200909225949/https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/windows-it-pro-blog/improving-the-update-discoverability-experience/ba-p/1585674|url-status=live}}

Updates can cause compatibility or other problems; a Microsoft troubleshooter program allows bad updates to be uninstalled.{{cite web |url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/2975289/windows/how-to-cure-windows-10s-worst-headaches.html |title=How to cure Windows 10's worst headaches |website=PC World |publisher=IDG |date=August 26, 2015 |first=Ian |last=Paul |access-date=April 4, 2016 |archive-date=February 2, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202180516/http://www.pcworld.com/article/2975289/windows/how-to-cure-windows-10s-worst-headaches.html |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3073930 |title=How to temporarily prevent a Windows or driver update from reinstalling in Windows 10 |work=Support |publisher=Microsoft |date=July 28, 2015 |access-date=April 4, 2016 |archive-date=July 12, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150712014538/https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3073930 |url-status=live}}

Under the Windows end-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.{{cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2015/07/windows-10-updates-to-be-automatic-and-mandatory-for-home-users/|title=Windows 10 updates to be automatic and mandatory for Home users|date=July 17, 2015|website=Ars Technica|access-date=July 17, 2015|archive-date=July 17, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150717042620/https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2015/07/windows-10-updates-to-be-automatic-and-mandatory-for-home-users/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.computerworld.com/article/2950154/microsoft-windows/microsoft-cloaks-the-details-of-windows-10-updates.html|title=Microsoft cloaks the details of Windows 10 updates|date=July 20, 2015|website=Computerworld|publisher=IDG|access-date=September 3, 2015|archive-date=July 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150722025507/http://www.computerworld.com/article/2950154/microsoft-windows/microsoft-cloaks-the-details-of-windows-10-updates.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.computerworld.com/article/2983753/microsoft-windows/windows-10-users-beg-microsoft-for-more-info-on-updates.html|title=Windows 10 users beg Microsoft for more info on updates|date=September 14, 2015|website=Computerworld|publisher=IDG|access-date=September 30, 2015|archive-date=September 14, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150914235823/http://www.computerworld.com/article/2983753/microsoft-windows/windows-10-users-beg-microsoft-for-more-info-on-updates.html|url-status=dead}} The agreement also states, specifically for users of Windows{{nbsp}}10 in Canada, that they may pause updates by disconnecting their device from the Internet.{{Cite web|url=https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/Useterms/Retail/Windows/10/UseTerms_Retail_Windows_10_English.htm|title=Microsoft License Terms|website=www.microsoft.com|at=Section 13b|access-date=March 30, 2020|archive-date=August 1, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150801002634/https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/Useterms/Retail/Windows/10/UseTerms_Retail_Windows_10_English.htm|url-status=live}}

Windows Update can also use a peer-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 their local area network.{{cite web|title=How to stop Windows 10 from using your PC's bandwidth to update strangers' systems|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/2955491/windows/how-to-stop-windows-10-from-using-your-pcs-bandwidth-to-update-strangers-systems.html|website=PC World|date=August 3, 2015|publisher=IDG|access-date=August 4, 2015|archive-date=August 5, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150805145115/http://www.pcworld.com/article/2955491/windows/how-to-stop-windows-10-from-using-your-pcs-bandwidth-to-update-strangers-systems.html|url-status=live}}

{{See also|Windows Insider}}

A public beta program for Windows{{nbsp}}10 known as the Windows 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. Users of the Windows Insider program receive occasional updates to newer preview builds of the operating system and continue to be able to evaluate preview releases after general availability (GA) in July 2015{{nsmdns}}this is in contrast to previous Windows beta programs, where public preview builds were released less frequently and only during the months preceding GA.{{cite web |title=Windows 10: Microsoft hits a turbo button to get back to business |url=https://www.theverge.com/2014/10/1/6880953/windows-10-microsoft-hits-a-turbo-button-to-get-back-to-business |website=The Verge |date=October 2014 |access-date=October 1, 2014 |archive-date=October 2, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141002021626/http://www.theverge.com/2014/10/1/6880953/windows-10-microsoft-hits-a-turbo-button-to-get-back-to-business |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Warren |first=Tom |title=Windows 10 Technical Preview now available to download |url=https://www.theverge.com/2014/10/1/6877195/windows-10-technical-preview-download |website=The Verge |date=October 1, 2014 |access-date=October 1, 2014 |archive-date=October 2, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141002021818/http://www.theverge.com/2014/10/1/6877195/windows-10-technical-preview-download |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Microsoft launches Windows Insider Program to get Windows betas |url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2014/09/microsoft-launches-windows-insider-program-to-get-windows-betas/ |website=Ars Technica |date=September 30, 2014 |access-date=October 1, 2014 |archive-date=July 8, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170708101633/https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2014/09/microsoft-launches-windows-insider-program-to-get-windows-betas/ |url-status=live}} Windows Insider builds continue to be released, post release to manufacturing (RTM) of Windows{{nbsp}}10.

{{Windows 10 versions}}

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.{{cite web |title=What Windows as a Service and a "free upgrade" mean at home and at work |url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2015/07/what-windows-as-a-service-and-a-free-upgrade-mean-at-home-and-at-work/ |website=Ars Technica |access-date=February 1, 2015 |archive-date=July 29, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150729061520/https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2015/07/what-windows-as-a-service-and-a-free-upgrade-mean-at-home-and-at-work/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Windows 10 free for all Windows 8.1 and Windows 7 users for first year |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2015/01/windows-10-free-for-all-windows-8-1-and-windows-7-users-for-first-year/ |website=Ars Technica |date=January 21, 2015 |access-date=January 21, 2015 |archive-date=January 21, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150121181443/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2015/01/windows-10-free-for-all-windows-8-1-and-windows-7-users-for-first-year/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Myerson |first1=Terry |title=The next generation of Windows: Windows 10 |url=http://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2015/01/21/the-next-generation-of-windows-windows-10/ |website=Windows blog |date=January 21, 2015 |publisher=Microsoft |access-date=January 21, 2015 |archive-date=October 4, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151004021951/http://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2015/01/21/the-next-generation-of-windows-windows-10/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Overview of Windows as a service|url=https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/deployment/update/waas-overview|publisher=Microsoft|access-date=November 15, 2017|archive-date=June 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170616120310/https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/deployment/update/waas-overview|url-status=live}} In April 2017, Microsoft stated that these updates would be released twice a year every March and September in the future, which eventually continued until version 21H2.{{cite web|last=Warren|first=Tom|date=April 20, 2017|title=Microsoft will now release major Windows 10 updates every March and September|url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/4/20/15374864/microsoft-windows-10-update-september-2017|website=The Verge|publisher=Vox Media|access-date=April 21, 2017|archive-date=April 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420221817/https://www.theverge.com/2017/4/20/15374864/microsoft-windows-10-update-september-2017|url-status=live}} 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.{{cite web |last1=Bott |first1=Ed |author-link=Ed Bott |title=What's new in Windows 10 version 20H2 |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/whats-new-in-windows-10-version-20h2/ |website=ZDNet |access-date=October 23, 2020 |archive-date=October 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201022162205/https://www.zdnet.com/article/whats-new-in-windows-10-version-20h2/ |url-status=live}}

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 Windows{{nbsp}}10 Home and Pro was "Semi-Annual Channel (Targeted)" (formerly "Current Branch", or "CB"), 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. 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.infoworld.com/article/2949622/microsoft-windows/windows-10-forced-updates-dont-panic.html|title=Windows 10 forced updates: Don't panic|first=Woody|last=Leonhard|date=July 17, 2015|work=InfoWorld|publisher=IDG|access-date=August 4, 2015|archive-date=July 19, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150719213732/http://www.infoworld.com/article/2949622/microsoft-windows/windows-10-forced-updates-dont-panic.html|url-status=live}} Semi-Annual Channel receives stable builds on a four-month delay from their release on the Targeted channel. Administrators can also use the "Windows Update for Business" system, as well as existing tools such as WSUS and System Center Configuration Manager, to organize structured deployments of feature updates across their networks.

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).

Enterprise licensees 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. This edition is designed for "special-purpose devices" that perform a fixed function (such as automated 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).{{Cite web|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/some-windows-10-enterprise-users-wont-get-microsofts-edge-browser/|title=Some Windows 10 Enterprise users won't get Microsoft's Edge browser|last=Foley|first=Mary Jo|website=ZDNet|access-date=May 5, 2019|archive-date=June 9, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150609193057/https://www.zdnet.com/article/some-windows-10-enterprise-users-wont-get-microsofts-edge-browser/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.computerworld.com/article/3250464/faq-windows-10-ltsb-explained.html|title=FAQ: Windows 10 LTSB explained|last=Keizer|first=Gregg|date=November 29, 2018|website=Computerworld|access-date=May 5, 2019|archive-date=March 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190308004403/https://www.computerworld.com/article/3250464/faq-windows-10-ltsb-explained.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Microsoft reveals biggest-ever change in Windows updates |url=http://www.computerworld.com/article/2691211/microsoft-reveals-biggest-ever-change-in-windows-updates.html |website=Computerworld |date=October 3, 2014 |access-date=October 4, 2014 |archive-date=October 4, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141004205821/http://www.computerworld.com/article/2691211/microsoft-reveals-biggest-ever-change-in-windows-updates.html |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Introducing Windows 10 for Business |url=http://blogs.windows.com/business/2014/09/30/introducing-windows-10-for-business/ |website=Windows Blog |access-date=October 4, 2014 |archive-date=October 3, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141003021543/http://blogs.windows.com/business/2014/09/30/introducing-windows-10-for-business/ |url-status=live}} 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."{{cite web |last1=Endler |first1=Michael |title=Windows 10: 5 Unanswered Questions |url=http://www.informationweek.com/software/operating-systems/windows-10-5-unanswered-questions/d/d-id/1316350 |website=InformationWeek |date=October 4, 2014 |access-date=October 4, 2014 |archive-date=October 6, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006034401/http://www.informationweek.com/software/operating-systems/windows-10-5-unanswered-questions/d/d-id/1316350 |url-status=live}} Four LTSC builds have been released, correlating with the RTM, 1607, 1809, and 21H2 versions of Windows 10, respectively.{{cite web|url=https://www.computerworld.com/article/3195318/microsoft-windows/enterprise-alert-microsoft-slates-next-windows-10-ltsb-release-for-2019.html|title=Enterprise alert: Microsoft slates next Windows 10 LTSB release for 2019|website=Computerworld|author=Gregg Keizer|date=May 9, 2017|access-date=May 5, 2019|archive-date=May 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510014438/https://www.computerworld.com/article/3195318/microsoft-windows/enterprise-alert-microsoft-slates-next-windows-10-ltsb-release-for-2019.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite news |last1=Speed |first1=Richard |title=Are you a Windows 1 in 10 (1809)? Or a mighty 80 percenter (1803)? |url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2019/01/30/microsoft_windows_10_slow_roll_out/ |access-date=May 5, 2019 |work=The Register |date=January 30, 2019 |archive-date=May 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190505145654/https://www.theregister.co.uk/2019/01/30/microsoft_windows_10_slow_roll_out/ |url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Mearian|first=Lucas|date=November 16, 2021|title=Microsoft releases its Windows 10 November 2021 update|url=https://www.computerworld.com/article/3640973/microsoft-releases-its-windows-10-november-2021-update.html|access-date=November 18, 2021|website=Computerworld|archive-date=November 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211118033929/https://www.computerworld.com/article/3640973/microsoft-releases-its-windows-10-november-2021-update.html|url-status=live}}

In July 2017, Microsoft announced changes in the terminology for Windows branches as part of its effort to unify the update cadence with that of Office 365 ProPlus and Windows Server 2016.{{Cite news|url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2017/07/microsoft-rationalizes-and-rebrands-windows-10-office-updates-again/|title=Microsoft rationalizes and rebrands Windows 10, Office updates again|work=Ars Technica|access-date=November 16, 2017|archive-date=December 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171202095736/https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2017/07/microsoft-rationalizes-and-rebrands-windows-10-office-updates-again/|url-status=live}} 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".{{cite web |title=The Windows Semi-Annual Channel and Targeted Deployment |url=https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/surface/2017/07/28/the-windows-semi-annual-channel-and-targeted-deployment/ |website=Surface blog on TechNet |publisher=Microsoft |access-date=October 31, 2017 |archive-date=November 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107015639/https://blogs.technet.microsoft.com/surface/2017/07/28/the-windows-semi-annual-channel-and-targeted-deployment/ |url-status=live}}

In February 2019, Microsoft announced changes again in delivering updates beginning with release of version 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.{{Cite web|url=https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/Windows-IT-Pro-Blog/Windows-Update-for-Business-and-the-retirement-of-SAC-T/ba-p/339523|title=Windows Update for Business and the retirement of SAC-T|date=February 14, 2019|website=Windows IT Pro Blog|publisher=Microsoft|access-date=February 17, 2019|archive-date=February 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190217030301/https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/Windows-IT-Pro-Blog/Windows-Update-for-Business-and-the-retirement-of-SAC-T/ba-p/339523|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/windows-it-pro-blog/what-s-new-in-windows-update-for-business-in-windows-10-version/ba-p/622064|title=What's new in Windows Update for Business in Windows 10, version 1903|date=May 21, 2019|website=Windows IT Pro Blog|publisher=Microsoft|access-date=August 26, 2022|archive-date=July 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220716070121/https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/windows-it-pro-blog/what-s-new-in-windows-update-for-business-in-windows-10-version/ba-p/622064|url-status=live}} In April 2019, it was announced that, in addition, feature updates will no longer be automatically pushed to users.{{Cite web|last=Warren|first=Tom|date=April 4, 2019|title=Microsoft's Windows 10 May 2019 Update puts you back in control of updates|url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/4/4/18294944/microsoft-windows-10-may-2019-update-features-availability-control-updates|access-date=April 4, 2019|website=The Verge|archive-date=April 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404171933/https://www.theverge.com/2019/4/4/18294944/microsoft-windows-10-may-2019-update-features-availability-control-updates|url-status=live}} 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.{{Cite web|title=What's new in Windows 10, version 2004 - What's new in Windows|url=https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/whats-new/whats-new-windows-10-version-2004|access-date=July 19, 2020|website=Microsoft Learn|date=December 31, 2017}}{{Cite web|title=Microsoft removed the defer feature update setting in Windows 10|url=https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/microsoft-removed-the-defer-feature-update-setting-in-windows-10/|access-date=July 19, 2020|website=BleepingComputer|archive-date=July 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200701190228/https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/microsoft-removed-the-defer-feature-update-setting-in-windows-10/|url-status=live}} In November 2021, following the launch of version 21H2, Microsoft made a commitment to deliver feature updates every October or November.{{cite web|url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/windows-10-switches-to-once-a-year-feature-updates|title=Windows 10 Switches to Once-a-Year Feature Updates|date=November 17, 2021|website=PCMag|access-date=August 26, 2022|archive-date=August 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826203302/https://www.pcmag.com/news/windows-10-switches-to-once-a-year-feature-updates|url-status=live}} Thus, Microsoft rebranded the "Semi-Annual Channel" to the "General Availability Channel".{{cite web|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/with-rollout-of-21h2-microsoft-moves-windows-10-to-annual-updates/|title=With rollout of 21H2, Microsoft moves Windows 10 to annual updates|date=November 16, 2021|website=ZDNet|access-date=August 26, 2022|archive-date=August 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813220912/https://www.zdnet.com/article/with-rollout-of-21h2-microsoft-moves-windows-10-to-annual-updates/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2021/11/16/how-to-get-the-windows-10-november-2021-update|title=How to get the Windows 10 November 2021 Update|date=November 16, 2021|website=Windows Blog|access-date=August 26, 2022|archive-date=September 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220901123633/https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2021/11/16/how-to-get-the-windows-10-november-2021-update/|url-status=live}} On April 27, 2023, Microsoft announced that version 22H2, released in November 2022, would be the last feature update for Windows 10.{{Cite web |last=Hachman |first=Mark |date=April 27, 2023 |title=Windows 10 won't receive any more feature updates |url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/1801718/windows-10-wont-receive-any-more-feature-updates.html |website=PCWorld |access-date=April 27, 2023 |archive-date=May 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230514101645/https://www.pcworld.com/article/1801718/windows-10-wont-receive-any-more-feature-updates.html |url-status=live}}

Feature updates prior to version 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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.computerworld.com/article/3455227/microsoft-goes-very-small-for-windows-10-1909s-on-switch.html|title=Microsoft goes very small for Windows 10 1909's 'On' switch|last=Keizer|first=Gregg|date=November 22, 2019|website=Computerworld|access-date=January 24, 2020|archive-date=February 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200222140121/https://www.computerworld.com/article/3455227/microsoft-goes-very-small-for-windows-10-1909s-on-switch.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.computerworld.com/article/3453690/what-we-know-about-the-win10-version-1909-upgrade-and-what-you-can-do-about-it.html|title=What we know about the Win10 version 1909 upgrade — and what you can do about it|last=Leonhard|first=Woody|date=November 15, 2019|website=Computerworld|access-date=January 24, 2020|archive-date=January 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103054717/https://www.computerworld.com/article/3453690/what-we-know-about-the-win10-version-1909-upgrade-and-what-you-can-do-about-it.html|url-status=live}}

In May 2017, Microsoft unveiled Fluent Design System (previously codenamed "Project Neon"), a revamp of Microsoft 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.{{cite web|title=New Windows look and feel, Neon, is officially the "Microsoft Fluent Design System"|url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2017/05/new-windows-look-and-feel-neon-is-officially-the-microsoft-fluent-design-system/|website=Ars Technica|date=May 11, 2017|access-date=May 11, 2017|archive-date=May 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170511154503/https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2017/05/new-windows-look-and-feel-neon-is-officially-the-microsoft-fluent-design-system/|url-status=live}}

On December 7, 2016, Microsoft announced that, as part of a partnership with Qualcomm, it planned to introduce support for running Win32 software on ARM architecture with a 32-bit x86 processor emulator, in 2017. Terry Myerson stated that this move would enable the production of Qualcomm 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 previous Windows RT, which was restricted to Windows Store apps). Microsoft is initially targeting this project towards laptops.{{cite web|title=Microsoft is bringing Windows desktop apps to mobile ARM processors|url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/12/7/13866936/microsoft-windows-10-arm-desktop-apps-support-qualcomm|website=The Verge|date=December 7, 2016|publisher=Vox Media|access-date=December 8, 2016|archive-date=December 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161208150345/https://www.theverge.com/2016/12/7/13866936/microsoft-windows-10-arm-desktop-apps-support-qualcomm|url-status=live}} Microsoft launched the branding Always 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 its Snapdragon X16 gigabit LTE modem with AMD's Ryzen Mobile platform.{{Cite news|url=https://www.anandtech.com/show/12119/microsoft-launches-windows-10-on-arm-always-connected-pcs|title=Microsoft Launches Windows 10 on ARM: Always Connected PCs|last=Howse|first=Brett|access-date=December 5, 2017|archive-date=June 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622192813/https://www.anandtech.com/show/12119/microsoft-launches-windows-10-on-arm-always-connected-pcs|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.engadget.com/2017/12/05/amd-qualcomm-always-connected-pc-ryzen-snapdragon/|title=AMD and Qualcomm join forces to power higher-end connected PCs|work=Engadget|access-date=December 5, 2017|archive-date=August 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804123444/http://www.engadget.com/2017/12/05/amd-qualcomm-always-connected-pc-ryzen-snapdragon/|url-status=live}}

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 the virtual keyboard when text fields are selected.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/8/29/20839655/microsoft-new-tablet-experience-windows-10-convertible-hardware-desktop|title=Microsoft unveils new tablet experience for Windows 10|last=Warren|first=Tom|date=August 29, 2019|website=The Verge|access-date=August 30, 2019|archive-date=August 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190830005156/https://www.theverge.com/2019/8/29/20839655/microsoft-new-tablet-experience-windows-10-convertible-hardware-desktop|url-status=live}}

In April 2021, the ability to run Linux applications using a graphical user interface, such as Audacity, directly in Windows, was introduced as a preview.{{Cite web|date=April 21, 2021|title=The Initial Preview of GUI app support is now available for the Windows Subsystem for Linux|url=https://devblogs.microsoft.com/commandline/the-initial-preview-of-gui-app-support-is-now-available-for-the-windows-subsystem-for-linux-2/|access-date=June 3, 2021|website=Windows Command Line|archive-date=April 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421170903/https://devblogs.microsoft.com/commandline/the-initial-preview-of-gui-app-support-is-now-available-for-the-windows-subsystem-for-linux-2/|url-status=live}} This feature would later be included as part of the updated Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 for Windows 11 only.

In November 2022, Microsoft released Windows Subsystem For Linux 2 on the Microsoft Store, for both Windows 10 and 11,{{Cite web|date=November 22, 2022|title=The Windows Subsystem for Linux in the Microsoft Store is now generally available on Windows 10 and 11|url=https://devblogs.microsoft.com/commandline/the-windows-subsystem-for-linux-in-the-microsoft-store-is-now-generally-available-on-windows-10-and-11/|access-date=May 22, 2023|website=Windows Command Line|archive-date=May 20, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230520034510/https://devblogs.microsoft.com/commandline/the-windows-subsystem-for-linux-in-the-microsoft-store-is-now-generally-available-on-windows-10-and-11/|url-status=live}} 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 and Windows 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.{{Cite web |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-windows-10-to-grab-7gb-of-your-storage-so-big-updates-dont-fail/ |title=Microsoft: Windows 10 to grab 7GB of your storage so big updates don't fail |last=Tung |first=Liam |website=ZDNet |publisher=CBS Interactive |date=January 8, 2019 |access-date=May 25, 2019 |archive-date=January 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190108144026/https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-windows-10-to-grab-7gb-of-your-storage-so-big-updates-dont-fail/ |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2019/04/windows-10-may-2019-update-bumps-hardware-specs-needs-32gb-storage/ |title=Systems with small disks won't be able to install Windows 10 May 2019 update |last=Bright |first=Peter |date=April 26, 2019 |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |access-date=April 27, 2019 |archive-date=April 26, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426200301/https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2019/04/windows-10-may-2019-update-bumps-hardware-specs-needs-32gb-storage/ |url-status=live}}

The 64-bit variants require a CPU that supports certain instructions.{{Cite web |url=http://windows.microsoft.com/en-au/windows/preview-faq-system-requirements-pc |title=Before you install |website=windows.microsoft.com |publisher=Microsoft |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150131020309/http://windows.microsoft.com/en-au/windows/preview-faq-system-requirements-pc |archive-date=January 31, 2015}} Devices with low storage capacity must provide a USB flash drive or SD card with sufficient storage for temporary files during upgrades.{{Cite web |url=https://www.thurrott.com/windows/windows-10/4547/upgrade-a-small-tablet-or-laptop-to-windows-10 |title=Upgrade a Small Tablet or Laptop to Windows 10 |last=Thurrott |first=Paul |date=July 9, 2015 |website=Thurrott.com |publisher=Self-published |access-date=August 6, 2015 |archive-date=July 10, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710065351/https://www.thurrott.com/windows/windows-10/4547/upgrade-a-small-tablet-or-laptop-to-windows-10 |url-status=live}}

Some pre-built devices may be described as "certified" by Microsoft. Certified tablets must include {{Keypress|Power}}, {{Keypress|Volume up}}, and {{Keypress|Volume down}} keys; {{Keypress|Win}} and {{Keypress|Rotation lock}} keys are no longer required.{{Cite web |url=http://gadgets.ndtv.com/laptops/news/windows-10-minimum-hardware-requirements-and-upgrade-paths-detailed-672319 |title=Windows 10 Minimum Hardware Requirements and Upgrade Paths Detailed |last=Sinha |first=Robin |date=March 19, 2015 |website=NDTV |publisher=Red Pixels Ventures |access-date=March 20, 2015 |archive-date=March 21, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150321031821/http://gadgets.ndtv.com/laptops/news/windows-10-minimum-hardware-requirements-and-upgrade-paths-detailed-672319 |url-status=live}}

As with Windows 8, all certified devices must ship with UEFI 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.{{Cite web |url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2015/03/windows-10-to-make-the-secure-boot-alt-os-lock-out-a-reality/ |title=Windows 10 to make the Secure Boot alt-OS lock out a reality |last=Bright |first=Peter |date=March 20, 2015 |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |access-date=June 15, 2017 |archive-date=March 20, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150320210202/https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2015/03/windows-10-to-make-the-secure-boot-alt-os-lock-out-a-reality/ |url-status=live}} A supported infrared-illuminated camera is required for Windows Hello face authentication, and a supported fingerprint reader is required for Windows Hello fingerprint authentication. Device Guard requires a UEFI system with no third-party certificates loaded, and CPU virtualization extensions (including SLAT and IOMMU) enabled in firmware.

Beginning with Intel Kaby Lake and AMD Bristol Ridge, Windows 10 is the only version of Windows that Microsoft will officially support on newer CPU microarchitectures.{{Cite web |url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2016/03/skylake-support-on-windows-7-and-8-1-given-a-one-year-extension/ |title=Skylake support on Windows 7 and 8.1 given a one-year extension |last=Bright |first=Peter |date=March 18, 2016 |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |access-date=June 15, 2017 |archive-date=March 18, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160318234319/https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2016/03/skylake-support-on-windows-7-and-8-1-given-a-one-year-extension/ |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |url=http://www.computerworld.com/article/3046032/windows-pcs/microsoft-backtracks-on-windows-7-support-deadline.html |title=Microsoft backtracks on Windows 7 support deadline |last=Keizer |first=Gregg |date=March 18, 2016 |website=Computerworld |publisher=IDG |access-date=March 21, 2017 |archive-date=March 21, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160321101059/http://www.computerworld.com/article/3046032/windows-pcs/microsoft-backtracks-on-windows-7-support-deadline.html |url-status=dead}} 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.{{Cite web |url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2016/01/skylake-users-given-18-months-to-upgrade-to-windows-10/ |title=Skylake users given 18 months to upgrade to Windows 10 |last=Bright |first=Peter |date=January 16, 2016 |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |access-date=June 15, 2017 |archive-date=February 22, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170222194707/https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2016/01/skylake-users-given-18-months-to-upgrade-to-windows-10/ |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-updates-support-policy-new-cpus-will-require-windows-10/ |title=Microsoft updates support policy: New CPUs will require Windows 10 |last=Bott |first=Ed |author-link=Ed Bott |date=January 15, 2016 |website=ZDNet |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=July 5, 2024 |archive-date=January 17, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117004440/http://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-updates-support-policy-new-cpus-will-require-windows-10/ |url-status=live}} These policies were criticized by the media, who especially noted that Microsoft was refusing to support newer hardware (particularly Intel's Skylake CPUs, which was also originally targeted by the new policy with a premature end of support that was ultimately retracted){{Cite web |url=https://blogs.windows.com/business/2016/08/11/updates-to-silicon-support-policy-for-windows/ |title=Updates to Silicon Support Policy for Windows |last=Larsen |first=Shad |date=August 11, 2016 |website=Windows For Your Business |publisher=Microsoft |access-date=May 19, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170425131840/https://blogs.windows.com/business/2016/08/11/updates-to-silicon-support-policy-for-windows/ |archive-date=April 25, 2017 |url-status=dead}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-extends-again-support-for-windows-7-8-1-skylake-based-devices/ |title=Microsoft extends again support for Windows 7, 8.1 Skylake-based devices |last=Foley |first=Mary Jo |author-link=Mary Jo Foley |date=August 11, 2016 |website=ZDNet |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=July 5, 2024 |archive-date=August 11, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160811223853/http://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-extends-again-support-for-windows-7-8-1-skylake-based-devices/ |url-status=live}} on Windows 8.1, a version of Windows that was still in mainstream support until January 2018.{{Cite web |url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2017/04/new-processors-are-now-blocked-from-receiving-updates-on-old-windows/ |title=New processors are now blocked from receiving updates on old Windows |last=Bright |first=Peter |date=April 13, 2017 |website=Ars Technica |publisher=Condé Nast |access-date=May 3, 2017 |archive-date=December 2, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171202132302/https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2017/04/new-processors-are-now-blocked-from-receiving-updates-on-old-windows/ |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/3189990/windows/microsoft-blocks-kaby-lake-and-ryzen-pcs-from-windows-7-81-updates.html |title=Microsoft blocks Kaby Lake and Ryzen PCs from Windows 7, 8 updates |last=Paul |first=Ian |date=April 14, 2017 |website=PC World |publisher=IDG |access-date=May 3, 2017 |archive-date=April 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180428051652/https://www.pcworld.com/article/3189990/windows/microsoft-blocks-kaby-lake-and-ryzen-pcs-from-windows-7-81-updates.html |url-status=live}} In addition, an enthusiast-created modification was released that disabled the check and allowed Windows 8.1 and earlier versions to continue to work on the platform.{{cite web|url=https://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/3008609/theres-a-patch-to-reinstate-windows-7-81-on-kaby-lake-cpus|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170420134648/http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/3008609/theres-a-patch-to-reinstate-windows-7-81-on-kaby-lake-cpus|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 20, 2017|title=There's a patch to reinstate Windows 7 & 8.1 on Kaby Lake CPUs |website=The Inquirer|last=Merriman|first=Chris|date=April 19, 2017}}

Windows 10 versions 1703 and later do not support Intel Clover Trail system-on-chips, per Microsoft's stated policy of only providing updates for devices during their OEM support period.{{Cite web |url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/3209705/windows/confirmed-windows-10-will-cut-off-devices-with-older-cpus.html |title=Confirmed: Windows 10 may cut off devices with older CPUs |last=Hachman |first=Mark |date=July 20, 2017 |website=PC World |publisher=IDG |access-date=July 20, 2017 |archive-date=July 20, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170720151405/http://www.pcworld.com/article/3209705/windows/confirmed-windows-10-will-cut-off-devices-with-older-cpus.html |url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-blocks-windows-10-creators-update-on-some-pcs/|title=Microsoft cuts off Windows 10 support early for some PCs|last=Bott|first=Ed|author-link=Ed Bott|work=ZDNet|access-date=July 18, 2017|archive-date=July 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170717230727/http://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-blocks-windows-10-creators-update-on-some-pcs/|url-status=live}}

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".{{Cite web|title=Microsoft takes a step toward phasing out 32-bit PC support for Windows 10|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-takes-a-step-toward-phasing-out-32-bit-pc-support-for-windows-10/|last=Foley|first=Mary Jo|website=ZDNet|access-date=May 14, 2020|archive-date=May 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200514033727/https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-takes-a-step-toward-phasing-out-32-bit-pc-support-for-windows-10/|url-status=live}} This was later followed by Windows 11 dropping support for 32-bit hardware altogether, thus making Windows 10 the final version of Windows to have a 32-bit version available.{{cite news |last=Hanson |first=Matt |title=Windows 11 system requirements are bad news for old laptops and PCs |url=https://www.techradar.com/uk/news/windows-11-system-requirements-are-bad-news-for-old-laptops-and-pcs |date=June 24, 2021 |work=TechRadar |access-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-date=June 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625222754/https://www.techradar.com/uk/news/windows-11-system-requirements-are-bad-news-for-old-laptops-and-pcs |url-status=live}}

The maximum amount of RAM that Windows 10 can support varies depending on the product edition and the processor architecture. All 32-bit editions of Windows 10, including Home and Pro, support up to 4 GB.{{cite web |url=https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/memory/memory-limits-for-windows-releases |title=Memory Limits for Windows and Windows Server Releases - Win32 apps |website=Microsoft Docs |accessdate=November 13, 2020 |archive-date=May 5, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080505054809/http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa366778(VS.85).aspx |url-status=live}} 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.

Windows 10 supports up to two physical processors.{{cite web |url=https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/windows-10-versions-cpu-limits/905c24ad-ad54-4122-b730-b9e7519c823f#:~:text=Windows%2010%20supports%20a%20maximum,in%20the%2064%2Dbit%20versions.&text=Was%20this%20reply%20helpful%3F |title=Windows 10 versions CPU limits |website=Community |publisher=Microsoft |accessdate=June 1, 2019 |archive-date=July 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210701214623/https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/windows-10-versions-cpu-limits/905c24ad-ad54-4122-b730-b9e7519c823f#:~:text=Windows%2010%20supports%20a%20maximum,in%20the%2064%2Dbit%20versions.&text=Was%20this%20reply%20helpful%3F |url-status=live}} 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.

{{See also|Criticism of Windows 10}}{{Duplication|dupe=Criticism of Windows 10|section=yes|date=June 2021|small=no}}

Windows 10 received generally positive reviews, with most reviewers considering it superior to its predecessor Windows 8.{{cite web | url=https://www.cnet.com/reviews/microsoft-windows-10-review/ | title=Microsoft Windows 10 review: Microsoft gets it right | access-date=September 14, 2022 | archive-date=September 14, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914122810/https://www.cnet.com/reviews/microsoft-windows-10-review/ | url-status=live}}{{cite web | url=https://davescomputertips.com/10-reasons-why-windows-10-is-best-os-of-all-time/ | title=10 Reasons Why Windows 10 is Best OS of All Time | date=May 21, 2018 | access-date=September 14, 2022 | archive-date=September 14, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914122811/https://davescomputertips.com/10-reasons-why-windows-10-is-best-os-of-all-time/ | url-status=live}}{{cite web | url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/428654/10-things-windows-10-does-better-than-windows-8.html | title=10 things Windows 10 does better than Windows 8 | access-date=September 14, 2022 | archive-date=September 14, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914122811/https://www.pcworld.com/article/428654/10-things-windows-10-does-better-than-windows-8.html | url-status=live}} CNN Business praised every aspect of Windows 10.{{cite web | url=https://money.cnn.com/2015/07/28/technology/windows-10-review/index.html | title=Windows 10 is seriously great | work=CNNMoney | date=July 28, 2015 | access-date=September 14, 2022 | archive-date=September 14, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914122811/https://money.cnn.com/2015/07/28/technology/windows-10-review/index.html | url-status=live | last1=Goldman | first1=David }} 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 on{{nbsp}}8 and{{nbsp}}8.1. 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 Windows{{nbsp}}10 from iOS and Android 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.techradar.com/reviews/pc-mac/software/operating-systems/windows-10-1267364/review/|title=Windows 10 Review|work=TechRadar|publisher=Future plc|access-date=July 30, 2015|archive-date=July 29, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150729004659/http://www.techradar.com/reviews/pc-mac/software/operating-systems/windows-10-1267364/review|url-status=live}}

Engadget was similarly positive, noting that the upgrade process was painless and that Windows{{nbsp}}10's user interface had balanced aspects of Windows{{nbsp}}8 with those of previous versions with a more mature aesthetic. Cortana's always-on voice 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 as Google Now. Windows{{nbsp}}10'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 "Windows{{nbsp}}10 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."{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2015/07/28/windows-10-review/|title=Windows 10 Review|work=Engadget|date=July 28, 2015|publisher=AOL|access-date=July 30, 2015|archive-date=July 29, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150729234810/http://www.engadget.com/2015/07/28/windows-10-review/|url-status=live}}

On the other hand Ars 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 Windows{{nbsp}}8 as being a "reliable" platform albeit consisting of unfinished concepts, Windows{{nbsp}}10 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.{{cite web|title=Review: Windows 10 is the best version yet—once the bugs get fixed|url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2015/07/review-windows-10-is-the-best-version-yet-once-the-bugs-get-fixed/|website=Ars Technica|date=July 29, 2015|access-date=July 31, 2015|archive-date=July 30, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150730231454/http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2015/07/review-windows-10-is-the-best-version-yet-once-the-bugs-get-fixed/|url-status=live}}

ExtremeTech felt that Windows{{nbsp}}10 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." Windows 10 has also received criticism because of deleting files without user permission after auto updates.{{cite web|url=https://www.howtogeek.com/243581/windows-10-may-delete-your-programs-without-asking/|title=Windows 10 May Delete Your Programs Without Asking|date=January 4, 2018|last=Hoffman|first=Chris|website=How-To Geek|access-date=February 4, 2020}}

Critics characterized the release of Windows{{Nbsp}}10 as being forced onto users of past versions of Windows. Critics have also noted that Windows{{nbsp}}10 heavily emphasizes freemium services, and contains various advertising facilities. Some outlets have considered these to be a hidden "cost" of the free upgrade offer.{{cite web|title=7 ways Windows 10 pushes ads at you, and how to stop them|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/3039827/windows/7-ways-windows-10-pushes-ads-at-you-and-how-to-stop-them.html|website=PC World|date=March 3, 2016|publisher=IDG|access-date=March 21, 2017|archive-date=June 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180602043842/https://www.pcworld.com/article/3039827/windows/7-ways-windows-10-pushes-ads-at-you-and-how-to-stop-them.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Microsoft is infesting Windows 10 with annoying ads|url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/3/17/14956540/microsoft-windows-10-ads-taskbar-file-explorer|website=The Verge|date=March 17, 2017|publisher=Vox Media|access-date=March 21, 2017|archive-date=January 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126102338/https://www.theverge.com/2017/3/17/14956540/microsoft-windows-10-ads-taskbar-file-explorer|url-status=live}} Examples of these have included microtransactions in bundled games such as Microsoft Solitaire Collection,{{cite web|title=Microsoft wants you to pay for Solitaire, again, in Windows 10|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/2953158/windows/microsoft-wants-you-to-pay-for-solitaire-again-in-windows-10.html|website=PC World|date=July 27, 2015|publisher=IDG|access-date=August 5, 2015|archive-date=February 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190224081729/https://www.pcworld.com/article/2953158/windows/microsoft-wants-you-to-pay-for-solitaire-again-in-windows-10.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=There's a Ridiculous Hidden Fee Inside Windows 10|url=https://time.com/3977862/windows-10-solitaire-2/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150730150901/http://time.com/3977862/windows-10-solitaire/|url-status=live|archive-date=July 30, 2015|magazine=Time|access-date=August 5, 2015}}{{cite web|last1=Hay|first1=Richard|title=Microsoft Adds Premium Subscriptions to Windows 8 Games to Remove Ads. Could Built in Apps be next?|url=http://www.windowsobserver.com/2013/03/27/microsoft-adds-premium-subscriptions-to-windows-8-games-to-remove-ads-could-built-in-apps-be-next/|website=Windows Observer|access-date=August 5, 2015|date=March 27, 2013|archive-date=July 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729020423/https://www.windowsobserver.com/2013/03/27/microsoft-adds-premium-subscriptions-to-windows-8-games-to-remove-ads-could-built-in-apps-be-next/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Windows 10 goes freemium with paid apps|url=http://www.techradar.com/us/news/software/operating-systems/windows-10-goes-freemium-with-paid-apps-1301155|website=Techradar|access-date=August 5, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160815093441/http://www.techradar.com/us/news/software/operating-systems/windows-10-goes-freemium-with-paid-apps-1301155|archive-date=August 15, 2016|url-status=dead}} default settings that display promotions of "suggested" apps in the Start menu, "tips" on the lock screen that may contain advertising, ads displayed in File Explorer for Office 365 subscriptions on Creators' Update, 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).{{cite web|title=Microsoft starts showing ads for Edge browser in Windows 10|url=https://www.extremetech.com/computing/238968-microsoft-starts-showing-ads-edge-browser-windows-10|website=ExtremeTech|date=November 7, 2016 |publisher=IDG|access-date=March 21, 2017|archive-date=January 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115214645/https://www.extremetech.com/computing/238968-microsoft-starts-showing-ads-edge-browser-windows-10|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/9/12/17850146/microsoft-windows-10-chrome-firefox-warning|title=Microsoft to 'warn' Windows 10 users not to install Chrome or Firefox|work=The Verge|access-date=September 12, 2018|archive-date=September 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180912133124/https://www.theverge.com/2018/9/12/17850146/microsoft-windows-10-chrome-firefox-warning|url-status=live}}

Due to the high system requirements of its successor Windows 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.{{cite web | url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/10-reasons-not-to-upgrade-to-windows-11 | title=10 Big Reasons Not to Upgrade to Windows 11| date=May 13, 2024}}{{cite web | url=https://www.techradar.com/news/windows-11-issues-mean-its-not-worth-upgrading-yet-say-experts | title=Windows 11 issues mean it's not worth upgrading yet, say experts | date=October 8, 2021}}{{cite web | url=https://www.techadvisor.com/article/786317/windows-11-unsupported-devices-not-worth-it.html | title=You can officially get Windows 11 on an unsupported PC, but you shouldn't}}

{{See also|Usage share of operating systems#Crossover to smartphones having majority share}}

{{bar box

|float=right

|title=Windows PC market share (of Windows) statistics

|titlebar=#DDD

|width=425px

|barwidth=250px

|bars={{bar percent|Windows 10|#A3FFA3|52.94|52.94%}}

{{bar percent|Windows 11|#A3D3FF|43.72|43.72%}}

{{bar percent|Windows 7|#A3D3FF|2.3|2.4%}}

{{bar percent|Windows XP|#A3D3FF|0.38|0.38%}}

{{bar percent|Windows 8.1|#A3D3FF|0.28|0.28%}}

{{bar percent|Windows 8|#A3D3FF|0.23|0.23%}}

{{bar percent|Other|#A3D3FF|0.05|0.05%}}

{{bar gap|height=11}}

|caption=Worldwide market share of desktop Windows versions ({{as of|2025|4|30|lc=y|df=us}}) according to Statcounter.{{Cite web|url=https://gs.statcounter.com/windows-version-market-share/desktop/worldwide/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250511221944/https://gs.statcounter.com/windows-version-market-share/desktop/worldwide/ |title=Desktop Windows Version Market Share Worldwide - April 2025 |website=gs.statcounter.com |access-date=May 21, 2025 |archive-date=May 11, 2025 |url-status=live}} 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 then plateauing,{{cite web |url=https://betanews.com/2016/10/01/wtf-windows-10-losing-share/ |date=October 1, 2016 |title=WTF? Windows 10 now actually losing market share |quote=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.}} while eventually in 2018, it became more popular than Windows 7{{Cite web|url=https://gs.statcounter.com/windows-version-market-share/desktop/worldwide/#monthly-201709-201906|title=Desktop Windows Version Market Share Worldwide |website=StatCounter Global Stats|access-date=July 13, 2019}} (though Windows 7 was still more used in some countries in Asia and Africa in 2019). {{As of|March 2020}}, the operating system is running on over a billion devices, reaching the goal set by Microsoft two years after the initial deadline.

Twenty-four hours after it was released, Microsoft announced that over 14{{nbsp}}million devices were running Windows{{nbsp}}10.{{cite web|url=https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2015/07/30/windows-10-the-first-24-hours/|title=Windows 10 – The First 24 Hours|work=Windows Experience Blog|date=July 31, 2015|access-date=December 17, 2015}} On August 26, Microsoft said over 75{{nbsp}}million devices were running Windows{{nbsp}}10, in 192{{nbsp}}countries, and on over 90,000 unique PC or tablet models.{{cite web|url=https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2015/07/30/windows-10-the-first-24-hours/|title=Windows 10 Now on 75 Million Devices|work=Windows Experience Blog|date=July 31, 2015|access-date=December 17, 2015}} According to Terry Myerson, there were over 110{{nbsp}}million devices running Windows{{nbsp}}10 as of October 6, 2015.{{cite web|last=O'Kane |first=Sean |url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/10/6/9442377/microsoft-windows-10-download-numbers-surface-users |title=Microsoft says there are 110 million devices with Windows 10 |publisher=The Verge |date=October 6, 2015 |access-date=October 15, 2015}} On January 4, 2016, Microsoft reported that Windows{{nbsp}}10 had been activated on over 200{{nbsp}}million devices since the operating system's launch in July 2015.{{cite web|title = Windows 10 Now Active on over 200 Million Devices|url = https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2016/01/04/windows-10-now-active-on-over-200-million-devices/|website = Windows Experience Blog|date = January 4, 2016|access-date = January 4, 2016}}{{cite web|title = Microsoft: Windows 10 activated on more than 200 million devices|url = https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-windows-10-activated-on-more-than-200-million-devices/|website = ZDNet|access-date = January 4, 2016}}

According to StatCounter, Windows 10 overtook Windows 8.1 in December 2015.{{Cite web|url=https://gs.statcounter.com/press/windows-10-overtakes-81-for-first-time-globally|title=Windows 10 overtakes 8.1 for first time globally|website=StatCounter Global Stats}}{{Cite web|url=https://gs.statcounter.com/|title=StatCounter Global Stats - Browser, OS, Search Engine including Mobile Usage Share|website=StatCounter Global Stats}} Iceland was the first country where Windows 10 was ranked first (not only on the desktop, but across all platforms),{{cite web|url=https://gs.statcounter.com/#all-os-IS-monthly-201410-201610|title=StatCounter Global Stats - Browser, OS, Search Engine including Mobile Usage Share|website=StatCounter Global Stats}} 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.{{cite web|url=https://gs.statcounter.com/#desktop-os-US-weekly-201640-201649|title=StatCounter Global Stats - Browser, OS, Search Engine including Mobile Usage Share|website=StatCounter Global Stats}} By February 2017, Windows 10 was losing market share to Windows 7.{{cite web |url=http://www.v3.co.uk/v3-uk/news/3005647/windows-10-loses-market-share-as-windows-7-fights-back |title=Windows 10 loses market share as Windows 7 fights back |last=Merriman |first=Chris |date=March 1, 2017 |website=V3.co.uk |publisher=Incisive Business Media Limited |access-date=June 17, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170301202154/http://www.v3.co.uk/v3-uk/news/3005647/windows-10-loses-market-share-as-windows-7-fights-back |archive-date=March 1, 2017 |url-status=dead}}

In mid-January 2018, Windows 10 had a slightly higher global market share than Windows 7,{{Cite press release|url=https://gs.statcounter.com/press/microsoft-breakthrough-as-windows-10-overtakes-7-globally-for-first-time|title=Microsoft breakthrough as Windows 10 overtakes 7 globally for first time {{!}} StatCounter Global Stats|website=gs.statcounter.com|date=February 1, 2018|access-date=February 6, 2018}} with it noticeably more popular on weekends,{{Cite web|url=https://gs.statcounter.com/windows-version-market-share/desktop/worldwide/#daily-20170601-20180205|title=Desktop Windows Version Market Share Worldwide {{!}} StatCounter Global Stats|last=Statcounter|website=gs.statcounter.com|access-date=February 6, 2018}} while popularity varies widely by region, e.g. Windows 10 was then still behind in Africa{{Cite web|url=https://gs.statcounter.com/windows-version-market-share/desktop/africa/#daily-20170901-20190431|title=Desktop Windows Version Market Share Africa {{!}} StatCounter Global Stats|last=Statcounter|website=gs.statcounter.com|access-date=May 1, 2018}} and far ahead in some other regions e.g. Oceania.{{Cite web|url=https://gs.statcounter.com/windows-version-market-share/desktop/oceania/#daily-20170901-20180131|title=Desktop Windows Version Market Share Oceania {{!}} StatCounter Global Stats|last=Statcounter|website=gs.statcounter.com|access-date=February 6, 2018}} 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{{Cite web |title=Desktop Windows Version Market Share Worldwide |url=https://gs.statcounter.com/windows-version-market-share/desktop/worldwide/#monthly-202109-202307 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190420180627/http://gs.statcounter.com/windows-version-market-share/desktop/worldwide#monthly-202109-202307 |archive-date=April 20, 2019 |access-date=August 2, 2023 |website=StatCounter Global Stats}} Windows 11's release, which is now the second most popular Windows version in many countries.

{{As of|2024}}, Windows 10 is estimated to have a 64% share of Windows PCs, still 2 times its successor Windows 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 as macOS and Linux), and an estimated 16% share of all devices (including mobile, tablet and console) are running Windows 10.

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.{{cite web|title=Microsoft Lists Features You'll Lose When Upgrading to Windows 10|url=http://gadgets.ndtv.com/laptops/news/microsoft-lists-features-youll-lose-when-upgrading-to-windows-10-698973|website=NDTV Gadgets|publisher=New Delhi Television Limited|access-date=June 3, 2015|date=June 2, 2015}} Tom Warren of The Verge felt that, given web browsers such as Google Chrome had already adopted such an automatic update system, such a requirement would help to keep all Windows{{nbsp}}10 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."{{cite web|last1=Warren|first1=Tom|title=Windows 10's forced automatic updates are a good idea|url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/7/17/8987549/microsoft-windows-10-automatic-updates|website=The Verge|date=July 17, 2015|access-date=July 31, 2015}}

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.{{cite web |last=Leonhard |first=Woody |date=July 27, 2015 |title=On the road to Windows 10: Nvidia driver tests KB 3073930 patch blocker |url=http://www.infoworld.com/article/2952996/microsoft-windows/on-the-road-to-windows-10-botched-nvidia-driver-tests-kb-3073930-patch-blocker.html |access-date=July 31, 2015 |website=InfoWorld}} 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.{{cite web|title=Windows 10 users beg Microsoft for more info on updates|url=http://www.computerworld.com/article/2983753/microsoft-windows/windows-10-users-beg-microsoft-for-more-info-on-updates.html|website=Computerworld|date=September 14, 2015|publisher=IDG|access-date=September 30, 2015|archive-date=September 14, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150914235823/http://www.computerworld.com/article/2983753/microsoft-windows/windows-10-users-beg-microsoft-for-more-info-on-updates.html|url-status=dead}} On February 9, 2016, Microsoft retracted this decision and began to provide release notes for cumulative updates on the Windows website.{{cite web|title=Microsoft will stop hiding what's inside Windows 10 updates|url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/2/9/10951228/microsoft-windows-10-update-history-site|first=Tom |last=Warren|website=The Verge|publisher=Vox Media|date=February 9, 2016|access-date=February 9, 2016}}

Some users reported that during the installation of the November upgrade, some applications (particularly utility programs such as CPU-Z and Speccy) were automatically uninstalled during the upgrade process, and some default programs were reset to Microsoft-specified defaults (such as Photos app, and Microsoft Edge for PDF viewing), both without warning.{{cite web|title=Windows 10 Threshold 2 Removes Some Desktop Programs During Install|url=http://news.softpedia.com/news/windows-10-threshold-2-removes-some-desktop-programs-during-install-496120.shtml|website=Softpedia|date=November 13, 2015|access-date=November 19, 2015}}{{cite web|title=Windows 10 Threshold 2 Automatically Reinstalls All Previously Removed Apps|url=http://news.softpedia.com/news/windows-10-threshold-2-automatically-reinstalls-all-previously-removed-apps-496165.shtml|first=Bogdan |last=Popa|website=Softpedia|date=November 14, 2015|access-date=November 21, 2015}}

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),{{cite web|url=http://news.softpedia.com/news/windows-10-cumulative-update-kb3176938-fixes-freezing-bug-in-anniversary-update-507832.shtml|title=Windows 10 Cumulative Update KB3176938 Fixes Freezing Bug in Anniversary Update|last=Popa|first=Bogdan|date=September 2016|access-date=September 8, 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.windowscentral.com/windows-10-anniversary-update-keeps-freezing-heres-how-fix-problem|title=Windows 10 Anniversary Update keeps freezing? Here's how to fix the problem|date=September 3, 2016|access-date=September 8, 2016}} and that fundamental changes to how Windows handles webcams had caused many to stop working.{{cite web|last1=Bright|first1=Peter|title=Windows 10 Anniversary Update breaks most webcams|url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2016/08/windows-10-anniversary-update-breaks-most-webcams/|website=Ars Technica|publisher=Condé Nast|date=August 20, 2016}}

In June 2017, a Redstone 3 Insider build (RS_EDGE_CASE in PC and rs_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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/6/2/15728254/microsoft-windows-10-development-branch-builds-release-mistake|title=Microsoft accidentally released internal Windows 10 development builds|last=Warren|first=Tom|date=June 2, 2017|website=The Verge|access-date=June 6, 2017}} According to Dona Sarkar, this was due to "an inadvertent deployment to the engineering system that controls which builds/which rings to push out to insiders."{{Cite web|url=https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2017/06/01/note-unintentional-release-builds-today/#BDqet8EolwhsW8cM.97|title=A note about the unintentional release of builds today – Windows Experience BlogWindows Experience Blog|date=June 1, 2017|website=blogs.windows.com|access-date=June 2, 2017}}

A Gartner 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.{{Cite news|url=https://www.computerworld.com/article/3276278/microsoft-windows/windows-10-pro-is-a-dead-end-for-the-enterprise-gartner-says.html|title=Windows 10 Pro is a dead end for the enterprise, Gartner says|last=Keizer|first=Gregg|work=Computerworld|access-date=May 31, 2018|archive-date=May 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180531092520/https://www.computerworld.com/article/3276278/microsoft-windows/windows-10-pro-is-a-dead-end-for-the-enterprise-gartner-says.html|url-status=dead}}

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 the Feedback 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.{{Cite news|url=https://www.computerworld.com/article/2878026/microsoft-to-business-dont-worry-about-windows-10-consumers-will-test-it.html|title=Microsoft to business: Don't worry about Windows 10, consumers will test it|last=Keizer|first=Gregg|work=Computerworld|access-date=November 13, 2018}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/11/13/18090982/microsoft-windows-10-quality-focus-updates-2018|title=Microsoft to focus on Windows 10 quality after a buggy year|work=The Verge|access-date=November 13, 2018}}{{Cite news|url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2018/10/microsofts-problem-isnt-shipping-windows-updates-its-developing-them/|title=Microsoft's problem isn't how often it updates Windows—it's how it develops it|work=Ars Technica|access-date=November 13, 2018}}{{Cite news|last=Bott|first=Ed|author-link=Ed Bott|title=Microsoft resumes rollout of Windows 10 version 1809, promises quality changes|work=ZDNet|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-resumes-rollout-of-windows-10-version-1809-promises-quality-changes/|access-date=November 13, 2018}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/11/13/18090982/microsoft-windows-10-quality-focus-updates-2018|title=Microsoft to focus on Windows 10 quality after a buggy year|work=The Verge|access-date=November 14, 2018}}

Microsoft was criticized for the tactics that it used to promote its free upgrade campaign for Windows 10, including adware-like behaviors, using dark patterns to coax users into installing the operating system, downloading installation files without user consent, and making it difficult for users to suppress the advertising and notifications if they did not wish to upgrade to Windows 10.{{cite web |last=Leonhard |first=Woody |date=January 8, 2016 |title=Banishing 'Get Windows 10' nagware isn't as easy as you think |url=http://www.infoworld.com/article/3020460/microsoft-windows/banishing-get-windows-10-nagware-isnt-as-easy-as-you-think.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161218134635/http://www.infoworld.com/article/3020460/microsoft-windows/banishing-get-windows-10-nagware-isnt-as-easy-as-you-think.html |archive-date=December 18, 2016 |access-date=January 12, 2016 |website=InfoWorld |publisher=IDG}} 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.{{cite web|url=https://www.computerworld.com/article/2922604/microsoft-re-re-re-issues-controversial-windows-10-advertising-patch-kb-3035583.html|title=Microsoft re-re-re-issues controversial Windows 10 patch KB 3035583|last=Leonhard|first=Woody|date=May 15, 2015|work=Computerworld|publisher=IDG|access-date=April 22, 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.computerworld.com/article/3037393/get-windows-10-nagware-patch-kb-3035583-suddenly-reappears-on-win781-pcs.html|title=Get Windows 10 patch KB 3035583 suddenly reappears on Win7/8.1 PCs|last=Leonhard|first=Woody|date=February 24, 2016|work=Computerworld|publisher=IDG|access-date=April 22, 2019}} Third-party programs were created to assist users in applying measures to disable GWX.{{cite web |last=Horowitz |first=Michael |title=Blocking Windows 10 with Never10 |work=Computerworld |publisher=IDG |date=March 31, 2016 |url=http://www.computerworld.com/article/3049996/windows-pcs/blocking-windows-10-with-never10.html |access-date=April 4, 2016 |archive-date=January 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190106131702/https://www.computerworld.com/article/3049996/windows-pcs/blocking-windows-10-with-never10.html |url-status=dead }}

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 with data 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.{{cite web|url=https://www.computerworld.com/article/2984312/microsofts-decision-to-pre-load-windows-10-upgrade-sans-consent-is-ill-advised.html|title=Microsoft's decision to pre-load Windows 10 upgrade sans consent is ill-advised|last=Keizer|first=Gregg|date=September 15, 2015|website=Computerworld|publisher=IDG|access-date=May 14, 2019}}{{cite news|url=https://www.pcworld.com/article/2983162/didnt-ask-for-windows-10-your-pc-may-have-downloaded-it-anyway.html|title=Didn't ask for Windows 10? Your PC may have downloaded it anyway|last=Newman|first=Jared|date=September 11, 2015|website=PC World|access-date=May 14, 2019}}{{cite web|title=Microsoft is downloading Windows 10 to your machine 'just in case'|url=http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/2425381/microsoft-is-downloading-windows-10-to-your-machine-just-in-case|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150912152721/http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/2425381/microsoft-is-downloading-windows-10-to-your-machine-just-in-case|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 12, 2015|website=The Inquirer|access-date=September 10, 2015|last=Merriman|first=Chris|date=September 10, 2015}}

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.{{cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2015/10/windows-10-upgrade-installing-automatically-on-some-windows-7-8-systems/|title=Windows 10 upgrade installing automatically on some Windows 7, 8 systems|last=Bright|first=Peter|date=October 16, 2015|website=Ars Technica|access-date=April 22, 2019}} 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.{{cite web|title=Making it Easier to Upgrade to Windows 10|date=October 29, 2015|url=http://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2015/10/29/making-it-easier-to-upgrade-to-windows-10/|access-date=October 29, 2015}}{{cite web|title=Microsoft planning to automatically offer Windows 10 to existing PCs|url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/10/29/9639414/microsoft-windows-10-automatic-update-recommended|website=The Verge|date=October 29, 2015|publisher=Vox Media|access-date=October 29, 2015}} 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.{{cite web|url=https://www.computerworld.com/article/3015238/microsoft-narrows-win10-upgrade-options-to-upgrade-now-or-upgrade-tonight.html|title=Microsoft narrows Win10 upgrade options to 'Upgrade now' or 'Upgrade tonight'|last=Leonhard|first=Woody|date=December 15, 2015|website=Computerworld|publisher=IDG|access-date=April 22, 2019}}

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.{{cite web|title=Microsoft upgraded users to Windows 10 without their OK|url=http://www.infoworld.com/article/3043526/microsoft-windows/microsoft-upgraded-users-to-windows-10-without-their-ok.html|access-date=March 15, 2016|work=InfoWorld|date=March 14, 2016|publisher=IDG}} In June 2016, the GWX dialog's behavior changed to make closing the window imply a consent to a scheduled upgrade.{{cite web|title=Fearing forced Windows 10 upgrades, users are disabling critical updates instead|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/3075729/windows/fearing-forced-windows-10-upgrades-users-are-disabling-critical-updates-at-their-own-risk.html|work=PC World|date=May 27, 2016|publisher=IDG|access-date=June 28, 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://www.seattletimes.com/business/microsoft/microsoft-draws-flak-for-pushing-windows-10-on-pc-users/|title=Microsoft draws flak for pushing Windows 10 on PC users|last1=Day|first1=Matt|date=June 28, 2016|website=Seattle Times|access-date=May 14, 2019}} In December 2016, Microsoft's chief marketing officer Chris 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."{{cite web|url=https://news.softpedia.com/news/microsoft-admits-it-went-too-far-with-aggressive-windows-10-updates-511245.shtml|title=Microsoft Admits It "Went Too Far" with Aggressive Windows 10 Updates|last=Popa|first=Bogdan|date=December 23, 2016|website=Softpedia|access-date=May 14, 2019}}

On January 21, 2016, Microsoft was sued in small 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 the Seattle 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;{{cite web|title=A lawsuit over an unwanted Windows 10 upgrade just cost Microsoft $10,000|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/3088755/windows/a-lawsuit-over-an-unwanted-windows-10-upgrade-just-cost-microsoft-10000.html|website=PC World|date=June 27, 2016|publisher=IDG|access-date=June 28, 2016}}{{cite web|title=Get ready for yet another change to 'Get Windows 10' nagware|url=http://www.infoworld.com/article/3088901/microsoft-windows/get-ready-for-yet-another-change-to-get-windows-10-nagware.html|website=InfoWorld|date=June 28, 2016|publisher=IDG|access-date=June 28, 2016}} 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.{{cite news|title=Microsoft prepares one final, full-screen Get Windows 10 nag|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-prepares-one-final-full-screen-get-windows-10-nag/|website=ZDNet|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=July 2, 2016}}

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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/3/12/18261699/microsoft-windows-7-notification-end-of-support|title=Windows 7 users to receive notifications from Microsoft about end of support|last=Warren|first=Tom|date=March 12, 2019|website=The Verge|access-date=March 12, 2019}}

Privacy advocates and other critics have expressed concern regarding Windows{{nbsp}}10's privacy policies and its collection and use of customer data.{{cite web|first=Alex |last=Hern |title=Windows 10: Microsoft under attack over privacy |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/jul/31/windows-10-microsoft-faces-criticism-over-privacy-default-settings |access-date=August 1, 2015 |work=The Guardian |date=August 1, 2015}} Under the default "Express" settings, Windows{{nbsp}}10 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 "advertising{{nbsp}}ID" for analytics and advertising personalization (functionality introduced by Windows 8.1){{cite web |first=Ken |last=Yeung |title=Microsoft makes new ad platform SDKs available for Windows 8.1 to help Store developers monetize their apps |url=https://thenextweb.com/microsoft/2013/10/23/microsoft-makes-new-ad-platform-sdks-available-windows-8-1-help-store-developers-monetize-apps/ |website=The Next Web |date=October 23, 2013 |access-date=August 1, 2015}} and allow apps to request the user's location data and send this data to Microsoft and "trusted partners" to improve location detection (Windows{{nbsp}}8 had similar settings, except that location data collection did not include "trusted partners"). Users can opt out from most of this data collection, but telemetry data for error reporting and usage is also sent to Microsoft, and this cannot be disabled on non-Enterprise editions of Windows{{nbsp}}10.{{cite web |title=Windows 10s default privacy settings and controls leave much to be desired |url=http://www.extremetech.com/extreme/211208-windows-10s-default-privacy-settings-and-controls-leave-much-to-be-desired |website=ExtremeTech |publisher=Ziff Davis |access-date=July 31, 2015}} Microsoft's privacy policy states, however, that "Basic"-level telemetry data is anonymized and cannot be used to identify an individual user or device.{{cite web |last1=Bott |first1=Ed |author-link1=Ed Bott |title=Is Windows 10 telemetry a threat to your personal privacy? |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/is-windows-10-telemetry-a-threat-to-your-personal-privacy/ |website=ZDNet |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=December 5, 2015 |date=November 5, 2015}} 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.

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 45{{nbsp}}pages of policy documents and opt-out settings split across 13{{nbsp}}different settings screens and an external website constitutes 'real transparency'." Joel Hruska of ExtremeTech wrote that "the company that brought us the 'Scroogled' campaign now hoovers up your data in ways that would make Google jealous." However, it was also pointed out that the requirement for such vast usage of customer data had become a norm, citing the increased reliance on cloud computing and other forms of external processing, as well as similar data collection requirements for services on mobile devices such as Google Now and Siri.{{cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2015/08/windows-10s-privacy-policy-is-the-new-normal/|title=Windows 10's privacy policy is the new normal|last=Bright|first=Peter|date=August 9, 2015|website=Ars Technica|access-date=May 14, 2019}} In August 2015, Russian politician Nikolai Levichev called for Windows{{nbsp}}10 to be banned from use within the Russian 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.{{cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/facebook-gmail-skype-face-russia-ban-under-anti-terror-plan/|title=Facebook, Gmail, Skype face Russia ban under 'anti-terror' plan|last=Whittaker|first=Zack|date=July 23, 2014|work=CNET|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=May 14, 2019}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-28173513|title=Russian MPs back law on internet data storage|date=July 5, 2014|newspaper=BBC News|access-date=May 13, 2019}} Writing for ZDNet, Ed Bott said that the lack of complaints by businesses about privacy in Windows{{nbsp}}10 indicated "how utterly normal those privacy terms are in 2015." In a Computerworld editorial, Preston Gralla said that "the kind of information Windows{{nbsp}}10 gathers is no different from what other operating systems gather. But Microsoft is held to a different standard than other companies".{{cite web|last1=Gralla|first1=Preston|title=Windows 10: Public enemy No. 1, or an OS like any other?|url=http://www.computerworld.com/article/2979745/microsoft-windows/windows-10-public-enemy-no-1-or-an-os-like-any-other.html|website=Computerworld|access-date=September 25, 2015|date=September 3, 2015|archive-date=November 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116140613/https://www.computerworld.com/article/2979745/microsoft-windows/windows-10-public-enemy-no-1-or-an-os-like-any-other.html|url-status=dead}}

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 delete unlicensed software installed on devices running Windows{{nbsp}}10.{{cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/windows-10-can-find-and-disable-pirated-games/1100-6429805/|title=Windows 10 Can Find and Disable Pirated Games|last=Hussain|first=Tamoor|date=August 17, 2015|website=GameSpot|access-date=May 14, 2019}} 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 to digital rights management on Xbox consoles and first-party games, and not plans to police pirated video games installed on Windows{{nbsp}}10 PCs.{{cite web|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/2971088/windows/fears-of-microsoft-scanning-your-windows-10-pc-for-pirated-games-are-overblown.html|title=Fears of Microsoft scanning your Windows 10 PC for pirated games are overblown|last=Paul|first=Ian|date=August 17, 2015|website=PC World|publisher=IDG|access-date=May 14, 2019}} Despite this, some torrent trackers announced plans to block Windows{{nbsp}}10 users, also arguing that the operating system could send information to anti-piracy groups that are affiliated with Microsoft.{{cite web|title=Torrent Trackers ban Windows 10 over privacy concerns|url=https://torrentfreak.com/torrent-trackers-ban-windows-10-over-privacy-concerns-150822/|website=TorrentFreak|date=August 22, 2015|access-date=August 23, 2015}} Writing about these allegations, Ed Bott of ZDNet compared Microsoft's privacy policy to Apple's and Google's and concluded that he "[did not] see anything that looks remotely like Big Brother."{{cite web|last1=Bott|first1=Ed|author-link=Ed Bott|title=No, Microsoft is not spying on you with Windows 10|website=ZDNet|access-date=September 4, 2015|date=August 27, 2015|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/no-microsoft-is-not-spying-on-you-with-windows-10/}} Columnist Kim Komando argued that "Microsoft might in the future run scans and disable software or hardware it sees as a security threat", consistent with the Windows{{nbsp}}10 update policy.{{cite web|last1=Komando|first1=Kim|title=3 Windows 10 privacy gotchas|url=http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20150902/PC05/150909997/1052/3-windows-10-privacy-gotchas|website=The Post and Courier|access-date=September 12, 2015|date=September 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150921230111/http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20150902/PC05/150909997/1052/3-windows-10-privacy-gotchas|archive-date=September 21, 2015|url-status=dead}}

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.{{Cite web|url=https://hothardware.com/news/microsoft-windows-10-offline-account|title=Microsoft Just Hid The 'Use Offline Account' Option For Installing Windows 10, Here's Where To Find It|last=Hill|first=Brandon|date=September 29, 2019|website=HotHardware|access-date=October 1, 2019|archive-date=September 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190930204523/https://hothardware.com/news/microsoft-windows-10-offline-account|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.howtogeek.com/442609/confirmed-windows-10-setup-now-prevents-local-account-creation/|title=Confirmed: Windows 10 Setup Now Prevents Local Account Creation|last=Hoffman|first=Chris|website=How-To Geek|date=October 2019 |access-date=October 2, 2019}} 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 the hosts file that block Microsoft telemetry servers as being a severe security risk.{{Cite web|title=Windows 10: HOSTS file blocking telemetry is now flagged as a risk|url=https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/windows-10-hosts-file-blocking-telemetry-is-now-flagged-as-a-risk/|access-date=August 4, 2020|website=BleepingComputer}}

{{Portal|Business and economics}}

• Comparison of operating systems
• History of operating systems
• List of operating systems
• Microsoft Windows version history
• List of Microsoft Windows versions

{{Reflist|group=note}}

{{reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• [https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10 Download Windows 10] from Microsoft website
• [https://docs.microsoft.com/windows/release-health/release-information Windows 10 release information] from Microsoft

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{{Succession box

| title = Windows 10

| years = 2015

| before = Windows 8

| after = Windows 11

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{{Microsoft Windows family}}

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