Windows 8 is a disaster because of its all new Start Screen, forced touchscreen interface and the cumbersome and low-quality apps. Rectifying almost all the downsides of Windows 8 and including the good things of Windows 7, Microsoft unveiled Windows 10.
Unlike other previous versions, Microsoft actually took feedback from users to improve the features and visual aesthetics. Here are some compelling reasons why you should consider upgrading to Windows 10.
1. Updated Start Menu and User Interface
For almost any Windows user the Start menu is one of the most used features. In Windows 8 Microsoft changed it completely. In Windows 10 the much-loved Start menu made a grand comeback encompassing the best of Windows 7 and 8. Even the Power button is right back in its rightful place – no more fiddling with hidden menus like in Windows 8.
The Start menu in Windows 10 has got two halves. The left side of the Start menu has the regular file explorer, most used apps and recently installed apps. On the right side you have the modern apps with live tiles. One of the best things about the Windows 10 Start menu is that it is highly customizable and yet easy to use.
In addition Microsoft updated the user interface with new icons, sounds, touch and mouse friendly icons, etc. All the modern apps are now windowed just like the regular apps. Moreover, Windows 10 has a shiny and actually useful notification center to deal with all the notifications and stuff.
2. Cortana
Microsoft officially introduced Cortana to Windows 10, a personal digital assistant for your PC. By default, Cortana will sit right next to the Start button, and you can invoke her just by saying “Hey, Cortana.” Of course, Cortana is a completely optional feature, and you need to specifically enable it to start using it.
With Cortana enabled, you can actually speak and get your computer to do things like turning your WiFi or Bluetooth on and off, searching for files and folders, interacting with the music player, taking quick notes, launching an application, etc.
Moreover, Cortana can show you location-based notifications and even keep track of your calendar and schedules. For instance, if you let Cortana know when you return home from work, it can show you traffic updates and other data automatically at a quick glance so that you can reschedule if necessary.
Finally, if you have the technical build installed, try asking Cortana “What’s the answer for Life, Universe and Everything?”
3. Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge is the new default web browser in Windows 10, and it is built to compete with the major browsers like Chrome and Firefox. Unlike Internet Explorer, Edge is built from the ground up, and it is fast and user-friendly. Not only does it emphasize speed and minimal user-interface, it also has a variety of tools, including but not limited to the reading list, Cortana integration, reading mode, tools to annotate and share web pages, and more.
With its default “Bing” search engine, it can show you results instantly while you are still typing in the address bar. It’s helpful to know stuff like the weather forecast, traffic updates, etc. Of course, this doesn’t mean Internet Explorer no longer exists; it is just tucked deep under.
4. DirectX 12
If you are a gamer, then DirectX 12 is one of the best things you will hear about Windows 10. In case you don’t know, DirectX 12 is a low-level graphics API which provides a better threading model than the previous DirectX 11 to improve graphic card and gaming performance while keeping the power consumption as low as possible.
One more good thing about DirectX 12 is that it gives game developers console-like deep control for refined tweaking. Moreover, you don’t actually need a graphics card to enjoy the full potential of DirectX 12 as it can be easily activated by the drivers.
If you are a gamer, upgrading to Windows 10 will surely improve your gaming experience.
5. Xbox Integration
With Windows 10 you can now stream your Xbox One games to your PC. If you are an Xbox One owner, you no longer have to sit before it to play your favorite game. Windows 10 comes pre-installed with the Xbox app, and once enabled, all you have to do is to plug your controller into your PC, and the games will start streaming over your local network.
The good thing about the Xbox app is that it comes with several Xbox features like friends, achievements, support to launch apps, etc. The lag in the stream entirely depends upon the strength of your home network. i.e. if you have a good and speedy home network then there shouldn’t be any noticeable lag in the streaming.
6. Continuum
Providing the same computing or user experience no matter what device you are using is what Continuum aims to achieve. Unlike Windows 8, Windows 10 no longer forces you to use the touch-screen. Instead, Continuum ensures that the operating system works flawlessly without any speed bumps regardless of device type or screen size.
Continuum allows Windows to adopt both the desktop and tablet devices on the fly and offers a natural, no-compromise and familiar user interface across the devices. Just look at the video shared above to see how awesome the Continuum feature is.
7. Windows 10 is Free
Over the past few months, there were several speculations that Windows 10 would be a subscription-based service. But that’s not what it is. Unlike all the upgrades we’ve seen over the years, Windows 10 is actually free for all the genuine Windows 7 and 8 users as long as you upgrade your system within one year from the launch date.
That being said, Windows 10 is free for many but not all. The Enterprise upgrades are not free, and the RTs will receive a stripped down version of Windows 10 as a part of the update program.
Conclusion
There is no denying that the new operating system brings several enhancements with speed, security and stability. Moreover, there is a wealth of new and compelling features like Snap Assist, Virtual Desktops, Cross Platform apps, improved security, new music service, continuous development of the operating system, etc.
These are my compelling reasons that make me upgrade to Windows 10. So, what do you think, do you want to upgrade to Windows 10?
Share your thoughts and experiences about the all-new Windows 10 using the comments form below.
Republished with permission from MakeTechEasier. Read the original.
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