Windows 10 (the successor to Windows 8 / 8.1) was released for the first time to public on July 29, 2015, it was available for many device platforms like desktop / laptop PC, smartphone, tablet etc., and it uses the same software ecosystem in all platforms. Windows 10 is an operating system as a service for consumers and businesses. According to Microsoft, Windows 10 is based on 'software as a service' model in which the operating system receives ongoing updates rather than issuing a full new version. Windows 10 introduces Universal Windows Platform, a platform on which developed apps can work in all Windows 10 devices. In Windows 8, Universal Applications work in fullscreen, while in Windows 10, those apps work as normal software applications in a normal window.

The Windows 7-like start menu is back in the Windows 10, with app tiles like Windows 8 / 8.1. Users can change the start menu size to either full screen or small size. All types of applications can be snapped on the screen, which lets you work together. The taskbar has a task view icon that allows you to easily switch to different open apps, or create a new virtual desktop. Windows 10 includes two user interface (UI) modes, one is optimized for devices with keyboard and mouse, and the other is for a touch screen device.

Microsoft introduced several new features and applications in Windows 10's first release such as Microsoft Edge Browser, Cortana Virtual Assistant, Universal Windows Platform, New Start Menu, Task View and Virtual Desktops, DirectX 12, Game bar, Multi-factor user authentication, Snap Assist, Notification centre, and more.

Windows 10 is available in many different editions, for home PCs, you can download a Home or Pro version, and for business computers you can install the Enterprise Edition, and in academic institutions you can use the Education edition of the operating system. Brief information about each PC edition of Windows 10 is given below:

Home - The Home Edition is the basic version of the operating system, designed for home PC users, and available for PC and tablet devices. It has all the new notable Windows 10 features such as Cortana Virtual Assistant, Edge Browser, Mobile Management Facility, Virtual Desktops in Task View, etc., while going for features like BitLocker, Windows, DirectAccess, not available in the Home version. The 32-bit version of the Home Edition supports up to 4 GB RAM, and the 64-bit version supports 128 GB RAM.

Pro - The Pro Edition is designed for home PC users, professionals, and small businesses, and is available for PC and tablet devices. It includes all the features of Home Edition, and more like BitLocker, Joining Windows domain, Hyper-V, Windows To Go, and more business features are included. The 64-bit version of the Pro edition supports 2 TB RAM in the system.

Enterprise - Enterprise Edition features most of all editions in terms of features, security, and hardware / software support. It is available for Microsoft Volume Licensing customers, and is designed for the use in small and large organizations. It includes all the features of the PRO version, and includes more business-oriented features like AppLocker, Microsoft Application Virtualization, Device Guard, DirectAccess, and more. The 64-bit version of Enterprise Edition supports up to 2 TB RAM.

Education - Education Edition is designed for educational institutions (for example, schools, colleges, etc.), it is available for institutions that own the Microsoft Academy Volume License. In terms of features and hardware / software support, it includes all the features of the PRO version, and is similar to the Enterprise Edition.

Windows 10 Version history (PC)

() contain year of release.

Windows 10 21H1 (2021)
Windows 10 20H2 (2020)
Windows 10 2004 (2020)
Windows 10 1909 (2019).
Windows 10 1903 (2019).
Windows 10 1809 (2018).
Windows 10 1803 (2018).
Windows 10 1709 (2017).
Windows 10 1703 (2017).
Windows 10 1607 (2016).
Windows 10 1511 (2015).
Windows 10 1507 (2015).

Features

Snap applications on the screen and work together.
Tasks view in the taskbar.
Virtual desktop.
Microsoft Edge Browser.
Cortana Virtual Assistant.
Universal Windows Platform.
Paint 3D app.
Windows Mixed Reality.
Microsoft Fluent Design Implementation.
Dark mode in file explorer.
A new phone management application.
Snip and Sketch Screenshot Tool.
Game Bar tool.
Dark and Light Theme.
Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL).
Password-less sign-in

* All the above features available in the latest version.

Facts

Windows 10 is called the last version of Windows by Microsoft.
Windows 10 is based on the 'Software as a Software' model in which the operating system receives continuous updates instead of releasing a full new version.

What can run on your computer?