New Microsoft Windows 10 Preview Updated, Deeper Dive Given

Before launching a new version of its popular operating system, Microsoft usually gives a preview version for testing by those who participate in its Windows Insider Program. The latest technical update to that Windows 10 preview, which launched about a month ago, was released yesterday. The latest technical preview build includes about 7,000 changes to the preview, Microsoft says, bringing some important fixes and changes to the upcoming Windows 10 operating system.

“This is the first update build to Windows 10 Technical Preview, and we’ll continue to deliver more as part of the Windows Insider Program,” wrote Gabe Aul, Microsoft Operating Systems Group Data & Fundamentals team lead in a blog post. “Sometimes they’ll be more frequent and sometimes there will be longer gaps, but they will always be chock full of changes and improvements, as well as some bugs and things that are not quite done.”

Yet the Windows 10 operating system itself is a dramatic change for the company. Much of the focus has been on the new Start Menu for Windows 10. CNET details it closely, showing that it’s a combination of the new Windows 8 menus and the older, often more usable systems of the past. Security updates have also been a big news item for the new Windows 10, outlined by Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine. These include features designed to protect against identity theft, data disclosure, and malware.

One of the biggest changes, though, is user experience. The CNET video details some of this, showing how the new Windows 10 system will allow platform-specific user interfaces tailored by the users themselves. Inside the security mentioned by MCP is the capability to combine both legacy usage via the Universal app platform and create usable interfaces in a sort of device and security “sandbox.”

This shows a new focus on security for both individuals and enterprise. Paul Thurrott’s Supersite for Windows details this carefully, showing what this new Windows 10 will mean to many people. In short, he says that Windows 10 will have “pervasive security” that allows businesses more flexibility despite the heavier lockdown including remote access for individual and local area network (LAN) systems.

Thurrott also points out the upgrade process for Windows 10, which Microsoft says will be more frequent and in smaller chunks. This gives individual users an easier upgrade process as each update is given, while enterprises can test updates in smaller chunks, speeding the process.

All in all, the reviews for Windows 10 from technical preview testers have been positive.