Windows 10 Pro Overview Windows 10 is a series of personal computer operating systems produced by Microsoft as part of the Windows NT family of operating systems. It is the successor to Windows 8.1 and was released into production on July 15, 2015, and commercially on July 29, 2015. Windows 10 receives new versions on an ongoing basis, available to users at no additional cost. Devices in enterprise environments may receive these updates more slowly, or take advantage of Long-Term Support milestones, which receive only critical updates such as security patches during their ten-year extended support lifespan. One of the most notable features of Windows 10 is support for Universal Apps, an extension of the Metro-like apps first introduced in Windows 8. Universal apps can be designed to run using nearly identical code across multiple Microsoft product families—including PCs, tablets, smartphones, embedded systems, Xbox One, Surface Hub, and Mixed Reality. The Windows user interface was redesigned to allow transitions between a mouse-oriented interface and a touchscreen-optimized interface based on available input devices—especially on 2-in-1 PCs, both interfaces include an updated Start menu that combines elements of the traditional Start menu from Windows 7 with the tiles from Windows 8. Windows 10 also introduced the Microsoft Edge web browser, a virtual desktop system, a window and desktop management feature called Task View, support for fingerprint and facial recognition logon, new security features for enterprise environments, and DirectX 12.