Windows 10: Should you upgrade?

Windows 10 is an entirely new version of the long-standing Windows operating system, bringing real
benefits for your business. Whether using a tablet, handset or a laptop, work styles today mean our
experiences need to be personal, efficient and mobile and we need a compatible OS (Operating System)
to make this happen. The latest Windows OS comprises all of these qualities, providing substantial
cloud-based tools that you can scale up or down depending on your business needs.
Here are some key benefits for businesses upgrading to Windows 10:

1. A Familiar Interface

As with the consumer version of Windows 10, we see the return of the Start button!
Windows 10 bridges the gap between the touch-optimised tablet and the desktop experience, bringing a
familiar interface that begins at the desktop and enhances existing productivity features, allowing
modern apps to run in a window on the desktop.  
2. One Universal Windows Experience

Windows 10 delivers one comprehensive app platform, one security model, and one deployment and
management approach to create a universal experience across devices. This allows you to work in a
flexible way no matter where you are or what device you are using. Whether it’s an individual device or
an 80” touch-screen conference room display, Windows 10 provides a consistent, compatible
experience.
3. Advanced Security and Management

The biggest news for IT staff is the improvements around security and management. 
The new Windows OS has a range of advancements in security and identity protection that will help
ensure the security of your data when moving from device to device.
4. Improved Device Management

Windows 10 is about continuing the prominence of the Windows desktop in the enterprise. Taking the
power of Active Directory and System Center to enable complete control over Windows devices, the
new OS brings built-in mobile device management capabilities and cloud-based functionality to
conventional laptops and desktops.
5. Compatibility for Continuous Innovation

Windows 10 aims to reduce the need for the time-consuming and costly wipe-and-reload approach to
OS deployment. The OS strives to have great compatibility with all existing apps and has new tools for
compatibility testing. Through new dynamic provisioning capabilities, businesses will be able to
configure off-the-shelf devices, without re-imaging.
Currently, Microsoft has confirmed that their new OS is running on over 1.5 million business PCs since
its release. 

The main advantages of Windows 10

1. Return of the start menu

The ‘well-known’ start menu is back in Windows 10, and that is good news! In Windows 8 the start
menu suddenly disappeared, which caused a lot of disturbance. In Windows the start menu and the start
button are back and work as you are used to in Windows 7. However, the start menu has been given a
new and modern look. Because of this, working in Windows 10 feels familiar and modern.

2. System updates for a longer period

System updates regularly determine how long an operating system can still be used by the consumer.
For example, the operating systems Windows XP and Windows Vista have been phased out and
Microsoft is officially no longer offering any updates or extended support. For Windows 7 and Windows
8, the mainstream support has ended. This means, among other things, that no new functions are added
to these operating systems.

With Windows 10 this problem does not exist yet. For example, Microsoft will provide mainstream
support until October 2020. As expected, the extensive support will not end until 2025. You can enjoy
the latest security updates and improvements within the Windows 10 environment for many years to
come.

3. Excellent virus protection

With the arrival of Windows 10, the quality of the antivirus software has greatly improved. New and
improved applications make it more difficult for malicious parties to infect Windows 10 computers with
malicious software. Consider, for example, the new functionality Windows Hello. This allows the
computer to be unlocked with a fingerprint, iris scanner or face recognition. This is more difficult to
hack than a standard password.

Windows 10 can further encrypt files automatically when it notices that a computer has been infected
with malicious software. This is done with the BitLocker encryption program. In addition, Windows
Defender Antivirus is included and activated with every license of Windows 10. This advanced software
protects your computer or laptop even better against digital threats: a clear improvement over previous
Windows version.

4. Addition of DirectX 12

An improvement within Windows 10 that will be especially welcomed by gamers is the implementation
of DirectX 12. This allows the computer to deal more efficiently with the calculations that are performed
during gaming. The processor and video card will greatly benefit from this within Windows 10. This
ensures that computer games are graphically displayed in a brilliant way and that less power is used.
DirectX 12 is not available on older versions of Windows.
5. Touch screen for hybrid devices

Are you using a hybrid device such as a Microsoft Surface tablet? Then the upgrade to Windows 10 is
more than worth it. An exclusive touch-view is activated when the users use the touch screen. This
makes it easy to switch between devices that have both a laptop mode and a tablet mode.

In tablet mode, even the start menu, the start button and the taskbar are available. These functionalities
are customized so that they are easy to operate.

6. Full control over Windows 10

The Control Center of Windows 10 has been updated. Switching applications on and off is greatly
simplified in Windows 10 compared to older operating systems. This allows you to decide for yourself
which programs start automatically when the computer is switched on. Or switch off certain programs
that you normally do not use.

System administrators within large organizations also benefit from these functionalities within
Windows. This makes it easier to offer help at a distance. And specific applications can easily be
removed or added to the user's working environment.

7. Lighter and faster operating system

A last important advantage of Windows 10 is the improved speed of the operating system. Not only does
Windows 10 look more modern, it also functions much faster than older Windows versions. The
operating system is more efficient and therefore requires less processing power from the hardware. The
start-up time, time to load applications and the battery consumption on laptops have all improved
compared to Windows 8 and other former iterations.

Disadvantages of Windows 10
1. Possible privacy problems

A point of criticism on Windows 10 is the way the operating system deals with sensitive data of the user.
Microsoft is mysterious about the user-data that is collected in Windows 10. It is known that there are
analysis tools that track computer behavior. These applications are automatically installed in the
standard installation and can be disabled during an advanced installation. The question remains
however, which information Microsoft exactly collects and how they use this data.

2. Compatibility

Problems with the compatibility of software and hardware can be a reason to not switch to Windows 10.
Especially older programs and games may no longer work on this latest operating system from
Microsoft. Do you use certain (old) software intensively? Then first investigate whether the applications
work in combination with Windows 10.
Microsoft has minimum and recommended system requirements online. View this to ensure that
Windows 10 works correctly on your computer or laptop. It takes a lot of time and energy to find out
after the installation of Windows 10 that things do not work anymore.

3. Lost applications

Windows Media Center enthusiasts might be slightly disappointed with Windows 10. This popular
program is no longer available on Windows 10. Furthermore, there is no standard DVD player available
after the installation process. Also, Windows Photo Viewer is removed in this version. Of course,
substitutes such as VLC exist and can be downloaded easily.

Resources:
https://softwarelicense4u.com/us/blog/general/pros-cons-windows-10
https://www.datek.co.uk/blog/what-windows-10-will-do-for-your-business