Windows 10 is the latest version of operating system from Microsoft designed to be a unified system: a single operating system for any device.
This new version of Windows It is similar in appearance to its Windows predecessors 8 / 8.1, but much better inside, with big changes and new features.
And what is more, it is an operating system that will always be up-to-date thanks to its constant updates that will be installed automatically or when you decide.
In this article, you will learn about the main features, editions, versions, system requirements and how to update, download and activate Windows 10.
Windows features 10
With Windows 10 now everything is easier. The system incorporates new functions that facilitate user activities. An ideal operating system for personal use, for schools and companies.
The start menu
The long-awaited start menu is back. After Microsoft decided to remove it in Windows 8, the start menu is back with the metro apps or live tiles.
Microsoft Edge, a new browser
Known initially as Spartan, Microsoft Edge is the new Windows browser 10 that integrates several functions to facilitate Internet browsing.
Con Edge, Now it is possible take notes directly on the browser screen, highlight some text or add a note.
For his part, Internet Explorer will continue to be present on the system.
Cortana
Cortana is the Microsoft Virtual Assistant for Windows 10.
This wizard can search, read emails, make reminders and other things by voice.
Activities Center
The activity center or action center is one of the great novelties of Windos 10 which groups all notifications in one place.
Apart from system and app notifications, from here you can also activate or deactivate options such as airplane mode, bluetooth, adjust brightness, project the screen, among other.
Virtual desks
This feature allows you to have multiple virtual desktops that work independently without interfering with each other.
With Windows + Tab You can access the task view and from here create new virtual desktops to run certain applications on each of them.
Configuration panel
The settings panel has been completely redesigned. From here you can access the system settings, devices, red, time and language, Privacy, among others.
Several of the options that were previously in the control panel are now in this panel.
DirectX 12
Windows 10 also includes the new version of the graphical API collection: DirectX 12.
This new version of DirectX has been redesigned to be faster and more efficient than ever., what allows See more realistic graphics without the need for state-of-the-art hardware.
What's more, it will not only be available for computers, but also for smartphones, tabletsand for Xbox One, as long as they run Windows 10.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantage:
- Improved system performance just by restarting the PC.
- Simplified configuration settings.
- More login options (biometric passwords, safety pin, etc.).
- Integration with Microsoft applications for mobile phones.
- Better performance and tools for video games.
- Wide catalog of applications of all kinds.
- Lightweight operating system that works well on older and modern computers.
- Access Insider Preview builds to get a taste of the latest in Windows 10 (although with the risk that they may have some bugs).
- Windows Defender Antivirus to protect your PC from viruses and potential threats.
- Microsoft Edge has powerful features and tools that you won't find in other browsers.
- Full integration of Linux on Windows 10.
- Great accessibility improvements.
- Constant updates and security patches to keep your PC always protected.
Disadvantages:
- Lots of telemetry running in the background. Although in the latest updates, Microsoft gives more control over user data.
- Bigger updates cannot be trusted, as some have serious security flaws.
- Pre-installed apps that, In most cases, are not used.
- Windows Media Center and Home Group have retired (the latter from version 1803).
- Some functions, as Bitlocker, are only available in certain editions.
- Too many edits. You must choose well which one suits your needs.
Editions
These are all editions of Windows 10:
- Home: the most basic edition of the operating system.
- Pro: includes all the features of the Home edition but with additional features such as Bitlocker and Hyper-V.
- Education: based on Enterprise edition. It is designed for academic purposes and intended primarily for educators.
- Professional education: available from 2016 for hardware manufacturers with a “K-12” academic license. Includes the app “Set up school teams”, but does not include Cortana or Windows Spotlight.
- Pro for workstations: the edition for servers and workstations available from 2017.
- Business: the enterprise edition that includes features like DirectAccess, AppLocker y Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection (ATP).
- Enterprise LTSC (formerly LTSB): Similar a Enterprise, but no new feature updates. Microsoft Store is not included.
- Mobile: the smartphone edition.
- Mobile enterprise: available only to volume licensing customers. Offers the same functions as the mobile version.
- IoT: focused on low-cost devices and Internet of Things scenarios (IoT). It is available in three editions: IoT Core, IoT Enterprise e IoT Mobile Enterprise.
- Team: a modified version of Windows 10 designed specifically for Surface Hub (an interactive whiteboard for meeting rooms).
- S: The edition “safe” Windows 10 which only allows you to install apps from the Microsoft store. On 2019 it will no longer be an individual edition and will become part of all editions of this operating system.
Versions
Each 6 months, Microsoft releases major updates to its operating system, that have a business name and a code name, as well as a version number.
These are all versions of Windows 10 (important updates):
It is recommended not to force updates. Microsoft has shown that these important updates cannot be trusted, since many of them have serious errors. The best thing is to wait for them to arrive automatically on your computer.
System Requirements
To install Windows 10, your PC must have the following minimum requirements:
- Processor: 1 GHz or more.
- RAM: 1 GB (32 bits) O 2 GB (64 bits).
- Available hard disk space: 16 GB (32 bits) O 20 GB (64 bits).
- Graphic chart: Microsoft DirectX graphics device 9 with WDDM compliant driver 1.0.
- Screen: Screen resolution of at least 800 × 600.
See next page for Windows minimum and recommended requirements 10 for more information.
How to upgrade to Windows 10
If your computer already has this operating system and you want upgrade to the latest version of Windows 10You can do it from Windows Update (Setting> Update and security> Windows update). In case you have problems, you can always force the update with the Microsoft Windows Update Wizard tool 10.
Conversely, if you have a Windows computer 7 u 8 / 8.1 (with an original license), can upgrade to windows 10 with the Media Creation Tool.
After running the tool, select option “Upgrade this equipment now” and follow the steps indicated.
The tool allows you to choose whether or not you want to keep your files, applications and settings. Although we always recommend back up your files in case of possible problems.
Once the download is complete, restart your PC and you will have the latest version of Windows 10.
Depending on the version and edition of Windows you have, will update to:
- home, if you have Windows installed 7 Home Basic o Windows 8.1.
- Pro, if you have windows 7 Home Premium o Windows 8.1 Pro installed.
Unfortunately, Windows can no longer be updated 10 Home a Pro using Windows product key 7, 8 u 8.1 Pro o Ultimate.. If you want to update the edition, you will need to buy a license.
Regarding the Enterprise edition, this is out of these free updates. Although you can always follow this guide to download Windows 10 Enterprise free.
How to download Windows 10
Microsoft lets you download Windows 10 free and legal. This thanks to Media Creation Tool, which also serves to update the operating system.
After downloading the tool, run it and select the second option “Create installation media”.
Then, choose the language, the architecture and edition of the Windows ISO 10 to download.
In the next window, select option “ISO file” and save the installer on your PC.
Finally, follow this guide to install Windows 10 Step by Step, which includes using a program to make a bootable USB or DVD.
How to activate Windows 10
To activate Windows 10, and be able to use it without any limitation, it is necessary to acquire a license (product key).
The price of a license for the Home edition is $ 139 USD, while the license for the Pro edition costs $ 199,9 USD.
However, if you can't afford this price, you can buy a cheap Windows license 10, which is equally legal and works properly.
You can also choose to use any of these free Windows keys 10 (generic), although we do not guarantee that they will work.
If you have bought a new computer or laptop with this operating system, include a valid OEM license for a single computer.
Digital licenses are linked to your Microsoft account. Therefore, in case of formatting your PC, just log in to your Microsoft account for your system to activate.
Undoubtedly, an operating system that is here to stay and that is kept up-to-date thanks to frequent minor updates and two major updates by Microsoft (new versions) every year. Thus, you not only improve its functions and receive news, it also keeps you safe with security patches.
