10 features that will make you fall in love with Windows 10
Still on Windows 8.1 and still wondering if upgrading to Windows 10 is worth it? 10 contains some great features that are sure to make you want to take the plunge. Plus, Windows 10 has a big update coming out this summer, with improvements to touch features, better voice control and a Windows subsystem for Linux, so there will be even more goodness to enjoy.
Everything in one place
Unlike Windows 8.1, there's no need to toggle between the menu screen and desktop. Now all you need to do is click on the Start menu icon and everything, and I mean everything, is displayed in a customizable menu.
Simply pin all of your most used programs and apps to the Start menu and you'll never need to clutter your desktop with icons again.
View tasks at a glance
Ever forget what you were working on in a particular app or program? Just hover over its icon in the task bar and a small preview window will appear.
Apps aplenty
Is your phone chock-full of apps? Now the app lover in you can totally geek out with your laptop or desktop. Just click on the Windows Store icon in the Start menu and start browsing. Like Netflix, the app store tries to find apps that you might like and serves them up like an app smorgasbord.
Just say, 'Hey, Cortana'
Named after the sassy sidekick from the Halo video game series, Cortana is your own personal assistant. You can ask her anything and she'll serve up the answers via Bing (or you can force Cortana to use Google). She also can provide you with the weather report, traffic updates, current news, set alarms and even send emails or search for files on your computer with voice commands.
In the summer update, Cortana is getting a major overhaul to improve usability. She will also be available at the lock screen and in apps, such as Skype, to do your bidding.
Top login security
Windows 10 is on the cutting edge of security when it comes to protecting your computer. You can set up your Windows' login screen so that it uses facial recognition, a PIN or fingerprints instead of a password to log in. You can even create a visual password using your favorite photo and a three-motion gesture.
Microsoft everything
The last thing you need is another password. If facial recognition and fingerprint login just isn't your thing, you can log in using your Microsoft account information. It will also sync all of your other Microsoft programs to your account, as well.
Organize photos without lifting a finger
Like any great love, Windows 10 will do little things for you without you nagging at it. One great example is the photo app. The photo app grabs photos and videos from all of your devices, automatically enhances them and organizes them for you in albums.
Take action
Windows 10's action center is like a sweet text from your significant other. Click on the icon in the task bar and the action center pops up with messages your computer would like you to read, such as system update information. You can also use it to quickly turn on airplane mode, adjust screen brightness, connect to Bluetooth devices and Wi-Fi or many other handy features.
Xbox on your device
If you're a gamer, you'll love the Xbox app. With it you can stream whatever you're doing on your Xbox to your computer. You can also see what your gaming buddies are up to and send messages even when you're not using your console.
Find files quickly
If you have certain folders you access on the regular, then you'll adore the Quick Access feature. You can pin all of your most used files to the Quick Access area and then they're front and center when you're saving a document or uploading from a file. No searching required!