For Windows users, it’s an exciting time! Microsoft's latest operating system, Windows 10, about to launch globally on the 29th of July. This new operating system isn’t just for computers; it will be used on tablets, smartphones, and other devices capable of running Windows 10. With each update, we are offered completely new and sometimes revolutionary features to enhance our computers.

Still Youthful is going to highlight some of these key features, so you have an idea as to what to expect when you upgrade to Windows 10. Should you decide to become an early adopter, then you will be happy to know that as long as you have either Windows 7, 8 or 8.1, you will be able to upgrade to Windows 10 for free, until August 2016.

Start Menu

Sure to please all fans, the new start menu is a combination of the old school start menu, found in Windows 7 and below, as well as the “Live Tiles” introduced in Windows 8. This gives us a more accessible menu, making the transition to the new operating system far easier. Should you not be a fan of the “Live Tiles”, you can easily turn them off, brining you that classic menu you know so well. The Start Menu contains a powerful search engine, which is able to not only browse the Internet; it can search through your entire computer to find that one particular file.

Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Edge is replacing Internet Explorer. With Edge, we can now do tasks seamlessly. You can now search at a faster rate, as you will get search results appearing as you type based on results from the web and your Internet history. Unique to the Edge, is the ability to write notes on the web page that you are on, so you can highlight, draw and make annotations. Meaning that when you use this webpage again, you instantly know where the key points are.

Cortana

If you have heard of Apple’s Siri, then allow us to introduce Cortana, Microsoft’s digital assistant. Cortana will become very useful for those who actively use her, as she helps you use your new operating system. Cortana will help you by searching web, as well as your files on your PC, notify you of reminders, as well as many other tasks. The more information that you provide to Cortana, the more useful she will become. You can also naturally talk to Cortana, by having the “Active Listening” function turned on, and saying “Hey Cortana”. You can have everything done just by using your voice.

Universal Approach

As Windows 10 will be available on computers, tablets, and smartphones, Microsoft wants an approach that can be used across all of these devices. This can be seen in the new “Microsoft Office Suite”, ensuring that all of the Microsoft programs that we are familiar with, such as Word and PowerPoint, feel familiar across all devices. To help this universal approach, many apps will have seamless integration, similar to that of Apple products, as you will be able to start a document on one device and finish it on another.