The History of Windows 10 Development

Summary

This video provides an in-depth look at the development of Windows 10, tracing its history from its early concepts to its public release in 2015. It discusses the challenges Microsoft faced, such as privacy concerns, forced updates, and unifying platforms like desktop, mobile, and console under one operating system. The video also touches on Windows 10’s predecessor, Windows Phone 8, and its evolution. Additionally, it highlights the introduction of features like Cortana, Continuum for Phones, and Microsoft's shift in strategy with the Insider Program.

Takeaways

• 💻 Windows 10 has been the dominant operating system since its release in 2015, capturing nearly 60% of the market despite initial mixed reactions.
• 📅 Windows 7 remained the most popular Windows version until early 2018, even though Windows 10 was offered as a free upgrade.
• 🔄 Windows 10 unified Microsoft’s desktop, mobile, and console operating systems into a single platform, marking a significant transition.
• 📱 Windows 10 Mobile devices could function as desktop computers with the Continuum for Phones feature, but Microsoft ended support in 2020 due to low popularity.
• 🖥️ Windows 10 introduced the return of the Start Menu and the ability to run Modern UI apps in a window, improving on the controversial changes in Windows 8.
• 👩‍💻 Cortana, Microsoft’s virtual assistant, was first introduced in Windows 10, offering features like web searches, reminders, and voice feedback.
• 🌐 Microsoft launched Edge, a new web browser to replace Internet Explorer, under the code name ‘Project Spartan’.
• 🛠️ Windows 10 development involved significant public feedback through the Windows Insider Program, allowing users to test pre-release builds.
• 🚫 Microsoft faced criticism for forced automatic updates, privacy concerns, and blocking updates on newer processors for older Windows versions.
• 🎨 Windows 10 updates added new features over time, such as Paint 3D, a light theme, and improvements to virtual desktops and the Windows Subsystem for Linux.

Q & A

What percentage of the desktop and laptop market does Windows 10 hold?

Windows 10 holds almost 60 percent of the desktop and laptop market share.

Why did Windows 7 remain the most used version until early 2018 despite Windows 10 being a free upgrade?

Windows 7 remained the most used version because users had concerns about Windows 10, such as forced automatic updates, data collection, and privacy issues.

What was one of the major goals behind the development of Windows 10?

One of the major goals of Windows 10 was to unify Microsoft’s desktop, mobile, and console operating systems into a single platform.

What is 'Continuum for Phones' in Windows 10?

'Continuum for Phones' was a feature in Windows 10 Mobile that allowed users to use their mobile devices like a desktop computer when connected to a monitor, keyboard, and mouse.

Why did Microsoft skip Windows 9 and go straight to Windows 10?

While there’s no official technical explanation, a popular theory suggests that Microsoft skipped Windows 9 to avoid compatibility issues with third-party applications that might mistake 'Windows 9' for older systems like Windows 95 or 98.

What is the Universal Windows Platform (UWP) in Windows 10?

The Universal Windows Platform allows developers to create applications that can run on multiple devices such as Windows 10 desktops, Windows 10 Mobile, and Xbox One.

What role did the Windows Insider Program play in the development of Windows 10?

The Windows Insider Program allowed users to test pre-release builds of Windows 10 and provide feedback to Microsoft, which was a significant shift in how Microsoft developed its operating system.

What is one reason why Windows 10 faced criticism after its release?

Windows 10 faced criticism for its forced automatic updates and privacy concerns, especially regarding data collection during setup with the 'Express' option.

What new browser was introduced with Windows 10, and what was its codename during development?

Microsoft introduced the Edge browser with Windows 10, and during development, it was codenamed 'Project Spartan'.

What is the significance of the NT kernel in Windows 10’s development?

The NT kernel in Windows 10 allowed for better compatibility between desktop and mobile platforms, as it was the same kernel used in both Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8, supporting shared features like the NTFS file system and desktop-class multitasking.