windows 10 is a personal computer operating system released by microsoft as part of the windows nt family of operating systems
to encourage its adoption, microsoft announced that during its first year of availability, windows 10 would be made available free of charge to users of genuine copies of eligible editions of windows 7 or windows 8.1.
windows 10 introduces what microsoft described as a "universal" application architecture; expanding on metrostyle apps, these apps can be designed to run across multiple microsoft product families with nearly identical code—including pcs, tablets, smartphones, embedded systems, xbox one, surface hub and hololens.
windows 10's user interface was revised to handle transitions between a mouseoriented interface and a touchscreenoptimized interface based on available input devices—particularly on laplets; both interfaces include an updated start menu that comprises a design similar to windows 7 with 8's tiles.
windows 10 also introduces task view, a virtual desktop system, the microsoft edge web browser and other new or updated applications.
integrated support for fingerprint and face recognition login, new security features for enterprise environments, directx 12 and wddm 2.0 to improve the operating system's graphics capabilities for games.