10 Reasons Windows 10 Will Rock Your Socks

In less than two weeks, Windows 10 will launch. This is a big deal. Here are some reasons why you should be excited. 

1. Start Menu's Back and it's Amazing

I was a huge fan of Windows 8, but I understand some folks were not. Either way, you'll find that Windows 10 is familiar. Your Start button is still on the bottom left with the Start Menu you've used since Windows 95. 

However, if you love live tiles like me, don't worry - there's still a spot for them in the reimagined Start Menu. Pin your favorite apps, websites, and settings and get live updates. Yes - even cat pictures qualify for Start Menu pinning.

2. It's Fast

You will not believe the speed of your PC's startup time after you install Windows 10 (especially if you're a pre-Windows 8 user). And even better, it just feels snappy, largely due to the fine-tuned UX (user experience). Whether or not you have a hard disk drive or a solid state drive, Windows 10 will fly.

Now if only we could upgrade our reaction times...

3. One Experience No Matter What Device  

Windows 10 ebbs and flexes depending on what input method is being used, the size of the screen, and orientation of the device. For example, Windows 10 will go into "tablet mode" if you disconnect your mouse and keyboard from your device. For phones and small tablets it will automatically adjust to a mobile-first experience, whereas for laptops and desktops, Windows 10 will adjust to be a mouse-and-keyboard-first device.

With Continuum, your phone can even become your PC. Attach it to an external display, keyboard, and mouse to allow apps to automatically transform to fit a widescreen orientation. It's just as cool as it sounds.

4. One Store for Apps

Dropbox, Office, Facebook, Twitter, Outlook: the list goes on. Apps are a part of our daily lives. So instead of having several app stores for the same app, Windows 10 has just one store for your apps. And they'll work on any of your Windows 10 devices.

For devs: Windows 10 apps are Universal apps. This means developers can write code for an app once, and it will be accessible on phones, tablets, Xbox, and HoloLens in addition to the millions of PCs running Windows. iOS and Android developers can even port code from their existing apps, and with some extra lines of code, transform it into a universal app. No more exhaustive re-writes for the same app.

Apps with hamburger menus are now welcome.

5. It Works on Older Machines

Any Windows 7 or Windows 8 apps are almost guaranteed to work on Windows 10. In fact, Windows 10 has lower system requirements than Windows 7, which means it will run smoothly on older machines.

So upgrade your PC, your grandma's PC, and even that ancient machine in the attic that hardly anyone uses.

6. Password-Free Sign in

Instead of typing a password every time you sign in to your PC, Windows Hello recognizes you when you sit down at your desk and signs you in automatically. No more hassle, just don't have plastic surgery too often!

7. Your very Own Digital Personal Assistant

Cortana is finally on desktops. Let her send emails, find documents, and search the web using your voice. Your notebook's there, too - so your reminders, places, interests, weather and itinerary are always there for you. Cortana can even sing if you ask.

8. The Browser IE Wishes it Could Be

Microsoft Edge is an incredibly fast, feature-rich browser built for the modern web. You can ink web pages by adding notes, easily access web developer tools, and read articles with ease with reading mode and reading lists. It has everything you'd want in a browser.

9. One Place for All of Your Files

Everyone loses files. Sometimes hard drives fail, you forget where you saved something, or you accidentally delete something. OneDrive is part of Windows 10 and is accessible across all of your devices. Frequently use an iPhone or Android device? Sync your camera roll with the OneDrive app and get them instantly on your Windows 10 PC.

OneDrive is accessible on Windows, Mac OS X, iOS, Android, and any web browser. OneDrive has its own recycle, bin, too - so no worries about accidental deletion!

10. It's free  

No joke - if you already have Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, you can get Windows 10 for free. Pro and Home versions can be upgraded at no cost. You might as well reserve your copy - it's coming July 29th. But in case you don't get it right away, you have up to one full year to decide before it's no longer free to upgrade. Pretty cool, right? #ThankYouMicrosoft

If You're not a #WinPhan Yet, You Will Be

I have not been this excited about a tech product in years. Windows 10 is more than just Microsoft's next operating system: it represents a movement and a new era for consumers. Microsoft is a devices and services company, now: not just a software company. And with Windows 10, you'll be at the forefront of the next chapter in tech.

Update: here's the eleventh reason: Microsoft will support Windows 10 till at least 2025. For OS lifespan, that's unheard of! 

Update 2: If you've already updated to Windows 10, here's a video of the first five things you should do!