Introduction
Windows 10 has come a long way since its initial launch on July 29, 2015. Designed to unify the experience across PCs, tablets, phones, and even the Xbox One, it has also branched out to exciting new ventures like HoloLens (mixed reality), Surface Hub (team collaboration), and Windows 10 IoT for devices such as the Raspberry Pi. This FAQ merges all critical details—covering everything from upgrade paths and licensing to new feature highlights, privacy, and support options.
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Table of Contents
- What is Windows 10?
- What happened to Windows 9?
- Official Release Date
- Build Numbers
- Upgrade Methods & Free Upgrade
- Windows 10 Usage & Editions
- System Requirements & Architecture
- Media Creation Tool & ISO Installation
- Dual Boot & Linux Compatibility
- Windows 10 IoT
- HoloLens & Mixed Reality
- Surface Hub
- Touch vs. Mouse/Keyboard
- Product Keys & Activation
- Language Packs
- Mobile & Windows Phone
- Key New Features
- Deprecated/Removed Features
- Media Center & Alternatives
- Windows Live Mail & Essentials
- Windows XP Mode & Virtual PC
- Windows Media Player
- Rollback/Uninstall Options
- Preserving Files, Apps, & Settings
- Software & Driver Compatibility
- UEFI & Secure Boot
- Recovery Partitions & Clean Installs
- Retail Pricing & Pro Pack
- Updates & Servicing Model
- Microsoft Edge vs. Internet Explorer
- Privacy Settings in Windows 10
- Non-Genuine Licenses
- Windows 10 “Part 2” FAQ
- Additional Resources
What is Windows 10?
Windows 10 is Microsoft’s unified operating system, spanning desktops, laptops, tablets, phones, IoT devices, and even the Xbox One console. It offers feature updates (called “Feature Updates” or “Builds”) rather than entirely new numbered versions of Windows.
What happened to Windows 9?
Microsoft jumped from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10. Officially, they wanted to symbolize a “perfect 10,” while internally they considered Windows 10 the “last big version” before moving to a continuous update model.
When will Windows 10 officially become available?
Windows 10 initially launched on July 29, 2015, reaching 190 countries in 111 languages.
Sources:
What is the build number of the public release?
- Build 10240 – Initial release (July 2015)
- Build 10586 – November Update
- Build 14393 – Anniversary Update
- Build 15063 – Creators Update (and so forth in later updates)
To find your build, open Run (Win + R) → type winver → press Enter.
Can You Still Get Windows 10 for Free?
Officially, Microsoft ended the free upgrade offer on July 29, 2016. However, many users report that using a valid Windows 7 or 8.1 key during setup still activates Windows 10. Results may vary.
Reference:
What are the editions of Windows 10 available?
- Windows 10 Home
- Windows 10 Pro
- Windows 10 Enterprise
- Windows 10 Education
- Windows 10 Mobile
- Windows 10 Mobile Enterprise
- Windows 10 IoT (for low-power devices like Raspberry Pi)
More Info:
How will I know if my computer can run Windows 10?
Minimum Requirements:
- 1 GHz processor (or faster)
- 1 GB RAM (32-bit) / 2 GB RAM (64-bit)
- 16 GB free disk space (32-bit) / 20 GB (64-bit)
- DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 driver
- 1024×600 display minimum
I have multiple computers, do I have to download Windows 10 on each computer?
No. You can use the Media Creation Tool to download an ISO once, create a bootable USB, and upgrade each computer offline.
How-to Guides:
I am currently dual booting Windows and Linux; will the upgrade to Windows 10 affect my Linux installation?
No, Windows 10 only replaces the existing Windows installation. Your Linux partition should remain intact. That said, always back up before major changes.
Resource:
What about Windows 10 IoT for Raspberry Pi and other devices?
Windows 10 IoT is a specialized edition for low-power, embedded systems. It supports devices like Raspberry Pi and comes with a different UI approach (or sometimes headless). It is typically used in DIY and commercial IoT projects.
Learn More:
What is HoloLens and does it run Windows 10?
Microsoft HoloLens is a mixed-reality headset running its own specialized Windows 10-based platform. It overlays holographic objects in real-world environments. While not part of standard desktop Windows 10, it’s still part of the broader Windows 10 ecosystem.
More Info:
What is Surface Hub?
Surface Hub is a large touchscreen collaboration device running a specialized form of Windows 10. It is designed for corporate meeting rooms, offering built-in features like Microsoft Whiteboard, Skype for Business integration, and more.
Additional Reading:
Does Windows 10 require a Touch Screen?
No. It works well with a mouse and keyboard. However, it also has touch features and a dedicated Tablet Mode for 2-in-1 devices.
Does Windows 10 require product activation?
Yes. If you upgraded from a genuine, activated Windows 7/8.1, you get a digital license. You can reinstall Windows 10 on that same hardware without entering a product key afterward—it should auto-activate.
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Can I choose a different language during the upgrade?
No. Cross-language upgrades are not supported. You can, however, install a Language Pack later if you have Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise. Windows 10 Home users would need the Pro Pack to gain that functionality.
Resource:
Does Windows Phone get Windows 10?
Yes, most Windows Phone 8.1 devices were eligible for Windows 10 Mobile, but not all older phones are supported. Check with your carrier or manufacturer.
What are some of the new improvements in Windows 10?
- Customizable Start Menu
- Cortana – Digital assistant for local and web searches
- Task View & Multiple Desktops
- Universal Windows Apps – Apps that run across desktop, mobile, and Xbox
- Microsoft Edge – Next-gen web browser with annotation, reading mode
- Windows Hello – Biometric authentication
- Continuum Mode – Seamlessly switch between desktop and tablet UIs
- Notification Center – Centralized notifications and quick actions
- Integration with HoloLens, Surface Hub, and IoT devices
Which features will be removed when I upgrade from a previous version of Windows?
- Windows Media Center – Removed
- Pre-installed classic games (e.g., Solitaire, Minesweeper in Windows 7) – Replaced by Microsoft Solitaire Collection and Microsoft Minesweeper
- Desktop Gadgets from Windows 7 – Removed
- DVD Playback – Requires separate software
- Windows Virtual PC with XP Mode – No longer supported
Windows 10 Specifications – Feature Deprecations
Is Media Center supported in Windows 10?
No. Upgrading from Windows 7/8.1 with Media Center to Windows 10 removes it. If you rely heavily on Media Center, alternatives include Media Portal, MPC-HC, or VLC.
Is Windows Live Mail (versions 2009, 2011, 2012) compatible with Windows 10?
Yes, but keep in mind that Windows Essentials (which includes Live Mail) is no longer officially supported by Microsoft.
Reference:
I use Windows Virtual PC with Windows XP Mode. What will happen to them if I upgrade to Windows 10?
They will no longer work. Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise include Hyper-V to create virtual machines, but you need to supply your own OS licenses.
Is Windows Media Player still available in Windows 10?
Yes. Type Windows Media Player into the Start Menu search if you don’t see it pinned.
Can I uninstall Windows 10 if I do not like it or something goes wrong?
Yes. You have up to 10 days (post-Anniversary Update) to roll back via Settings → Update & Security → Recovery. After that, you’ll need your original recovery media or a clean install of your previous OS.
Will upgrading from Windows 7 or later preserve my personal files, applications, and settings?
Yes, the upgrade process maintains your existing documents, apps, and settings. Always back up important data before upgrading, just to be safe.
Will my existing programs, hardware, and drivers work on Windows 10?
Generally, most programs and drivers from Windows 7 or 8.1 work fine. If issues arise, check Windows Update or your manufacturer’s support site for new driver versions.
How to Install and Update Drivers in Windows 10:
Will Windows 10 require UEFI and Secure Boot?
No, Windows 10 supports both legacy BIOS and UEFI. Modern devices typically ship with UEFI and Secure Boot enabled, but this can be disabled if needed for multi-boot scenarios.
What happens if I reinstall Windows using the recovery partition?
Your system will restore Windows 10. If you want to go back to Windows 7 or 8.1, you’ll need the original recovery media or a backup image you created before upgrading.
How much will Windows 10 cost if I need to perform a new installation on a PC without a qualifying license or on a blank partition?
| Edition | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Windows 10 Home | $119 |
| Windows 10 Pro | $199 |
| Windows 10 Pro Pack | $99 |
The Pro Pack upgrades Windows 10 Home to Windows 10 Pro.
Is it true I cannot prevent automatic updates in Windows 10 Home and Pro?
- Windows 10 Home automatically installs updates.
- Windows 10 Pro lets you Defer Upgrades (but not indefinitely).
If an update or driver is problematic, you can use KB3073930 to hide or block it.
Will the new Microsoft Edge web browser replace Internet Explorer in Windows 10?
Not entirely. Windows 10 keeps Internet Explorer 11 for legacy compatibility. Microsoft Edge is the modern default browser optimized for performance, security, and new features like Cortana integration and web annotations.
How does Windows 10 handle privacy?
Windows 10 features a dedicated Privacy section in Settings → Privacy, letting you control app permissions, location data, microphone usage, and more. For more information, see:
Will non-genuine Windows licenses qualify for the Windows 10 upgrade?
No. Non-genuine (pirated) copies of Windows do not qualify for the free upgrade. While they can technically install Windows 10, the system remains non-genuine.
Resource:
What about Part 2 of the Windows 10 FAQ?
The original Microsoft Community content references a “PART 2 – Frequently Asked Questions: Windows 10 – PART 2” for more advanced or specific inquiries. If you need deeper troubleshooting or advanced tips, look for that second FAQ on the Microsoft Community forums or official Windows blogs.
Where can I get more information about Windows 10?
- Windows 10 Features
- Windows 10 FAQ – Microsoft
- Windows Insider Program
- Windows Insider Forums
- Windows Team Blog
Conclusion
Windows 10 seamlessly bridges different devices—desktops, tablets, mobile phones, IoT boards like Raspberry Pi, and even augmented-reality devices like HoloLens. Whether you’re upgrading from Windows 7/8.1 or exploring new hardware like Surface Hub, the key is to understand licensing, hardware requirements, and the new features. Back up your data, check driver compatibility, and enjoy the evolving ecosystem of Windows 10.
