Product overview Microsoft Windows 10 Operating System

By Insight Editor / 12 Jul 2018 , Updated on 21 Aug 2019

Windows 10 launched in 2015, but Windows 11 is now widely available. Migrating to a new platform can be a big decision for your business; let’s explore a few facts to help inform your decision:

Benefits of upgrading to Windows 10

Windows 10 equips your business with stronger security and new features that allow for greater mobility, simpler operation and better endpoint protection than previous versions. By 2023, businesses that haven’t migrated to Windows 10 will be left open to cyberattacks and potential operational issues.

The Windows 10 update gives you:

IT visibility to leverage new security solutions
Enterprise-grade anti-malware defense and next-gen app control
Customizable Microsoft Store access control
Self-service options for employees to download company-approved apps

Windows 10 security

With cyberattacks on the rise, your business can’t afford to leave data unprotected. Windows 10 E3 offers the high-grade security features that safeguard your sensitive data. Windows 10 E5 provides even greater security, visibility and control with Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection.

Top security features include:

Identity and access management
- Windows Hello — facial and fingerprint recognition
- Credential Guard — password protection
Windows Defender — anti-virus protection (available in E5 only) includes:
- Attack surface reduction
- Endpoint protection and alert response
- Automated investigation and remediation
- Security scores
- Advanced threat querying
Information protection
- BitLocker — data security on lost or stolen devices
- Windows Information Protection — defense against unauthorized information sharing

New features in Windows 10

Some of the more notable feature improvements in Windows 10 include integration with Cortana for voice commands, a faster and more secure internet browser called Edge, and Continuum — a feature that lets users easily switch between keyboard and mouse navigation to touch-screen mode on compatible devices.

Another big change to Windows 10 is the customizable Start menu with Live Tiles. The Start menu is back where it used to live in Windows 7 and offers traditional shortcuts to PC software, alongside Live Tiles that connect to your most used apps.

The Microsoft Store is also connected to the Start menu for easy access to apps users need. By upgrading to Windows 10 Enterprise, you can customize the Microsoft Store for your enterprise.

Other new features in Windows 10 include:

Focus assist — programmable do not disturb
Snap view — lets you work on up to 4 screens at once
Multiple desktops — you can create and manage multiple desktops
Nearby sharing — enables file sharing with nearby Windows 10 users

Get your upgrade.

Microsoft offers Windows 10 in two perpetual versions — Home and Pro — with two subscription upgrades: Enterprise and Education. Multiple service tiers are available as well, including E3 and E5 for Enterprise and Education. If you’re not sure which version of Windows 10 to get, an Insight software specialist can help you decide.

Windows 10 migration doesn’t have to be a chore. Insight offers managed migration services to help you through the process. We also provide complete Office 365 administration through admin-on-behalf services. Learn more about the Windows 11 update here.

Frequently asked questions — solution availability

What are the differences between Office 365 E3 and Office 365 E5?

Office 365 E5 includes some additional security and functionality features beyond what is offered with E3. Those additional features are:

Advanced analytics (legal eDiscovery, MyAnalytics, Power BI Pro)
Advanced security (Exchange Online advanced threat protection)
Advanced data governance (auto classification, smart import etc.)
Audio conferencing with dial-in number generation
Optional add-on calling plan
Voice capabilities

What is the benefit of Insight’s Office 365 migration service?

Insight offers Office 365 deployment and migration services to help our clients:

Ensure infrastructure readiness for cloud service access and performance
Gain expert assistance with setup and configuration of services
Learn the solution through demonstrations and knowledge transfers
Migrate confidently with expert data migration guidance
Validate the accessibility and stability of the Exchange Online environment

What are admin-on-behalf services?

With Insight’s admin-on-behalf services, you never have to worry about managing your Office 365 subscription. Admin-on-behalf offers complete administration of Office 365, including: user management, domain management, security and compliance management and implementation of service changes.

Does Insight offer hybrid cloud migration for Office 365?

Yes, Insight offers hybrid cloud migration services for Office 365. Our hybrid cloud migration is ideal for organizations that want to keep some data or users on-premises. Hybrid cloud allows businesses to take advantage of cloud technology, while keeping the most sensitive data securely on-premises.

When do I have to upgrade to Windows 10?

Jan. 14, 2020, is the official sunset date for Windows 7, and Windows 8.1 support ends Jan. 10, 2023. After those dates, any devices running older versions of Windows will no longer be supported nor have access to security and operational updates. In addition, Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 won’t support the upcoming release of Office 2019. You’ll need Windows 10 to run the newest Office release.

What version of Windows 10 should I get?

Insight supports both Microsoft Windows 10 perpetual editions and the two subscription-based upgrade editions:

Windows 10 Home — best for Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) environments
Windows 10 Pro — best for small to medium businesses
Windows 10 Enterprise Upgrade — best for any organizations looking for more control, security and automated maintenance and deployment options
Windows 10 Education Upgrade — best for educational institutions

We can assist you with selecting the best Windows 10 edition for your environment. Talk to an Insight software specialist to get help choosing the right version.

What upfront costs should be considered before migrating?

When budgeting the time and resources for your Windows 10 migration, you’ll need to consider the costs of planning, training, application testing, piloting and other implementation tasks, as well as the cost of any new device purchases. Extra cost considerations are needed with Windows 10 as the model shifts to as-a-service.

Where can I get help with Windows 10 migration?

Insight offers services to assist your business in making a fast, seamless transition to Windows 10. We’ll help you reduce deployment time and any risk factors associated with Windows 10 migration. We can also design, assess, deploy and manage your Windows 10 device environments. In addition, our optimization services ensure you leverage the best licensing options for your organization.

Frequently asked questions — Windows 10 management

How do Windows 10 Enterprise updates work?: You can use Windows Update for Business to keep your Windows 10 devices up to date. The tool ensures your corporate standards always include the latest patches and updates for all devices with Windows 10 operating systems. In the past, updates came once every two to three years and were a major undertaking. With the Windows 10 upgrade, updates come incrementally, around twice a year, and are more focused.
What is Windows as a service? How does Windows 10 as a service work?: Windows as a service is the new way Microsoft is delivering updates to Windows 10 installments. Prior to Windows 10, Microsoft released new versions of the Windows operating system every few years, usually with significant feature revisions. The old method often required extensive training on the new features. Windows as a service delivers smaller, more manageable updates two to three times a year.
Will Windows 10 require more management time?: Yes and no. The Windows 10 operating system includes some new features and a new structure for more frequent system updates. These new features may add some new management tasks but should result in significant overall IT time savings. Plus, since Windows 10 is a familiar interface, little or no end-user training is required, helping IT teams reduce desktop management time.
What does Microsoft Intune do?: Microsoft Intune is a device, identity and data policy management engine that can co-manage with Windows 10 System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM), a mobile device management solution. In combination, they allow your business to manage iOS, Android, Windows and macOS devices from a single management portal. IT teams can automate device deployment and maintenance. Intune also enables employees to find and install approved apps through a self-service portal.
What is Windows Autopilot?: Windows Autopilot makes new company device configuration quick and easy. The Windows Autopilot management platform stores customized profiles that automatically install onto new devices you register. When a user logs in to a registered device for the first time, preferred applications, company policies and the Windows 10 edition your company uses will be configured onto the device — all without IT involvement.

Frequently asked questions — features & functionality

How do I download new apps in Windows 10?: Windows 10 users can download new Windows apps, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and more, from the Microsoft Store. Windows 10 integrates with Active Directory, Intune and System Center Configuration Manager to ensure employees always have the right versions of the approved applications based on their role, team and department.
What are Live Tiles?: Live Tiles are a feature of the new Start menu in Windows 10. Live Tiles populate the Start menu with your most-used apps, alongside shortcuts to more traditional PC software. You can turn Live Tiles off if you only want traditional program shortcuts in the Start menu, or you can expand Live Tiles across the full screen and enlarge the app tiles to create an experience similar to that of Windows 8.
What is Focus assist?: Focus assist acts as a do not disturb feature in Windows 10. It has three options: off, priority and alarms only. Priority disables notifications from all apps and people unless you’ve added them to your priority list. Alarms blocks all notifications except alarms. You can also enact Focus assist rules to turn the feature on during set times or when you have specific apps open (this lets you block disturbances while working in specific programs or giving PowerPoint presentations).
How does Nearby sharing work?: Nearby sharing allows Windows 10 users to share files and links with other Windows 10 users in the immediate area. For this feature to work, both users must be running the Windows 10 April 2018 update and have Bluetooth and Nearby sharing turned on. You can turn the latter feature on by activating the Nearby sharing option in the Action Center.

Frequently asked questions — security

Does Windows 10 include built-in security?: Windows 10 includes many improved security features, such as BitLocker, BitLocker To Go, Windows Defender Advanced Threat Protection (available only in the E5 plan), Windows Hello and Credential Guard. The operating system also includes the ability to leverage virtualization for additional security and encryption.
How does Windows 10 protect single sign-on credentials?: Windows 10 protects users’ derived credentials through hardware-based virtualization, which isolates those credentials from attacks and prevents lateral movement from one endpoint to another. If a company device is lost or stolen, features such as Credential Guard help contain security breaches and prevent hackers from accessing additional endpoints.
What is Device Guard?: Device Guard is a Windows 10 feature that can lock down untrusted applications to avoid security breaches. The program prevents unauthorized software from running — even if an employee accidentally downloads dangerous software. This feature is highly beneficial for employees who share devices, work remotely or work as consultants.

Is your business ready to migrate to Windows 10?

Get details about pricing and buying options on insight.com.

See the details

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All keyword categories: Product overview Microsoft

Product overview Microsoft Windows 10 Operating System

Benefits of upgrading to Windows 10

Windows 10 security

New features in Windows 10

Get your upgrade.

Frequently asked questions — solution availability

What are the differences between Office 365 E3 and Office 365 E5?

What is the benefit of Insight’s Office 365 migration service?

What are admin-on-behalf services?

Does Insight offer hybrid cloud migration for Office 365?

When do I have to upgrade to Windows 10?

What version of Windows 10 should I get?

What upfront costs should be considered before migrating?

Where can I get help with Windows 10 migration?

Frequently asked questions — Windows 10 management

How do Windows 10 Enterprise updates work?

What is Windows as a service? How does Windows 10 as a service work?

Will Windows 10 require more management time?

What does Microsoft Intune do?

What is Windows Autopilot?

Frequently asked questions — features & functionality

How do I download new apps in Windows 10?

What are Live Tiles?

What is Focus assist?

How does Nearby sharing work?

Frequently asked questions — security

Does Windows 10 include built-in security?

How does Windows 10 protect single sign-on credentials?

What is Device Guard?

Is your business ready to migrate to Windows 10?

Discover more

Solution brief FAQ: Windows 11

Webinar On-demand: How Windows Virtual Desktop is Helping Organizations Adjust to a Changing World

Listicle 3 Reasons to Improve Employee Experience

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