[Review] What’s New in Windows 10
We know that Microsoft’s latest OS Windows 10 has been released to public and Windows 7 or 8.1 users can free upgrade to Windows 10.
Windows 10 Now Available for Download and Free Upgrade
Windows 10 was previously referred as Windows 9, Windows Threshold or Windows TH. Actually Windows Threshold is the codename of Windows 10 just like Longhorn was the codename of Windows Vista and Whistler was the codename of Windows XP.
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Windows 10 is based on Windows 8 operating system so you get a little bit similar interface as you get in Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 but Microsoft has changed lots of things, modified user interface and implemented many useful and exclusive features in Windows 10 which will definitely please many Windows users.
Today in this exclusive review article, we are going to talk about some cool new features and improvements in Windows 10. Following are some worth to mention features of Windows 10:
Related: Windows 10 Builds Changelog and History
Table of Contents
- Return of Start Menu
- Modern (Metro) Apps Run in Windowed Mode on Desktop
- Virtual or Multiple Desktops (Task View)
- Important Changes in Windows Theme and UI
- New Login Screen (aka Welcome Screen)
- Notification Center (aka Action Center)
- New Tablet Mode (aka Continuum)
- New Network Fly-Out from Taskbar
- New Calendar Fly-Out from Taskbar
- New Volume Control Slider UI in Taskbar
- New Battery Fly-out UI in Taskbar
- Hey! Cortana
- Cortana Search and Task View Buttons in Taskbar
- New “Microsoft Edge” (or Spartan) Web Browser
- Improvements to Command Prompt
- Improvements to Registry Editor
- New ALT+TAB Interface
- Improvements to Aero Snap Feature
- New Settings App
- New Data Sense, Storage Sense and Battery Saver Options
- Progress Bar with Download Status in Windows Update
- Hidden Secret Retail Demo Mode
- List of Useful Windows 10 Hotkeys (Keyboard Shortcuts)
After a huge demand, Microsoft has finally added a fully-functional Start Menu in Windows 10 as discussed in this article. Windows 10 Start Menu contains All Apps entries similar to Windows 7 Start Menu along with live tiles taken from Start Screen.
In fact Windows 10 comes with both Start Menu as well as Start Screen. Actually Microsoft has combined both Start Menu and Start Screen into a single feature which was previously referred to as Continuum mode. Windows 10 comes with an improved Start Menu which can be converted into a full screen Start Menu which works quite similar to the previous Start Screen. Windows 10 provides users a choice to choose between Start Menu or Start Screen as mentioned in following tutorial:
How to Switch Between Start Menu and Start Screen in Windows 10?
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Check out our exclusive review of Windows 10 Start Menu at following link:
[Windows 10 Start Menu] Review, Tips-n-Tricks and Customization
Modern (Metro) Apps Run in Windowed Mode on Desktop
In Windows 10, modern apps run in windowed mode on Desktop similar to other software programs such as Microsoft Office, etc. When you launch a Windows Store app, it opens in windowed mode having titlebar similar to Desktop programs as shown in following screenshot:
Apart from the titlebar buttons, all modern apps also contain a new Hamburger-style (3 lines) menu icon which can be used to collapse or expand the left-side pane in apps.
PS: Microsoft has replaced the good ol’ Windows Photo Viewer program with the new Photos app in Windows 10 which takes some time in opening images. You can restore Windows Photo Viewer as default image viewer program using following tutorial:
- [Tip] Restoring “Windows Photo Viewer” as Default in Windows 10
- [Tip] Restoring Classic Programs and User Interface in Windows 10
- [Guide] How to Remove All Built-in Apps in Windows 10
Virtual or Multiple Desktops (Task View)
Its one of the most interesting and useful features introduced in Windows 10. Microsoft has added virtual/multiple desktops feature in Windows 10 which allows users to have more than one Desktop at a time. Linux users are already enjoying this feature since long time.
Windows 10 contains a new button “Task View” in Taskbar which allows you to create multiple desktops. Just click on the button or press WIN+TAB keys together and you’ll have a new screen on your desktop where you can add more Desktops.
You can remove an existing Desktop by clicking on the close button given on its thumbnail. You can also preview items on each Desktop by hovering your mouse cursor on desired Desktop thumbnail.
If you want to move a particular program from one Desktop to another, go to Task View screen, right-click on the desired program thumbnail and select the option “Move -> Desktop x“. It’ll immediately move that program to your desired virtual Desktop.
You can also use WIN+CTRL+D hotkey to quickly create new virtual Desktop in Windows 10. Also you can close an existing virtual Desktop using WIN+CTRL+F4 hotkey. To quickly switch between running virtual Desktops you can use WIN+CTRL+Left or Right hotkey.
Important Changes in Windows Theme and UI
There are many changes in Windows user interface such as:
- Thin window borders
- White titlebars which can be converted into colored using this guide
- New shadow effect in window borders which can be disabled using this guide
- New minimize, maximize/restore and close buttons in titlebars
- New dark Taskbar which now shows clear indicators of running and active programs
- New Quick Access/Home view in Explorer containing frequent folders and recent files list which can be disabled using this guide
- 6 extra folders are still present in “This PC” window which can be removed using this guide
- New icons such as OneDrive, Quick Access in Navigation Pane of This PC which can be removed using this guide
- Lots of new icons such as folders, files, This PC, Recycle Bin, Network, Homegroup, Explorer, Desktop, notification area, etc
- New animations
- New wallpapers [Hero Wallpaper], [4K Wallpaper], [Other Wallpapers]
PS: Other Windows users can get Windows 10 look-like interface using following themes:
Download Windows 10 Themes for Windows 7
Download Windows 10 Themes for Windows 8 and 8.1
New Login Screen (aka Welcome Screen)
Microsoft has added a new Login Screen in Windows 10 operating system which looks as following:
It features rounded user picture (avatar). Also the status icons such as network, easy of access, etc are now shown at bottom-right corner of screen.
By default the Login Screen shows Hero wallpaper image on its background but you can disable the background image with the help of following tutorial:
How to Change or Disable Login Screen Background Image in Windows 10?
The startup and shutdown screens have also been modified a little.
Notification Center (aka Action Center)
Microsoft has also implemented Google Android and Windows Phone style Notification Center (or Action Center) in Windows 10 which notifies users about new activities in Windows 10. It also contains a few quick access buttons such as Tablet mode, Connect, Location, Settings, etc to turn those features on/off quickly and easily. Actually the quick action buttons have been added to Notification Center to replace previous Charms Bar.
Notification Center can be accessed by clicking on its icon present in Taskbar notification area.
It shows apps and system notifications which can be removed by clicking on the close (x) button or by swiping them to the right. You can also hide or mute notifications by right-clicking on its icon and selecting “Turn on quiet hours” option.
Another instance of the new notification center can be seen in various notification pop-ups (toasts) such as safe to remove hardware, etc which are shown in bottom-right corner of the screen.
If you don’t like the new Notification Center UI, you can restore the previous Notification Center fly-out using a simple Registry tweak given in following tutorial:
Collection of Windows 10 Hidden Secret Registry Tweaks
You can also disable Notifications and Action Center in Windows 10 using following tutorial:
[Tip] Disable Notifications and Action Center in Windows 10
[Windows 10 Tip] Disable “Quick Actions” Buttons in Action Center
[Tip] Disable All Notifications to Play Sound in Windows 10
New Tablet Mode (aka Continuum)
To balance Desktop PCs and touch-enabled devices, Microsoft has put a new feature Tablet Mode (codenamed Continuum) in Windows 10. This mode is automatically activated if the OS detects a touch-enabled device. It provides a full screen user interface such as Modern (Metro) apps launch in full screen, Start Menu opens in full screen, etc.
Users can also manually enable/disable this mode using the new Notification Center or by going to Settings -> System -> Tablet Mode.
New Network Fly-Out from Taskbar
Microsoft has also added a new fly-out menu to access Network settings from Taskbar. Just click on Network icon on Taskbar and the new fly-out will appear on screen.
It’ll help users in accessing network settings as well as connecting to wireless networks quickly and easily.
If you don’t like the new Network fly-out, you can restore previous Windows 8/8.1 style Network sidebar with the help of a simple Registry tweak given in following tutorial:
Collection of Windows 10 Hidden Secret Registry Tweaks
New Calendar Fly-Out from Taskbar
Similar to network fly-out, Microsoft has also added a new Calendar fly-out from Taskbar which looks as following:
Just click on date/time in Taskbar and the new fly-out will appear on screen.
If you don’t like the new Calendar fly-out, you can restore the classic Date/Time UI using a small Registry tweak given in following tutorial:
Collection of Windows 10 Hidden Secret Registry Tweaks
New Volume Control Slider UI in Taskbar
Similar to above mentioned fly-outs, Microsoft has also added a new horizontal UI for volume control slider in Windows 10 Taskbar which looks as following:
Just click on Volume icon in Taskbar and the new horizontal slider will appear on screen.
If you don’t like the new UI, you can restore previous vertical volume control slider using a small Registry tweak given in following tutorial:
Collection of Windows 10 Hidden Secret Registry Tweaks
New Battery Fly-out UI in Taskbar
Microsoft has also replaced the classic Battery fly-out in Windows 10 Taskbar with a new modern fly-out which looks as following:
Just click on Battery icon in Taskbar and the new fly-out will appear on screen.
If you don’t like the new UI, you can restore previous Battery fly-out UI using a small Registry tweak given in following tutorial:
Collection of Windows 10 Hidden Secret Registry Tweaks
Hey! Cortana
Microsoft has also put Windows Phone’s Cortana feature in Windows 10 which talks and performs some basic tasks when the user types or speaks the commands similar to Windows Phones.
You can either type your search queries or click on small microphone icon to use voice commands. You can also enable the built-in hands-free feature “Hey Cortana” to direct search using your voice without clicking on microphone icon. Just set the option “Let Cortana respond when you say Hey Cortana” to On in Cortana Settings.
Please note that Cortana feature is only available in certain countries such as China, UK, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, U.S. If you are not using a supported locale but want to use Cortana, you can change your locale and language to United States (English) or other supported locales in Region and Language Settings (intl.cpl) and you’ll be able to use Cortana.
Also check:
- [Tip] Disable Cortana and Bing Search Results in Windows 10
- [Did You Know] Windows 8 “Search Everywhere” Feature Still Works in Windows 10
Windows 10 Taskbar shows 2 extra items Cortana Search Box and Task View icon next to the Start Button. If you don’t like them on your Taskbar, you can take help of following tutorial to get rid of them:
How to Remove Cortana Search Box and Task View Buttons from Windows 10 Taskbar?
Also check out hidden secret “Exit Explorer” option in Windows 10 Taskbar:
Hidden Secret “Exit Explorer” Option in Windows 10 Taskbar
New “Microsoft Edge” (or Spartan) Web Browser
Windows 10 also comes with a new web browser “Microsoft Edge” which was previously known as Project Spartan.
You can read our detailed review of Microsoft Edge web browser at following link:
[Review] Microsoft Edge (or Spartan) Web Browser in Windows 10
Improvements to Command Prompt
The Command Prompt aka Console window has been improved a lot in Windows 10. Microsoft has added some much awaited features such as text wrapping on resize, CTRL hotkeys, etc to Windows 10 Command Prompt.
You can read a detailed review of all new features introduced in Windows 10 Command Prompt at following link:
[Review] Windows 10 Command Prompt (Console)
Improvements to Registry Editor
This improvement is actually surprising. Registry Editor is rarely improved or modified in any Windows version but in Windows 10, Microsoft has added a very useful feature to Registry Editor.
Now you can switch between registry keys in Windows 10 Registry Editor. In other words, you can jump from one key to another using a new context menu option.
But there are some important points to keep in mind! You can toggle between HKCU (HKEY_CURRENT_USER) and HKLM (HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE) keys only. Also the selected registry key path must be present in both hives.
New ALT+TAB Interface
Microsoft has also improved the “Alt+Tab” switcher screen in Windows 10. Now when you press Alt+Tab keys together, it shows a full screen interface containing large thumbnails of running programs.
BONUS TIP:
The funny part is that the good ol’ Registry tweak to get Windows XP style classic Alt+Tab dialog box still works in Windows 10. So if you don’t like the new interface in Windows 10, you can enjoy classic Alt+Tab screen with the help of following tutorial:
[Tip] Get Windows XP Style Classic “Alt+Tab” Switcher Screen in Windows 10
Improvements to Aero Snap Feature
Aero Snap feature was introduced in Windows 7 which lets you minimize, maximize or resize program windows using a simple drag-n-drop to screen corners.
This snap feature has been improved in Windows 10. Now Windows 10 allows users to snap program windows into quadrants as well so you can put four program windows at the same time on screen using Aero snap feature.
Also a new Snap Assist feature has been added in Windows 10 which automatically shows a list of other running programs when you try to use Aero Snap feature.
You can also use WIN+Left or Right or Up or Down keys combination to snap windows.
New Settings App
Windows 10 also comes with a brand new Settings app which can be considered as a combination of the good ol’ Control Panel and Windows8/8.1 PC Settings app.
Microsoft has replaced the Windows 8/8.1 PC Settings app with this new Settings app which shows almost all Control Panel items and PC Settings options.
Also check:
List of Commands to Launch Specific Settings Page Directly in Windows 10
New Data Sense, Storage Sense and Battery Saver Options
Settings app in Windows 10 comes with many new options such as Data Sense, Storage Sense, Battery Saver, etc.
These new options provide useful information to end users for example, Data Sense has been developed for users who use metered Internet connection. It helps users in restricting their Internet connection usage while roaming. It contains 3 tabs: Overview, Usage and Settings.
Similarly Battery Saver option helps users in saving their computer battery when required. It limits background activities and adjusts hardware settings to conserve battery. Users can manually turn the feature on or can set it to start automatically when the battery gets below the given percentage. When Battery Saver mode is on, it shows its icon next to battery icon in Taskbar notification area (system tray).
Storage Sense option helps users in finding which files and folders are taking maximum space on your hard disk. You can also change default save locations for apps, documents, music, pictures and videos.
Progress Bar with Download Status in Windows Update
That’s a welcome change. In previous Windows versions, Windows Update doesn’t show any kind of status or download information to users. It just shows progress bar animation and users don’t have any idea how much updates have been downloaded and how many updates are remaining.
In Windows 10, Windows Update shows a progress bar as well as download percentage information to users so you always have idea how much download has been completed.
But there is a big issue in new Windows Update app in Windows 10. Microsoft has disabled the ability to customize Windows Update download behavior in Windows 10. Now users can’t set Windows Update to notify before downloading and installing new updates in Windows 10.
But you can take help of following exclusive tutorial to force Windows 10 to notify before downloading new updates in your computer or you can permanently disable Windows Update if required (not recommended):
Fixing Windows 10 Automatic Updates Install Problem
Forcing Windows 10 to Always Notify Before Downloading Updates
Windows 10 also comes with a hidden secret Easter egg which is known as “Retail Demo Mode“. As the name suggests, this secret mode has been created for retail stores to advertise and show off Windows 10 devices. You can reveal and activate this hidden mode using Settings app.
Check out following exclusive article to learn more about this secret feature of Windows 10:
[Tip] Hidden Secret “Retail Demo Mode” in Windows 10
List of Useful Windows 10 Hotkeys (Keyboard Shortcuts)
There are a few useful hotkeys (keyboard shortcuts) present in Windows 10 which can make your Windows 10 experience better. Some of them are given below:
| Hotkey | Action |
| WIN key | To access Start Menu |
| WIN+1, WIN+2, … | To switch to the numbered application in Taskbar |
| WIN+A | To access Action Center or Notification Center |
| WIN+B | To highlight Taskbar Notification Area |
| WIN+C | To launch Cortana in listening mode |
| WIN+D | To toggle between Desktop and programs screen |
| WIN+E | To launch File Explorer (This PC or My Computer) |
| WIN+H | To show Share charm |
| WIN+I | To launch Settings app |
| WIN+K | To show Connect pane to connect to wireless display / audio devices |
| WIN+L | To lock the computer and show Lock Screen |
| WIN+M | To minimize all running program windows and switch to Desktop |
| WIN+O | To lock device orientation mode |
| WIN+P | To show Project pane to select projection type |
| WIN+R | To launch Run dialog box |
| WIN+S | To launch Cortana Search in typing mode |
| WIN+T | To cycle through all running apps in Taskbar |
| WIN+U | To launch Ease of Access Center |
| WIN+V | To cycle through notifications |
| WIN+X | To launch WIN+X menu (Quick Access Menu) |
| WIN+Z | To show command bar in apps |
| WIN+, | To peek at Desktop |
| WIN+Home | To minimize all non-active program windows and then restore them |
| WIN+Prt Scn | To take screenshot and save in Pictures -> Screenshots library folder |
| WIN+Pause | To launch System Properties window |
| WIN+Plus | To zoom in using Magnifier tool |
| WIN+Minus | To zoom out using Magnifier tool |
| WIN+Esc | To close Magnifier tool |
| WIN+Enter | To launch Narrator |
| WIN+Space bar | To switch between input language and keyboard layout |
| WIN+Tab | To open Task View (Multiple or Virtual Desktops) |
| WIN+Ctrl+D | To create new virtual desktop |
| WIN+Ctrl+Left arrow | To switch to the previous virtual desktop |
| WIN+Ctrl+Right arrow | To switch to the next virtual desktop |
| WIN+Ctrl+F4 | To close the active virtual desktop |
| WIN+Left arrow | To snap the active program window to the left half of your monitor |
| WIN+Right arrow | To snap the active program window to the right half of your monitor |
| WIN+Up arrow | To maximize or resize the active program window |
| WIN+Down arrow | To restore or minimize the active program window |
| WIN+Shift+Up arrow | To maximize the active program window vertically |
| WIN+Shift+Down arrow | To restore or minimize the active program window vertically |
| WIN+Shift+Left arrow | To move the active program window to the left monitor |
| WIN+Shift+Right arrow | To move the active program window to the right monitor |
| WIN+? | To launch Windows Feedback app |
| Ctrl+F1 | To minimize or maximize Ribbon in File Explorer |
| Ctrl+Shift+Esc | To launch Task Manager |
That’s all guys. Also check out following useful articles containing important information about Windows 10 such as editions, pricing, hardware requirements, etc:
- Windows 10 Release Date, Pricing Details and System Requirements
- Windows 10 Upgrade Paths and List of Deprecated Features
- List of Windows 10 Editions (SKUs)
- Who Will Get Free Windows 10?
- Things You Should Know and Do Before Upgrading to Windows 10
- [Guide] Things To Do After Installing Windows 10
- [Guide] Best Privacy Settings for Windows 10
PS: Check out following exclusive video showing the new features of Windows 10 live in action:
We’ll keep updating this review as soon as we find new features in Windows 10. So keep checking this place regularly…
@VG
Do you still use Vista? By what i see you’ve got it along 7 and 8.1
It seems if you enable experimental web platform features then you check on useragentstring.com , it shows:
Mozilla/5.0 (Windows NT 10.0; WOW64) AppleWebKit/537.36 (KHTML, like Gecko) Chrome/39.0.2171.71 Safari/537.36 Edge/12.0
Using Gecko, Webkit. That’s awesome.
It means the Spartan browser will have better compatibility than Trident engine
I downloaded 9926 made the ISO with Rufus and installed it on a laptop I seldom used. I was impressed with it, so I installed it on another computer, still impressed. So I installed it on a third computer. It is the best OS since MS went to Dos 2.0 from 1.1
I had to install the netframework 3.5 which includes 2.0. Everything runs great. Nice job Microsoft.
I personally do not like touch screen for a desktop, I’d rather sit back and use a mouse. Save the touch screen for cellphones. Most office workers agree with me, touch screen is to much on their backs all day long.
Posted 2/26/15
Hey VG,
I’ve installed build 9926, I found my notebook looks-like work so hard (the fan was so noisy), help?
I use x64 in my HP pavilion p229ax
^^ Did you perform clean install or upgrade?
Windows 10 build 10041 has been released.
changes includes transparent Start Menu. Still no Spartan browser.
Installed the 10049 as clean install over previous release on an HP laptop. Works OK- after adding some drivers. Still buggy when starting IE and Spartan
hats off for your Tech Update ….. Very Impressive …..Very Addictive …..Very Meaningful..
does the control panel still exist alongside the new settings app?
Microsoft should not call it a new OS. Rather they should call it a update to window 8. A new OS should have lots of different functionality than its previous version but here I am not finding much difference. I think they want to gain popularity.
I don’t like the design of W8 and above.
W7 is much better beautiful, in my opinion.
Please VG, How to install .Net Framework 3.5 on windows 10 build 9920 OFFLINE. I have a previously downloaded 3.5 on memory stick.
Hi VG,
Really interesting article, I checked it daily for new updates!
About Windows 10, how is its compatibility with multiple displays? And are there any new features or settings on it?
Maybe someone could help me with this. I just installed 5 new programs (Imgburn, VLC, SMPlayer, etc, etc) and I could not find the program shortcuts anywhere in the vaunted “New Start Menu”. Search frustratingly all over the Start menu, including “All Apps”, “Metro Screen”, etc, etc, the program shortcuts are nowhere to be found. Some of the programs did install a Desktop Icon but I for one did not want to clutter my Desktop with program icons. Maybe some of you experts can guide me and point me in the right direction.
^^ Did you try to search it by typing its name in Start Menu or Cortana search box? Alternatively you can go to Programs Files folder and create a shortcut of your desired program to Desktop.
Can I Download windows 10 font for XP ????
^^ Fonts in Windows 10 are similar to Windows 8/8.1 and you can get them from various theme packs:
https://www.askvg.com/category/themes/
Bootcamp driver in MacBook Air in this version is not working… all the previous version are ok…
Hello,
I am Installing Windows 10 Preview Build 10074, Its User Login Screen Don’t Respond to me.
In User Configuration when i enter Password it Restart Automatically.
It Show DefaultUser0 as User but when I Enter Password it Don’t Respond and Login Screen Splash Automatically.
Please
“…notify before downloading new updates in your computer or you can permanently disable Windows Update…”
I find that telling someone how to permanently disable Windows Update to be irresponsible; the reason that Microsoft has forced Windows 10 Home users to automatically download and install updates is because the people who turned off Windows Update and never installed security updates are the people whose PCs have been made part of botnets, made into spambots, and infest other PCs with malware.
I can see possibly having a need to turn off Windows Update for mission-critical work for short periods…but publishing it on a “popular site” is just going to encourage lax security practices. Shame on you, Vishal!
^^ Thanks for your feedback. Actually I agree with you. I have modified the statement. Although the warning was already given in the linked tutorial but as per your suggestion, I have added the same above.
Hey VG
I just wanted to know that I bought two laptops with windows 8.1 pre installed.
But I wiped the hdd to install windows 7 on both laptops. I removed all the oem partitions.
But now I want to reinstall windows 8.1 on these laptops. I don’t have the keys. I read somewhere that windows 8/8.1 keys are stored in bios in new laptops. Is it true?
Both these laptops came with Win 8.1 Single Language 64 bit.
If I can use an iso of Windows 8.1 SL 64 bit, would it be activated.
Please help
Thanks in advance.
Also my laptops are Dell and Lenovo made.
^^ I’m not sure but if you have formatted the partitions, Windows 8.1 will not activate if you try with a different disk or ISO.
Hey VG does windows 10 have Aero Glass Feature ? Plz Reply
^^ Yes but in Start Menu, Taskbar and Notification (Action) Center only.
iam using windows 10 pro 64 bit OS it works fine i have no trouble using it…. iloveit!
windows 10 is very reliable, very modern technology and super fast.
I attempt to do Internet banking but a prompt message appears saying, I have to install windows 10.
I was wondering… as our computers have gotten noticeably faster the past 3 years. What is everyone doing with all this power. I myself model the milkyway while trying find and listen to e.t’s phone calls to home. while running a home media server and light game play. Ryzen 2700x 32 gig DDR4 @ 3466 with a modest GTX 1060 and a Standard 256 gig ssd. A prebuilt dell.