Today marks a significant milestone in the tech world as Microsoft celebrates the tenth anniversary of Windows 10. This operating system, unveiled at a modest event in San Francisco on September 30, 2014, has since transformed the landscape of personal computing. In honor of this occasion, a complimentary copy of the Windows 10 Field Guide is being offered to users.
Windows Intelligence In Your Inbox
For those eager to enhance their Windows experience, a new free newsletter is now available. Subscribers will receive three time-saving tips every Friday, along with complimentary copies of Paul Thurrott’s Windows 11 and Windows 10 Field Guides, typically priced at .99, as a special welcome gift.
đź”™ A quick look back
Reflecting on the announcement from that day, it was clear that Microsoft aimed to distinguish Windows 10 from its predecessor, Windows 8. Terry Myerson, then head of the Windows division, emphasized that this was not merely an incremental update but a substantial evolution of the Windows platform. Windows 10 was designed to operate seamlessly across a diverse range of devices, from PCs and tablets to game consoles and cloud-based data centers, all while providing tailored experiences based on the device type.
“This isn’t an incremental release,” Terry Myerson stated. “It’s a new Windows.”
The initial focus of the event was on enterprise features, with consumer-oriented functionalities to be unveiled in early 2015. The anticipation surrounding Windows 10 was palpable, as it promised a familiar yet improved interface for users transitioning from Windows 7 and Windows 8.
In January 2015, during a consumer event, it was revealed that Windows 10 would be available as a free upgrade for users of Windows 7, 8.1, and Windows Phone 8.1. Key features such as Cortana, the new Microsoft Edge browser, and a suite of universal apps were introduced, alongside the announcement of innovative hardware like the Surface Hub and HoloLens. However, Windows RT users were informed that their systems would not be upgraded to Windows 10.
🚀 Launch
Fast forward to July 2015, when Microsoft officially released Windows 10 to manufacturing, subsequently making it generally available on July 29. The initial reviews highlighted the operating system’s adaptability across various form factors, from traditional PCs to touch-first devices and versatile 2-in-1s.
“Windows 10 is ideally suited for every PC form factor imaginable,” I noted in my review. “It will make any PC—desktops, laptops, 2-in-1s, tablets, and mini-tablets—better, and that’s not something that could be said of Windows 8.”
Windows 10 addressed many of the design flaws present in Windows 8, offering a more user-friendly experience. The return of the Start menu and the introduction of Continuum, which allowed seamless transitions between tablet and desktop modes, were particularly well-received. The overall sentiment was clear: Windows 10 was a significant improvement over its predecessors, providing a cohesive experience across diverse devices.
đź“” Windows 11 Field Guide
The journey with the Windows 10 Field Guide began in January 2015, with the first version released in November of that year. Continuous updates followed, leading to the eventual transition to the Windows 11 Field Guide in early 2022. While the Windows 10 Field Guide may be slightly outdated, it remains relevant, as subsequent updates from Microsoft have largely been incremental.
đź“– Get the book!
For those interested in exploring the intricacies of Windows 10, a free copy of the Windows 10 Field Guide is available at Leanpub. This offer will remain open until August 1, 2025, providing an excellent opportunity for users to deepen their understanding of this pivotal operating system.
