What Is Windows 10?

The what, when, and why of Microsoft’s newest PC operating system

Microsoft’s Windows 10 succeeds Windows 8 and is currently the most recent version of Windows available.

It introduces an updated Start Menu, new login methods, a better taskbar, a notification center, support for virtual desktops, the Edge browser, and a host of other usability updates. Cortana, Microsoft’s mobile personal assistant, is now part of Windows 10, even on desktop computers.

You may have noticed that Microsoft went right from Windows 8 to Windows 10. Curious as to why? See What Happened to Windows 9.

Windows 10 Features

Rather than continuing with the Windows 8-style «tiles» menu, which wasn’t well-received, Microsoft has reverted back to a Windows 7-style menu in Windows 10. It does include tiles, but they’re smaller and more contained.

Another new feature in Windows 10 is the ability to pin an app to all your virtual desktops. This technique is useful for apps you know you want easy access to in each one.

Windows 10 also makes it simple to quickly see your calendar tasks by just clicking or tapping on the time and date on the taskbar. It’s directly integrated with the main Calendar app in Windows 10.

There’s also a central notification center in Windows 10, similar to those common on mobile devices and other operating systems like macOS and Ubuntu.

There are tons of apps that support Windows 10. Be sure to check out our list of the best ones we’ve found.

Windows 10 Release Date

Windows 10 was first released as a preview on October 1, 2014, and the final version was released to the public on July 29, 2015. Windows 10 was famously a free upgrade for Windows 7 and Windows 8 owners but that only lasted for one year, through July 29, 2016.

Windows 10 Editions

Windows 10 can be purchased directly from Microsoft or via retailers like Amazon.com. Two versions of Windows 10 are available, Windows 10 Pro and Windows 10 Home.

Several other editions of Windows 10 are also available but not directly to consumers. They include Windows 10 Mobile, Windows 10 Enterprise, Windows 10 Enterprise Mobile, and Windows 10 Education.

Unless otherwise marked, all versions of Windows 10 include both 32-bit and 64-bit editions.

Windows 10 System Requirements

The minimum hardware required to run Windows 10 is similar to what was required for other recent versions of Windows:

• CPU: 1 GHz with NX, PAE, and SSE2 support (CMPXCHG16b, PrefetchW, and LAHF/SAHF support for 64-bit versions)
• RAM: 1 GB (2 GB for 64-bit versions)
• Hard Drive: 16 GB free space (20 GB free for 64-bit versions)
• Graphics: A GPU that supports at least DirectX 9 with a WDDM driver

If you’re upgrading from Windows 7 or Windows 8, make sure to use Windows Update to apply all the updates available for that version before starting the upgrade.

Windows 10 update history

Windows 10, version 1903 and Windows Server, version 1903

Updates for Windows 10, version 1903 and Windows Server, version 1903

Windows 10 is a service, which means it gets better through periodic software updates.

The great news is you usually don’t have to do anything! If you have enabled automatic updates, new updates will automatically download and install whenever they’re available, so you don’t have to think about it.

On the left side of this page, you’ll find a list of all the updates released for this version of Windows. You can also find more information about releases and any known issues. Installing the most recent update ensures that you also get any previous updates you might have missed, including any important security fixes.

Current status of Windows 10, version 1903 and Windows Server, version 1903

For the most up-to-date information about Known Issues for Windows and Windows Server, please go to the Windows release health dashboard.

Notes and messages

General

IMPORTANT Release notes are changing! To learn about the new URL, metadata updates, and more, see What’s next for Windows release notes.

IMPORTANT Starting in July 2020, we will resume non-security releases for Windows 10 and Windows Server, version 1809 and later. There is no change to the cumulative monthly security updates (also referred to as the «B» release or Update Tuesday release). For more information, see the blog post Resuming optional Windows 10 and Windows Server non-security monthly updates.

IMPORTANT Starting in July 2020, all Windows Updates will disable the RemoteFX vGPU feature because of a security vulnerability. For more information about the vulnerability, seeCVE-2020-1036 and KB4570006. After you install this update, attempts to start virtual machines (VM) that have RemoteFX vGPU enabled will fail, and messages such as the following will appear:

If you re-enable RemoteFX vGPU, a message similar to the following will appear:

“The virtual machine cannot be started because all the RemoteFX-capable GPUs are disabled in Hyper-V Manager.”

“The virtual machine cannot be started because the server has insufficient GPU resources.”

«We no longer support the RemoteFX 3D video adapter. If you are still using this adapter, you may become vulnerable to security risk. Learn more (https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2131976)”

What’s new for Windows 10, version 1909 and Windows 10, version 1903 release notes

Windows 10, versions 1903 and 1909 share a common core operating system and an identical set of system files. As a result, the new features in Windows 10, version 1909 were included in the recent monthly quality update for Windows 10, version 1903 (released October 8, 2019), but are currently in a dormant state. These new features will remain dormant until they are turned on using an enablement package, which is a small, quick-to-install “master switch” that simply activates the Windows 10, version 1909 features.

To reflect this change, the release notes for Windows 10, version 1903 and Windows 10, version 1909 will share an update history page. Each release page will contain a list of addressed issues for both 1903 and 1909 versions. Note that the 1909 version will always contain the fixes for 1903; however, 1903 will not contain the fixes for 1909. This page will provide you with the build numbers for both 1909 and 1903 versions so that it will be easier for support to assist you if you encounter issues.

For more details about the enablement package and how to get the feature update, see the Windows 10, version 1909 delivery options blog.

End of servicing

IMPORTANT Windows 10, version 1903 will reach end of servicing on December 8, 2020. To continue receiving security and quality updates, Microsoft recommends that you update to the latest version of Windows 10. If you want to update to Windows 10, version 1909, you must use the Enablement Package KB4517245(EKB). Using the EKB makes updating faster and easier and requires a single restart. For more information, see Windows 10, version 1909 delivery options.

Troubleshooting

If you have questions or need help activating or troubleshooting Windows, see our help topics below:

For information about how to update, see Update Windows 10.

If you have questions about manually installing or removing an update, see Windows Update: FAQ.

Getting an error message when updating? See Troubleshoot problems updating Windows 10.

If you need to activate Windows, see Activation in Windows 10. If you’re having trouble with activation, see Get help with Windows activation errors.

To get the latest major update to Windows 10, see Get the Windows 10 October 2018 Update.

Windows 10 update history

Windows 10, version 2004 and Windows Server, version 2004

Updates for Windows 10, version 2004 and Windows Server, version 2004

Windows 10 is a service, which means it gets better through periodic software updates.

The great news is you usually don’t have to do anything! If you have enabled automatic updates, new updates will automatically download and install whenever they’re available, so you don’t have to think about it.

On the left side of this page, you’ll find a list of all the updates released for this version of Windows. You can also find more information about releases and any known issues. Installing the most recent update ensures that you also get any previous updates you might have missed, including any important security fixes.

For more information about the update and how to get it, see:

Current status of Windows 10, version 2004 and Windows Server, version 2004

For the most up-to-date information about Known Issues for Windows and Windows Server, please go to the Windows release health dashboard.

Known issues

Certain Japanese half-width Katakana and full-width Katakana characters that have a consonant mark aren’t interpreted as the same character. When you use the CompareStringEx() function with the NORM_IGNOREWIDTH flag to compare them, these characters are evaluated as different because of an issue in the sorting rule . This issue affects all the updates starting on June 9, 2020 for Windows 10, version 2004.

Open the Command Prompt window ( cmd.exe) with elevated privileges.

Run “reg add HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Nls\Sorting\Versions /ve /d 0006020F /f”

Restart the computer or processes to see the full effect.

Important If you have not installed KB4586853or later on the computer, setting an invalid value in this registry might prevent the computer from starting up.

This workaround reverts the National Language Support (NLS) sorting rule to version 6.2, which is used in Windows 10, version 1909 and earlier. When sharing data between systems, consider applying the workaround consistently. If you use this workaround, conduct sufficient testing and evaluations to mitigate problems caused by different sorting rule versions on multiple systems.

Notes and messages

General

IMPORTANT Release notes are changing! To learn about the new URL, metadata updates, and more, see What’s next for Windows release notes.

IMPORTANT Starting in July 2020, we will resume non-security releases for Windows 10 and Windows Server, version 1809 and later. There is no change to the cumulative monthly security updates (also referred to as the «B» release or Update Tuesday release). For more information, see the blog post Resuming optional Windows 10 and Windows Server non-security monthly updates.

IMPORTANT Starting in July 2020, all Windows Updates will disable the RemoteFX vGPU feature because of a security vulnerability. For more information about the vulnerability, seeCVE-2020-1036 and KB4570006. After you install this update, attempts to start virtual machines (VM) that have RemoteFX vGPU enabled will fail, and messages such as the following will appear:

If you re-enable RemoteFX vGPU, a message similar to the following will appear:

“The virtual machine cannot be started because all the RemoteFX-capable GPUs are disabled in Hyper-V Manager.”

“The virtual machine cannot be started because the server has insufficient GPU resources.”

«We no longer support the RemoteFX 3D video adapter. If you are still using this adapter, you may become vulnerable to security risk. Learn more (https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2131976)”

Troubleshooting

If you have questions or need help activating or troubleshooting Windows, see our help topics below:

For information about how to update, see Update Windows 10.

If you have questions about manually installing or removing an update, see Windows Update: FAQ.

Getting an error message when updating? See Troubleshoot problems updating Windows 10.

If you need to activate Windows, see Activation in Windows 10. If you’re having trouble with activation, see Get help with Windows activation errors.

To get the latest major update to Windows 10, see Get the Windows 10 October 2020 Update.

Microsoft завершила разработку совершенно новой Windows 10

Windows 10X готова для использования в недорогих компьютерах

Как пишет источник, компания Microsoft финализировала Windows 10X – совершенно новую версию Windows 10, предназначенную для установки в недорогие ноутбуки – конкуренты мобильных компьютеров под управлением Chrome OS. Microsoft завершила внутренние работы над сборкой 202XX Windows 10X и готова выпустить ее в версии Release to Manufacturers (RTM).

Напомним, изначально Windows 10X должна была выйти с двухэкранным Surface Neo, но позже стратегия была скорректирована, и в нынешней версии она предназначена для обычных ноутбуков с рядом ограничений (помним, что речь идет о бюджетных моделях с небольшими объемами памяти).

Несмотря на то, что Windows 10X уже готова, ноутбуки под ее управлением появятся в продаже только весной. Ориентировочно, в апреле. Microsoft не собирается распространять Windows 10X в виде свободно скачиваемого дистрибутива, поэтому просто так обычным пользователям установить ее на свои ПК не получится – по крайней мере, до тех пор, пока не появится образ системы, перенесенный с системного раздела одного из ноутбуков с этой ОС.

Windows 10X – это облегченный вариант Windows 10 с унифицированными драйверами, без поддержки приложений Win32 на начальном этапе и с упрощенным меню Пуск (без плиток). Еще одно новшество интерфейса Windows 10X – закругленные углы окон. Если в Windows 10X это новшество уже реализовано, то в обычной Windows 10 оно, судя по всему, появится только примерно через год.

Lifecycle FAQ — Windows

Originally published: July 26, 2016
Updated: April 6, 2021

Please go here to search for your product’s lifecycle.

Windows — General

What is the Lifecycle Policy for Windows?

Windows 10 Semi-Annual Channel and Windows Server Semi-Annual Channel are governed by the Modern Policy. Other Windows products are governed by the Fixed Lifecycle Policy. Search for the product lifecycle for your specific Windows product and its corresponding Lifecycle Policy and end-of-support dates.

What is the difference between a Windows quality update and a Windows feature update?

A Windows quality update is an incremental update to Windows products that includes bug fixes and security issue resolutions but includes no new features.

A Windows feature update is an update that contains new features. A feature update also includes all previous quality updates, as applicable.

Go here for more information on these terms.

If I obtained Windows when I purchased a new device, who provides support?

If you have a valid Windows license, you are eligible for support from Microsoft, subject to the Microsoft Lifecycle Policy and the support terms and conditions that were in place at the time of purchase. If you acquired your Windows operating system through the Microsoft Volume Licensing program or from an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), Microsoft offers access to a wealth of online self-help support content in addition to paid technical help offerings. If you acquired your Windows operating system through an OEM, you may also contact your OEM for more information about the support offerings for Windows operating systems from that OEM.

Can I use prior versions of Windows on a device running a newer version?

To use prior versions of Windows on devices currently running a newer version, it is possible for customers to obtain a license for downgrade rights. These downgrade rights will vary depending on whether the software was acquired via Volume Licensing, Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), or Full Packaged Product (FPP). To learn more about these rights, review the downgrade rights licensing brief. Prior versions of Windows, including Windows 8.1, have limited support when running on new processors and chipsets from manufacturers like Intel, AMD, NVidia, and Qualcomm. For more information, please see Microsoft Lifecycle Policy. A device may not be able to run prior versions of Windows if the device hardware is incompatible, lacks current drivers, or is otherwise outside of the original equipment manufacturer’s (OEM) support period.

When a Windows operating system (OS) reaches the end of its lifecycle or is no longer supported, does that mean new programs will not run on that OS?

Once a Microsoft operating system (OS) reaches the end of support, customers will no longer receive security updates. The OS may still work with programs and hardware after the sale or support of the operating system has been discontinued. However, the possibility increases that new programs and hardware will not be performant on an older OS. This frequently occurs because the manufacturers of new hardware and software make product-design decisions that take advantage of the increased functionality and features in newer operating systems. These manufacturers may decide to discontinue support of their products on older operating systems as appropriate.

Windows 10

What is the servicing timeline for a version (feature update) of Windows 10?

New versions of Windows 10 (also called feature updates) will be released twice a year for Windows 10 via the Semi-Annual Channel. Customers should always install the latest version before the current version reaches end of servicing to remain supported by Microsoft.

As of September 6, 2018, we have evolved our servicing timeline for customers who need more time to test and deploy Windows 10 feature updates. Supported versions will be serviced via monthly quality updates.

Edition

Servicing timeline
Released first half of year (H1)

Servicing timeline
Released second half of year (H2)

Windows 10 Enterprise
Windows 10 Education
Windows 10 IoT Enterprise

18 months from release date

30 months from release date

Windows 10 Pro
Windows 10 Pro Education
Windows 10 Pro for Workstations
Windows 10 Home 1

18 months from release date

1 Home edition does not support the deferral of feature updates and will therefore typically receive a new version of Windows 10 prior to the end-of-servicing date shown.

What are the requirements for servicing and updating Windows 10 Semi-Annual Channels?

To receive monthly quality updates, customers must be on a supported version of Windows 10. Go here for support dates.

Windows 10 quality updates are cumulative, with each update built upon the quality updates preceding it.

What are my installation options for Windows updates?

It is highly recommended that customers install the latest feature update to stay up to date with the latest security updates, as well as to continue receiving future feature updates, with less impact on IT processes and infrastructure.

To help reduce the burden on network bandwidth, Microsoft designed two different update types: Full and Express 1 .

If needed, customers may defer semi-annual Feature Updates via Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options or via an organization’s device management policies.

On devices that do not defer the installation of feature updates, the subsequent Semi-Annual Channel version of Windows 10 may be automatically offered and installed prior to the end date. Update deferral is not available for all versions of Windows 10 2 . Please see Windows as a Service (WaaS) for information on release channels and the Windows 10 release information page for additional update details.

Not all features in a feature update will be available on all devices. Similarly, a device may not be able to receive updates if the device hardware is incompatible, lacks current drivers, lacks sufficient storage space, or is otherwise outside the original equipment manufacturer’s (OEM) support period. For more information on compatibility, review the Windows 10 System Requirements as well as the Windows Processor Requirements.

Update availability may vary by country, region, network connectivity, mobile operator (e.g., for cellular-capable devices), or hardware capabilities (including, e.g., free disk space).

1 As of April 9th, 2019 Delta Updates are no longer be available. To learn more, go here.

2 Windows 10 Home does not support the deferral of feature updates and will therefore typically receive a new version of Windows 10 prior to the end-of-service date shown.

What happened to the End of Mainstream Support date for Windows 10 listings on the Lifecycle Product Search page?

In the Windows as a Service (WaaS) model, the concept of Mainstream Support does not apply to Semi-Annual Channels, as each Semi-Annual Channel will be serviced (receive monthly quality updates) for a limited time. Customers are required to move to a supported version (feature update) to continue to receive monthly quality updates with security and non-security fixes.

What are the requirements for servicing and updating the Windows 10 Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC)?

The Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) is designed to be used only for specialized devices — for example, those that control medical equipment or automated teller machines (ATMs).

To receive monthly quality updates, customers must be on a supported version of Windows 10. Go here for support dates.

See Overview of Windows as a Service (WaaS) for more information on release channels and the Windows 10 release info page for additional update details.

Windows Server

What are the requirements for servicing and updating Windows Server 2016 (LTSC) and Windows Server (Semi-Annual Channel)?

To receive monthly quality updates, customers must be on a supported version of Windows Server. Go here for support dates.

Updates are cumulative, with each update built upon the updates that preceded it.

What is the Lifecycle Policy for Windows Server Update Services (WSUS)?

Previously a standalone product, Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) became a component of the Windows Server operating system beginning with Windows Server 2012. A component is defined as a set of files or features that are included with a Microsoft product, whether it is shipped with the product, included in a product service pack or update, or later made available as a web download for the product. As a component, WSUS follows the Lifecycle Policy for the product on which it is installed – Windows Server (the parent product).

Windows 8.1

What is the Lifecycle Policy for Windows 8.1?

Windows 8.1 reached the end of Mainstream Support on January 9, 2018, and will reach end of Extended Support on January 10, 2023. With the general availability of Windows 8.1, customers on Windows 8 had until January 12, 2016, to move to Windows 8.1 to remain supported.

Why were Windows 8 customers required to move to Windows 8.1 two years after the general availability?

Historically, Microsoft has taken a similar support approach related to service packs. When a Windows service pack is released, Microsoft provides customers 24 months of support for the prior service pack or original release. Unlike service packs that are typically a collection of fixes, Windows 8.1 has new features and enhancements, and was designed to give customers the ability to deploy this update similar to service packs. Therefore we are applying the service pack policy to Windows 8.1.

Windows 8.1 does not change any hardware requirements compared with Windows 8 and existing Windows Store apps will work with Windows 8.1. Business customers who had Software Assurance licensing received Windows 8.1 as a free update.

Windows Embedded

How does the end of support for Windows XP impact Windows Embedded products?

Windows Embedded products have their own distinct lifecycles, based on when the product was released and made generally available. It is important for businesses to understand the support implications for these products to ensure that systems remain up-to-date and secure. The following Windows Embedded products are based on Windows XP:

Windows XP Professional for Embedded Systems. This product is identical to Windows XP, and Extended Support ended on April 8, 2014.

Windows XP Embedded Service Pack 3 (SP3). This is the original toolkit and componentized version of Windows XP. It was originally released in 2002, and Extended Support ended on January 12, 2016.

Windows Embedded for Point of Service SP3. This product is for use in point of sale devices. It’s built from Windows XP Embedded. It was originally released in 2005, and Extended Support ended on April 12, 2016.

Windows Embedded Standard 2009. This product is an updated release of the toolkit and componentized version of Windows XP. It was originally released in 2008, and Extended Support ended on January 8, 2019.

Windows Embedded POSReady 2009. This product for point of sale devices reflects the updates available in Windows Embedded Standard 2009. It was originally released on 2009, and extended support ended on April 9, 2019.

Why does support for Windows XP Professional for Embedded Systems end with Windows XP?

Windows XP Professional for Embedded Systems is a specially licensed version of Windows XP Professional for industry devices, delivering the full features and functionality of Windows XP. Given this relationship, both operating systems followed the same release schedule and share the same timeline.

Why was Windows XP Embedded be supported for two years longer than Windows XP Professional for Embedded Systems?

Windows XP Embedded is a modular form of Windows XP, with additional functionality to support the needs of industry devices. It was released separately from Windows XP and provides a separate support lifecycle to address the unique needs of industry devices. Devices running Windows XP Embedded reached end of support in 2016.

What is the Lifecycle Policy for Windows Embedded 8.1 products?

Windows Embedded 8.1 falls under the same lifecycle policy as Windows Embedded 8 with support ending 7/11/2023. Customers have 24 months to move to Windows Embedded 8.1 to remain supported. This applies to Windows Embedded 8 Industry Enterprise and Industry Pro.

What is the difference in the Extended Support phase for Windows Embedded products versus regular Windows products?

The type of support provided in the Extended Support phase is consistent across all products. Critical security updates are made available for products until the published Extended Support end date. This allows businesses to ensure that they are up to date in protection against security attacks. Similar to Windows products, Embedded products also receive updates through Microsoft Update. No regular updates are being released for Windows Embedded products to the release channels of DPC (Device Partner Center), Windows Embedded Developer Update (WEDU) and Microsoft OEM Online (MOO).

Windows Silicon Policy

What is the Windows policy for silicon support?

Windows products will be supported for security, reliability, and compatibility on the latest silicon available at the time of release. This includes previous silicon generations still in support by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).

What is the Windows Lifecycle policy for Intel’s sixth generation of processors (also known as Skylake) released in late 2015?

Windows 7 and 8.1 Devices

Supported Skylake devices will receive applicable Windows security updates through the end of support. These systems should be upgraded to Windows 10 to continue receiving support after the period ends. Search here to see your product’s end of support dates.

Windows Embedded 7, 8, and 8.1

Skylake devices running Windows Embedded 7, 8, and 8.1 will be supported according to the lifecycle support policy for those products. During this supported period, these systems should be upgraded to Windows 10 to continue receiving support after the period ends. There is no supported device list for Windows Embedded.

Windows Server

The Windows Server platform is supported on certified or logoed hardware as listed in the Windows Server Catalog. Today, you can browse the catalog and find hardware that meets or exceeds our minimum server hardware requirements and has been successfully certified for supported Windows Server products. For Windows Server, the policy consists of five years of mainstream support followed by five years of extended support. This lifecycle impacts the timeframe for which new devices and systems can be certified. We allow new systems to be submitted for certification up to the point when the OS transitions to extended support.

Where can I learn more?

To identify what generation of processor you have, see Intel’s page on processor numbers. To see if your processor supports Windows 10, see Intel’s Product Specification page. Go here to learn more about the latest processor requirements for all Windows products. To find your Windows product end of support date, search the Product Lifecycle site.

Windows RT

What is the Lifecycle Policy for Windows RT?

Microsoft will make software updates, including security updates, available for Windows RT. Search here for your specific product and its corresponding Lifecycle Policy.

What is the Lifecycle policy for Microsoft Office Home and Student 2013 RT, the version of Office available on Windows RT?

Microsoft Office Home and Student 2013 RT has the same lifecycle policy as Windows RT.

How long will Microsoft support device hardware that runs Windows RT?

Please refer to hardware warranties for more information. More details can be found in the Hardware FAQ.

Windows Mobile

What is the Lifecycle Policy for Windows Mobile?

Go here to learn about the Lifecycle Policy for Windows Mobile.

Change Log

October 2020 edits
UPDATED the Windows 8.1 section.