Microsoft left some scratching their heads with the announcement of Windows 10 on Tuesday, but there’s no question that the company took user suggestions to heart when designing its latest operating system. We’ll all be able to see the improvements Microsoft has made so far on Wednesday when the Technical Preview goes live, but for now, Windows VP Joe Belfiore is here to explain what has changed in Windows 10.
FROM EARLIER: Everything we know about Windows 10
In the video introduction, Belfiore begins by laying on the details of the Windows Insider program. Although Insiders will be installing an unfinished product, Microsoft plans to distribute “more frequent updates with earlier, but less polished software,” and will grant them access to the Windows Feedback app. You can register to become an insider at the Preview website.
Belfiore then jumps straight into the Technical Preview itself, starting with the long-awaited return of the Start menu. It’s an intelligent mix between the familiar menu of Windows 7 and the customizable Live Tiles from Windows 8. Search is also hugely improved in Windows 10, allowing users to search the internet and their own computers from the comfort of the Start menu or the taskbar.
Store apps are also better integrated into Windows 10, opening in the same format as any other program would on a Windows PC. They can be resized, moved around and even snapped to one side of the screen.
Multitasking is another priority for Microsoft this time around. The new Task View button on the taskbar will work similarly to Mission Control on Mac OS X, showing every open app in an easily navigable display. Up to four apps can also be snapped on to the same screen. If that’s not enough, you can add a separate desktop as well.
Check out the full video below to see the Windows 10 Technical Preview in action:
