Windows 10 for Business: Pros and Cons for Professionals

Windows 10 for Business: Pros and Cons for Professionals

The next generation from 8.1, Windows 10 was officially launched for sale in July of 2015. It was designed to include new features to make it better value for customers, including new builds and upgrades on an ongoing basis – there is no charge for these.

One function of this version that won praise is that it has a desktop-style interface instead of the tablet-style in Windows 8, which wasn’t always popular. Windows 10 is used on around 800 million devices worldwide.

Benefits of Windows 10

Windows 10 users in enterprise organisations can choose to receive upgrades at times that are more convenient to them or opt to only receive critical updates (security patches, for example) if they prefer.

The new version includes Microsoft Edge, which replaced the outdated, slow and bug-riddled Internet Explorer. This is more user-friendly, displays web pages properly and has better security. Helpfully, Edge is able to block video and audio autoplay, which is beneficial when websites are accessed in an office or public space.

It also supports the use of universal apps, which can be run across a range of devices, including tablets, Xbox games consoles and smartphones and work in almost exactly the same way (provided they are Microsoft products). This is particularly useful if employees access work materials on multiple devices, as there is a feature which allows you to pick up exactly where you left off.

Microsoft has also given consideration to the health of their users, adding features such as ‘Night Light’, to reduce exposure to disruptive blue light. They’ve also focused on accessibility, allowing the software to adapt the unique needs of the user.

The introduction of Windows Security (replacing Windows Defender) is good news for business users, as it includes improved ransomware protection and effective reporting of viruses and other threats.

Potential Issues with Windows 10

Just this month (April 2019) Microsoft made users aware of serious problems with Windows 10 causing computers to freeze when booting up and while being used. This was particularly problematic for business users. A new upgrade should allow people to delay updates and limit software problems, but there is always a possibility of further hiccups.

The mandatory installing of updates has led to many complaints since Windows 10 was introduced, and, more significantly, concerns were raised early on regarding data collection, privacy and adware tactics which were used to promote the OS (operating system). Data and privacy settings can be manually changed, of course.

There are other, less serious problems such as the old OS remaining on the PC, taking up storage space, intrusive notifications or updates not working properly. Edge users have also been annoyed by pop-ups blocking web pages. Minor niggles like these are fixable and shouldn’t cause too much trouble to the efficiency of your machine.

Conclusion

Windows 10 has now been available to both business and personal users for almost four years, and while there are clearly still problems with the software, Microsoft are proactively trying to resolve these.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that from January 2020, support and updates for Windows 7 will be phased out, so an upgrade to 8.1, or more logically 10, is recommended to ensure your business software functions at optimum levels. Rigorous testing is already being carried out ahead of the next major update, scheduled for next year.

If you have any concerns about Windows 10, whether you’re already using it or considering an upgrade to your company PCs, it’s worth speaking to your IT support partner for their advice, and in the case of any issues, can fix them for you quickly.

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