Windows 10: better, stronger, faster?
Microsoft caused quite a stir with the release of Windows 10 on July 29, 2015. For many PC users, switching to the new operating system is a no-brainer, while for others, it is a close call. If you haven’t decided whether your business is ready to make the switch, here’s a closer look at Windows 10 to help you determine if the new operating system is really better, stronger, and faster.
COST
Upgrade to Windows 10 for free! Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and Windows Phone 8.1 users can receive the new operating system free of charge until July 29, 2016. Windows 10 is free for the life of the device, which means free support and updates as long as Microsoft support the operating system.
Windows Vista, XP, 7 Enterprise, 8 / 8.1 Enterprise, and RT / RT 8.1 are excluded from this free offer. These OSs require a payment of $ 119 for a Home license or $ 199 for a Pro license to upgrade to Windows 10. However, if you have Software Assurance with one of these OSs, the upgrade is free.
SUPPORT FOR
Windows 7 and Windows 8 are nearing the end of support faster than we’d like to think. By upgrading to Windows 10, you get years of additional general and extended support. Here is a comparison of operating system support lifecycles for Windows 10 vs. Windows 8 vs. Windows 7:
End of standard operating system support End of extended support
Windows 7 January 13, 2015 January 14, 2020
Windows 8 January 9, 2018 January 10, 2023
Windows 10 October 13, 2020 October 14, 2025
Windows 10 brings additional years of general and extended support. The end of standard support means that Microsoft will no longer improve the product, but support for security and reliability issues will continue. End of Extended Support still provides security and reliability support; however, this marks the end of support for non-safety related reviews, requests for new features and designs, and warranty claims.
The question is, what will you do when support for your operating system comes to an end in the next few years? If you’re an eligible candidate for a free upgrade to Windows 10, it may be worth upgrading before the offer expires.
SPEED
Is Windows 10 faster? TechSpot tested Windows 10 against Windows 8.1 and Windows 7 for speed performance. The new operating system was within seconds of Windows 8.1 and Windows 7 for speed in all performance areas. Here’s a quick look at the difference you may feel on a daily basis with wake-up and boot times:
Operating system Hibernation Wake up Hybrid Sleep Wake up Boot time
Windows 7 27 seconds 17 seconds 5 seconds
Windows 8.1 23 seconds 12 seconds 4 seconds
Windows 10 21 seconds 10 seconds 6 seconds
Similar to the activation and boot speed, it is a close call for Windows 10 against Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 in applications, storage and gaming performance. Windows 10 doesn’t have a clear advantage over previous operating systems in terms of speed in any particular category.
FEATURES
Windows 10 brings futuristic features to computing. With this new operating system, users can expect better collaboration, mobility, and ease of use with a fresh look. Here is an overview of some of the latest enhancements:
MOBILITY. THE NEW OS RUNS ON ALL MICROSOFT DEVICES: FROM DESKTOPES TO LAPTOP, HYBRID, TABLETS AND SMARTS. IT IS A SINGLE PLATFORM FOR ALL YOUR ENDPOINTS.
CORTANA. THE MICROSOFT VOICE ASSISTANT FOR WINDOWS PHONE ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS IN SECONDS. CORTANA ALSO HANDLES BASIC COMMANDS SUCH AS OPENING A BROWSER, CREATING A NEW EMAIL, SETTING REMINDERS OR CALENDAR APPOINTMENT, AND MORE.
WINDOWS HELLO. SHOW YOUR FACE OR TOUCH YOUR FINGER ON DEVICES FOR BIOMETRIC AUTHENTICATION. HELLO ELIMINATES THE NEED FOR PASSWORDS AND MAKES AUTHENTICATION MORE SECURE.
EDGE. SEARCH FASTER WITH THE NEW MICROSOFT EDGE WEB BROWSER. DRAW, WRITE AND WRITE NOTES DIRECTLY ON THE WEB PAGES AND SHARE THEM WITH OTHERS.
BATTERY SAVING. THIS FUNCTION PRESERVES THE BATTERY BY LIMITING BACKGROUND ACTIVITY AND ADJUSTING THE HARDWARE SETTINGS WHEN ACTIVATED.
UPDATES. WINDOWS 10 NOW OFFERS OUT-OF-WINDOWS SECURITY PATCHES UPDATED TO GO DIRECTLY TO YOUR COMPUTER WHEN THEY ARE AVAILABLE.
BETTER, STRONGER, FASTER?
Is Windows 10 better, stronger and faster? The move to Windows 10 brings extended support, futuristic features, performance improvements, and no cost (for some). While your speed may not be a deal breaker, weighing the benefits of new features and additional support against your current operating system could tip the balance. Microsoft has made the decision even more compelling for those on Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows Phone 8.1 with a one-year offer for a free update.
If you’ve determined that Windows 10 is right for your business, it’s a must to test your operating system for compatibility. Testing applications, hardware, drivers, printers, and more to verify their suitability with Windows 10 is necessary for a smooth transition. Since the operating system was released on July 29, 2015, numerous patches and updates have already been released to improve compatibility and stability. No doubt there will be more updates and patches as users test the operating system. The key question in determining when your business will make the switch is how much testing is required to ensure a smooth transition.
If you haven’t settled on Windows 10 yet, try testing the new operating system in action on the Microsoft website or contact us to explore which operating system option is right for your organization. If you’ve determined that Windows 10 is right for your business, please contact our team to ensure a smooth transition to the new operating system.