Reasons to Upgrade to Windows 10

You can finally exhale a sigh of relief: Windows 8 is going away, and it's once again safe to upgrade your PC's version of Windows. Windows 10 is here, and a major thrust of its design is to be more familiar to users of pre-8 versions of Windows. It's a chance for everyone who missed out on all the performance and feature advances in Windows 8 and 8.1—and believe it or not there are plenty, many of which are included in this list—to get caught up. If you didn’t hear… it is also free!
To upgrade to Windows 10 you can start the process by clicking on the new-style Windows logo in your system tray that Microsoft has added to all machines eligible for the free upgrade. Doing so enrolls you in the upgrade program, which started on July 29. Unless your computer is part of a corporate network, or you haven't upgraded recently, you've no doubt seen this icon. If you are part of a corporate network you may want to reach out to the group running your IT. Please note, if you currently have a device that you are looking to upgrade that has a vpn client, uninstall before you upgrade. This will save you the time of reverting back and going through the process twice.
Please be aware that the new operating system sheds some features that weren't used by a large enough audience for Microsoft to continue offering them. Things like Windows Media Center, Windows 7 desktop gadgets, and a few more trifles.
An underlying reason to upgrade, aside from any features listed here, is to take advantage of advances that come with newer technology; simply experiencing the little conveniences and updated design that accompany any new operating system can be refreshing. Several of the advantages listed below were also features of Windows 8.1. But a major goal of Windows 10 is to be familiar and not require learning new techniques the way Windows 8 did. From that standpoint, Windows 10 aims to give you the best of both worlds, embracing both familiarity and innovation.

Speed
Startup and more. If you never made the move to Windows 8 or 8.1, you've missed out on one of the best things to hit Windows operating systems in forever: Fast startup. There are even comparison videos showing that Windows 8.1 actually starts up faster on a MacBook than OS X. And that's compared to a fast booting operating system. Compared with Windows 7, the newer Microsoft OSes leave the older one at the gates. Another speed boost mostly aimed at gamers will come from DirectX 12, the new 3D engine that will get game developers closer to the metal for a new level of immersive performance.

The Start Menu
IT is BACK….The loud voices in the tech community have long clamored for the return of the Start menu after its replacement by the Start screen in Windows 8. Which is kind of funny, since the same group scoffed at Start when it first appeared in Windows 95, as something too noob-like to bother with. Anyway, Microsoft has heeded the cries for its return, but given it a tile-based appendage, so as not to lose live tile info, and to make the OS still touch-enabled.

Better Interface
The Start menu isn’t the only user interface element that’s getting an overhaul in Windows 10. Latter versions of Windows 8 added the ability to collapse Modern Windows apps (the ones downloaded from the Windows Store, A.K.A. “Metro” apps) to the desktop taskbar. As of Windows 10, these apps can be re-sized and moved freely, more or less like any other app on your desktop. Speaking of which, Microsoft has also added the capacity for multiple “virtual” desktops, separated versions of your computer’s primary interface that allow different programs to be more easily grouped. This is something that OS X, Linux, and various third-party Windows apps have been able to do for years.
Other small tweaks throughout the operating system are designed to make accessing programs and information quick and easy, no matter what form factor you happen to be using. A revised app switcher called Task View makes all open windows visible with a simple gesture, and a miniature version of this appears if you use the “snap” feature to quickly re-size a program’s active window. Other tweaks throughout Windows 10 are designed to create a more seamless experience across desktops, laptops, convertibles, and tablets, blending elements of touch-friendly UI and traditional desktop OS utility.

Cortana
It's nice to be able to talk to your technology. If you've talked with Siri and her friend Google Now, you know how convenient it can be to interact with your technology hands-free. "Hey Cortana, play music," or "take a note" are just for starters. You can get more specific with reminders that will show up on any device running Cortana—which will soon include Androids and iPhones along with Windows Phones. You can say, "Remind me to buy milk when I'm near a supermarket," or "remind me to ask my wife about her mother when she calls." And Cortana isn't just about voice commands: Her Notebook keeps track of your interests, popping up info such as your favorite sports team scores, local weather, and even traffic conditions for your commute home.

Better Browsing
Microsoft Edge brings the OS's default browser into the modern world of browsers. That means improved compatibility and speed, and add a few helpful new capabilities like webpage markup and reading mode. Did I mention you can circle or highlight pages and share with anyone?

Security
Windows 10 inherits the Secure Boot feature from Windows 8 and makes it even more secure. This requires any code that runs right when the OS starts be signed by Microsoft or the hardware maker. Unlike Windows 8, Windows 10 PCs can be set up so that this feature may not be bypassed. Three new security feature for Windows 10 are Device Guard, Microsoft Passport and Windows Hello, which you can read about on the Windows for Your Business blog.

Virtual Desktops
For years, some of the more-sophisticated Mac users have found the ability to switch among several virtual desktops useful. Windows 10 finally brings the capability to Microsoft's desktop operating system. In Windows 10, the feature is incredibly easy to use: You simple click or tap the task-switching icon next to the Cortana search box in the taskbar.
Overall the user experience is great! Give it a try when you still have time to trial it with the option to revert back to your current operating system. Windows 10 will really come alive if you pair it with a phone running Microsoft software.

*Some content thanks to M. Crider, M. Muchmore and other forums.