Microsoft has released Windows 10 for PC’s first major update (version 1511, 10586). This update known by the code name Threshold 2 or Fall update contains some new features and user experience improvements.
If you are a windows 10 user, Microsoft is rolling out windows 10 first major update automatically through windows update, you shouldn’t panic if you haven’t had it yet It’ll show up pretty soon. (if you can’t wait or haven’t upgraded to windows 10 yet, check out how to below)
The update contains Microsoft Partner device drivers and applications updates for better Windows 10 compatibility, some fine tuning, fixes and improvements to the Operating System.
Microsoft is confident the latest update to Windows 10 makes it usable by all (especially enterprise users) who have some doubts said Executive Vice President, Microsoft Windows and Devices Group Terry Myerson.
But most importantly, with this free update we have reached the point in the platform’s maturity where we can confidently recommend Windows 10 deployment to whole organizations.
Some of the updates included in windows 10 first major update:
Experience improvements like; Faster boot up time and better performance with every day task.
Cortana can now set reminders using device’s pen, keep track of event and movie bookings and the option to book and track an Uber ride right from your event reminder. Cortana becomes available in Japan, Australia, Canada in English and India in English with features and experiences customized for each market.
Microsoft Edge received improved performance and security, now syncs your Favorites and Reading list items across devices, the Tab preview which allows you to hover over your open tabs and get a preview of what’s on those websites without leaving the page you’re on.
The Mail, Calendar, Photo’s, Maps, Grove, Skype and Xbox apps have all received a number of tweaks and improvement; better multitasking, also the introduction of Phone and Messaging apps that’ll help you communicate off your Windows 10 Mobile device from your PC, like reply incoming calls with text, sending SMS (currently being handled through Cortana).
Some Security features include; the introduction of Windows hello; which enables people to login with either fingerprint or facial recognition, Find my device etc.
Like I mentioned earlier, the update will show up in windows update and will install after downloading if you already run windows 10. If you are running windows 7 or 8.1 if you wait a bit longer it’ll come through windows update as Microsoft has made certain changes that will put windows 10 update as part of the recommended updates. Why wait when you can have it now?
Using Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool, you can trigger the update and run the upgrade or save the file on a USB drive or as an ISO file for maybe a clean install.
Link to the Media creation tool microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10
Click on the download tool now, save or run the file and follow the instructions to upgrade.
Do the upgrade and tell us what you think of Microsoft’s Windows 10 First Major Update. Have a question? ask us. Don’t forget to check up on updates, live and trending information from my twitter feed @silverscholar.
Source: Microsoft
Windows 10 OS will be available on the 29th July 2015
Microsoft Operating System chief’s Terry and Joe have mentioned by a blog and twitter post respectively the availability date of Windows 10. We’ve known from earlier conferences like Build, that the OS was going to be available during the summer but that was without a definite date. The OS will be officially released on Wednesday 29th July 2015 through windows update.
July 29 is the date! Windows 10 for all! Tell friends & family: RESERVE YOUR COPY NOW to get it on day 1! http://t.co/jGSloJDZkM
To hear Cortana tell you about the availability date just ask her from your phone, below is a recorded version if you don’t have a windows phone or pc.
There is also a video highlighting the release date and some exciting windows 10 features.
Terry Myerson talks about how windows 10 is almost very polished to be released to the public.
He also mentioned “You can reserve your free Windows 10 upgrade now through a simple reservation process. Look for this icon {in the picture below} in your system tray at the bottom of your screen, simply click on the icon, and then complete the reservation process”.
Here’s how to reserve your upgrade;
Click on the small Windows icon found at the right end of the taskbar.
Click “Reserve your free upgrade” in the app window.
Enter your email if you want a confirmation of this reservation.
All set. There’s no obligation and you can cancel your reservation at any time.
You’ll get a notification when your upgrade is ready later this year. This lets you schedule the installation for a time that’s convenient.
Microsoft has released a new build update to users testing out it’s windows 10 OS. The latest build, 10049 of the Windows 10 Technical preview for desktop also for the first time has the much talked about new browser “Project Spartan” integrated. The new windows 10 technical preview build is all about “Spartan” but in the build are some small improvements and fixes from the previous build 10041.
This update is available if you have set your update to fast ring, ISO’s won’t be available till the slow ring updates are available.
Here are some issues fixed in build 10049
The issue from Build 10041 for when the Photos app on your PC crashes when you tap on the circular icon at the top left to view the photo you just took.
Where you might end up in a state where windows open on your desktop are accidentally visible behind the Start Screen, Task View, Snap Assist, and when rearranging windows in Tablet Mode.
You will no longer get stuck when you manually lock your PC (Windows Key + L) during the initial out-of-box experience.
Here are some known issues for build 10049
After logging in, you may see a blue screen instead of your desktop. To work around this issue, lock your PC (with the hardware button or by pressing the Windows Key + L) and try logging in again. You can also try Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Indexing of new email in Outlook is not working, so search results will be limited to when the last index was built.
If you have Virtual Machines hosted in Hyper-V on your PC running Windows 10, you will want to move to the Slow ring and wait for the next build as this build breaks the ability to run VMs.
There are 2 issues using Visual Studio 2015 preview on this build:
The emulators will not boot and you won’t be able to deploy a Windows Universal app to the Mobile emulator.
The XAML designer in VS and Blend will crash when opened.
If you are a developer using these tools today to develop Windows Universal apps and need this functionality to work – we recommend switching to the Slow ring until we release a patch to fix these issues.
Can’t wait to see Spartan in action?, get the update and tell us what you think about the new browser.
In designing Windows 10 the Microsoft OS team had making computing very personal for the end user says Corporate Vice President, Operating Systems Group at Microsoft Joe Belfiore and as such are introducing like some of the other already cool features (if you are signed up for the Insiders Program you’ll know this) another cool new “personal computing” feature – Windows Hello and Microsoft Passport -.
Windows Hello is a biometric authentication feature which can provide instant access to your Windows 10 devices. With Windows Hello, you’ll be able to just show your face, or touch your finger to new devices running Windows 10 and be immediately recognized without hassle. And not only is Windows Hello more convenient than typing a password—it’s more secure! Our system enables you to authenticate applications, enterprise content, and even certain online experiences without a password being stored on your device or in a network server at all.
How Windows Hello works?
It uses a system support for biometric authentication using the face, iris or fingerprint with specialized hardware including fingerprint reader, illuminated IR sensor or other biometric sensors. If your device already has a fingerprint reader, you’ll be able to use Windows Hello to unlock that device, A picture of you or someone trying to impersonate you can’t be used to login. The cameras use infrared technology (like that of the Kinect technology) to identify your face or iris and can recognize you in a variety of lighting conditions.
Microsoft Passport is a code name for a programming system that IT managers, software developers and website authors can use to provide a more secure way of letting you sign-in to their sites or apps. Instead of using a shared or shareable secret like a password, Windows 10 helps to securely authenticate to applications, websites and networks on your behalf—without sending up a password. Thus, there is no shared password stored on their servers for a hacker to potentially compromise.
Microsoft passport gives you access to online content and apps without passwords but more securely and will work with your Microsoft account and the Azure active directory and other sites using the azure active directory.
Microsoft has released a significant update for the desktop operating system and RT devices like the Microsoft Surface. In this update keyboard and mouse users will experience improvements designed instinctively for them. The operating system is very user friendly now to Keyboard and mouse users, as the first was more touch inclined.
What is evident is this; when you are using a mouse, windows optimizes for a mouse and when using touch it gives you touch options.
Below are the details of the 8.1 Update;
Easier access to your favorite apps and key controls
1. Power and Search buttons on the Start screen
You can find the new power and search buttons in the upper-right corner of the Start screen next to your account picture. You’ll be able to quickly and easily shut down your PC or search for things right from Start.
Windows 8.1
2. All open and pinned apps appear in the taskbar
If you enjoy working in the desktop environment, you’ll see both desktop apps and metro UI apps from the Windows Store in your taskbar when they’re running. You can also pin any app to the taskbar so you can quickly open or switch between apps from the desktop.
3. Access the taskbar from anywhere
When using a mouse you’ll be able to see the taskbar from any screen, including Start or a windowed (metro UI) app. Move your mouse pointer below the bottom edge of the screen to show the taskbar and then click an app to open or switch to it.
4. Go to the desktop when you sign in, instead of Start Screen
If you call yourself a desktop person and not a fun of the metro UI apps, you can sign in/boot directly to the desktop instead of the Start screen. If you have a change of heart/mind and want to sign in to start instead, you can change this setting at any time.
More familiar mouse and keyboard options 1. The Minimize button, Close button, and taskbar are more available with your mouse
Your mouse now works more consistently anywhere in Windows, just your mouse to the top of the screen to see Close and Minimize buttons in any app. Move your mouse down to the bottom of the screen to see the taskbar from anywhere in Windows.
2. Right-click an app tile to see more options
If you’re using a mouse and you right-click on a tile on Start, you’ll see a context menu next to the tile that shows what you can do with the tile.
Windows Desktop
It’s now simpler to find new apps, you can discover apps when you use the search charm, and Bing smart includes apps in the search results. You also can now easily see your most recently installed apps.
If you’re already running Windows 8.1 or Windows RT 8.1, Windows 8.1 Update and Windows RT 8.1 Update are available for free through Windows Update.
Have you installed the update, have you noticed any changes, are you skeptical sound off in the comments.
