Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 – Is the Upgrade Really worthy?

Windows 8 introduced a new level of computing. Microsoft’s Windows OS as we knew it, had gone through a total facelift and changed from everything it used to be. Later on, Windows 8.1 brought back some features most adored by the users – still in a Windows 8 style, though. Now a new Windows is announced for final release pretty soon, it’s named the Windows 10. Microsoft has released the developer preview quite a long time ago, and we have judged few of its features to assess whether an upgrade from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 will really be worth it.

Worthy Features in Windows 10

The upgrade is just not a mere illusion of introduction of new features, rather there are many actual updates that may take over Windows 8.1. Here are few highlights you may want to know –

• The Start Button is Back

Yes people, now it’s back in a more proper appearance. Windows 8.1 had brought back the Start Button in its place, but what it does is just launching the Start Screen where in Windows 8 you would have to hit the Start button in your keyboard to launch that screen. In Windows 10, Microsoft brings back a traditional Windows 95 to Windows XP style Start Menu. The menu gets bigger than it ever was, and features both the tile-like screen in a miniature form and previous Windows XP style options as well. Users would love this one!

• Pricing

Surprisingly, Microsoft announced free update to Windows 10 for existing Windows 7 and Windows 8, 8.1 users. The first year will be free under the kickstart period, so that people can adapt the new changes. Later on, there may be a fixed charge – depends. However, this news still remains unconfirmed and few rumors said that Microsoft is going to opt for the standard licensing system for Windows 10.

• Cortana

Voice based search and control isn’t only a smartphone thingy anymore, Microsoft brings the feature to Windows based computers through their latest Windows 10 update. Ask your computer to bring a search result, or launch an app, or make an appointment on the to-do list – everything can be done through voice commands using Cortana. Basically, Corana is the Siri of Windows. But according to many, Cortana is way smarter than Siri is. This impressive new feature is now available on desktop based Windows OS.

• Goodbye, Internet Explorer

The slower internet browsing software now takes a farewell from the new Windows. Even though the good old IE is still available in the developer preview, it is supposed to be gone in the final release. IE will be replaced by Spartan, a latest generation internet browser from Microsoft which is prophesized to erase all the bad reputation Internet Explorer has ever earned. We are looking forward to a new legacy.

• Task View and Snap Assist

When you click on this new option named Task View, you basically get the feature Windows 8 used to show when you pressed Alt+Tab together. The new Task View is more streamlined and friendlier while you use your computer, Users would love this feature for sure.

Snipping tool now gets a new shape – the Snap Assist. You can snap documents or anything else on a running window beside other windows. You can have multiple apps open in the desktop and place the snaps instantly in your other documents.

• Xbox

Unlike Windows 8’s Xbox app, the Xbox feature in Windows 10 brings a full-fledged Xbox console feel right on your computer. When games on Xbox Windows 10 console is played, you get almost Xbox like feel with similar controls and unified games. You can play with your Xbox Live network friends, use the controllers and so on. It’s a near-complete experience, but nothing beats gaming on actual Xbox.

Verdict

Windows 10 brings a lot of upgraded features, no doubt on that end. However, if Windows 8.1 is still serving you good and you don’t really care about all these new features, then stick to Windows 8.1. The basic in-depth stuffs almost remain the same. For the latest security and framework updates and latest feature integration, you should get the Windows 10.