Windows 10 Windows 10 Insider Preview

[kemical]

The operating system which many thought was going to be Windows 9 is in fact going to be called Windows 10.
The preview is apparently available tomorrow 1st October 2014.
Why the sudden change from windows 9 to windows 10? If the hype is to be believed then Windows 10 is such a change from previous operating systems that it needed an extra digit:

Microsoft jumped straight from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10, leapfrogging the expected Windows 9 release. Myerson maintained that when users get their hands on the new OS, they'll see "Windows 10" is a more fitting name than "Windows 9" because the OS represents a far bigger shift than a mere one-digit jump could convey.

Ref:
Windows 10 unveiled - Microsoft ushers in the next era of Windows by skipping 9

The next major version of Windows, Windows 10, will be available late next year. The new operating system is being unveiled today at an event in San Francisco, where Microsoft announced its name and began detailing new features, including the return and makeover of the Start Menu, the introduction of multiple desktops, and a new universal search feature.

Ref:
Windows 10 will be available late next year, preview coming tomorrow


Guru3D also ran a big article today on Windows 10:

Microsoft skips Windows 9, its now Windows 10 Link RemovedLink RemovedLink RemovedLink RemovedLink Removed
Microsoft has been providing an early look at the next version of Windows, the company will be calling the new OS Windows 10. Early photos and screenshtos have already appeared on the web , showing builds with a hybrid start menu combining Windows 7-era features with Windows 8 style tiles. Business customers are likely to receive early access soon, to begin testing and provide feedback.

So correct it's not Windows TH, Windows X, Windows One, and even Windows 9 ... it's Windows 10.

The software will run on a wide range of devices from smartphones and tablets to PCs and Xbox games consoles, with applications sold from a single store. It also marks the return of the Start Menu, which had been removed from Windows 8. With Windows 10, Microsoft will offer a single platform on which to develop applications for phones, tablets, laptops, desktops and wall-sized PCs. It’s not one size fits all, and instead will vary depending on the hardware on which it’s running.

Link Removed

Return of the classic desktop and Start menu. Windows 10 will come with a classic looking desktop, which should please Windows fans that miss Windows 7 (shown above). This means there will be a Start menu, too, although it looks a bit different than the menu we're used to. As previous leaks had indicated, the Start menu looks like a hybrid of a standard menu and the tiled Windows 8 interface.

Continuum. Microsoft is adding a new feature called Continuum that allows the operating system to adapt based on what type of device you're using. For example, if you're using a mouse and keyboard you'll get the standard desktop view. But if you're using a Windows tablet hybrid, you'll switch to "tablet mode" once you disconnect the keyboard.

Apps will run on the desktop. Windows 8 apps, which were initially designed for touch, will now work with the mouse and keyboard and will run in the desktop. Microsoft is clearly making its software more PC-friendly.

Better multitasking. There's a new "task view" button on the task bar that lets you easily switch between apps.

An improved Snap feature. With Windows 10, you'll be able to snap multiple apps alongside one another. Based on Microsoft's demo, it looks like you can snap more apps together than you could before with previous versions of Windows.

“Windows 10 will be our most comprehensive platform ever,” he said. Myerson said the company is “starting the dialogue” with enterprise customers today. He noted that they’re still buying PCs, and business sales grew 14 percent in the first half of the year.

For business users, the first priority is that the operating system be “familiar” whether they are coming from Windows 7 or Windows 8 so they can immediately be productive. The second priority is “modern management” of a fleet of computers. Myerson was followed by Microsoft Vice President Joe Belfiore to provide a demo. Belfiore showed the new start menu that surfaces in the lower left corner. It indeed combines a traditional list of “most used” programs and files, a search box and a panel populated with Windows 8 style “live tiles.”

Link Removed

Customers like the tiles and they are customizable, he said. The tiles can be made taller or wider, changing the height and width of the start menu. “It gives the familiarity of Windows 7 with some of the new benefits that exist in Windows 8,” he said.

Belfiore noted how the menu combines traditional Win32 apps with apps built for Windows 8 and Windows Phone and distributed through Microsoft’s app store.

We don’t want that duality,” he said, adding that “regardless of how an app was written it “works the way you expect.” Belfiore also demonstrated Windows 10′s improved handling of multiple desktops on a single screen, including more control over “snapping” these windowed panels into different locations on the desktop. The “alt-tab” control has been updated to scroll through open windows. This isn’t earth-shaking but it shows how Microsoft has to develop the software for a wide range of users, from novices to advanced users, he said.

At the far end of this spectrum are people who may appreciate improvements to using the “command prompt” capability, which Belfiore demonstrated. It took half an hour before touch controls were mentioned, in contrast to the Windows 8 emphasis on touchscreens and a new “charms” control menu that disappeared until summoned.

Instead of designing first for touchscreens, Windows 10 is using touch to extend the mouse-and-keyboard experience ‘so it feels natural,” Belfiore said. “I expect that charms bar to change,” he said.At the same time, Microsoft still sees a lot of potential in “two in one” devices that work as both a tablet and a traditional laptop. The “Windows 8 focus on touch was trying to salute the idea that people would be productive on these touch devices but we didn’t quite get it right,” Belfiore said. New consumer features are coming but aren’t being shown yet. Instead, the company’s reaching out first to enterprise customers. Starting tomorrow, Microsoft will release a technical preview for laptops and desktops through its “Windows Insider Program” for business customers and advanced users. Later the company will release new software for servers and management tools and other device categories. “We think it’s time to show the world and start that feedback cycle going,” Belfiore said. Myerson cautioned that the software is still early and of variable quality at this point.

“Windows 10 will be our most open, collaborative OS project ever,” he said.

A broader release of the software is likely in mid-2015, after the company’s BUILD developer conference. Asked for more explanation of the name, Myerson and Belfiore first related the kids’ joke about how “seven ate nine” but then gave a more serious answer. “When you see the product in its fullness I think you’ll agree with us it’s a more appropriate name for the breadth of the product family that’s coming,” he said.

“It was a name that resonated best for what we will deliver,” he added. Myerson declined to discuss whether Microsoft will change the way it sells or licenses Windows with the release of Windows 10. Asked about designing an operating system that spans business and consumer usage, Belfiore said the company believes it can design a user experience that scales across the scenarios. The starting point is recognizing that the users are “not different humans,” he said, adding that “people who use a phone or a PC or a tablet to do work are the same people who use a phone or a PC or a tablet at home.” “Fundamentally it feels like a problem we can solve,” he said.

Microsoft will offer a "technical preview" of Windows 10 to early adopters later this week, which will run on laptops and desktops.

The company said it would provide details about the introduction of "universal apps" - individual programs that tailor their functionality to different types of devices - in April, and would aim to release the completed OS before the end of 2015.

Ref:
Microsoft skips Windows 9, its now Windows 10

Signing up for Windows 10.

Many users will be wanting to know where they can get their hands on a copy of Windows 10 Preview. Luckily for us Mary Jo Foley has an article which includes the process of signing up:

Tomorrow, on October 1, Microsoft will open up itspreview.windows.com site so that those interested in testing the Enterprise Technical Preview version of the operating system can download the early bits. Those who sign up through the preview site will be enrolled in Insiders Program. Via this program, Microsoft will push regular updates through Windows Update to the initial tech preview over the coming months.

Insiders also will be asked to provide feedback in a variety of forms to Microsoft about the features they like and dislike.

The Enterprise Technical Preview (Build 9841) will work on x86 machines only. Microsoft is not yet making available a test build of the ARM version of Windows 10. Microsoft officials said to expect that more consumer-focused preview to arrive in early 2015. (Previous leaks have peggedavailabiity of the consumer preview to the January/February 2015 timeframe).

Read the full article here:
Microsoft's Windows 10: What's new and how to get the preview bits

 

[kemical]

Talk and screenshots of a new build here (namely Build 9879):
http://www.winbeta.org/news/windows...aked-improved-animations-security-updates-and

In this build, you can simply right-click on the taskbar and hide the Search and Task View buttons on the taskbar. You can also pin things to the Home area of File Explorer, and the Modern UI app settings menu available in the top left has changed from three dots to the familiar hamburger-style button. It still functions the same, but it now has a more universal look to it.

Sounds like they are listening..

 

[kemical]

Looks like they really are listening! Some great news.....

Microsoft will issue ISO's for Windows 10 build 9879 "soon"
Microsoft has today announced that ISO's for the latest Windows Technical Preview build will be available soon. The reason why Microsoft aren't releasing ISO's right away is because they need Windows Insiders to help them test the automatic upgrade process between builds via PC settings.

Microsoft said on their official blog post:

... we heard from you loud and clear you want ISO images of the new builds we release. We felt it was important to listen to that and give you what you want – but there’s a catch. Getting the update & install data from our Preview Builds mechanism is super important for us. It helps us ensure smooth ESD distribution, download, and upgrade success for this program going forward, and also will help us ensure great upgrades for people once we release Windows 10. So we’re going to release the ISOs at the same time as we publish to the Slow ring.

So, when the build is issued out to those on the slow preview ring, those who wish to install ISO's will also get access to them. Right now, Microsoft is yet to issue an ETA for build 9879 in the slow ring, meaning we're not sure when the ISO's will be released. One can assume it will be before the months end.

There you have it. Those who wish to gain access to ISO's, your wish is granted. You've just got to be somewhat patient for it.

Ref:
http://www.winbeta.org/news/microsoft-will-issue-isos-windows-10-build-9879-soon

 

[davehc]

What you will find in the new build

Link Removed

 

[Trouble]

Experiencing some unusual hard and fast freezes with this latest Build, which seem to have occurred shortly after installing that 14MB update. Not sure if the two are related and it is not the black screen issue described in the link.

EDIT: Please disregard; the problem turned out to be a matter of coincidence. It seems that my old nVidia display adapter just happened to take this particular time and opportunity to go wonky and fail. So it had nothing to do with the OS, the new build, or the subsequent 14 Meg update. Very sorry for the false alarm.

 

[MikeHawthorne]

Hi

I have installed all of my software in Windows 10 now.

That means all of my games, Adobe software, video editing, 3D viewing programs, security software, codecs, search engines, Rocket Dock, browsers, email clients etc.

I'm not seeing much of a slowdown, maybe booting is a little slower, but still much faster than Windows 8.

Everything I click on opens almost instantly.
Opening Internet Explorer has slowed a little taking 3 seconds to open instead of 1.
Chrome has slowed a little more than that.

I've updated each time, no fresh installs.

I just made my 15th image file since I installed W10, this one is the first of the new version 9879.

I've restored 5 times so far to correct issues with sound and when I've decided to remove things I've added so I'm not accumulating a lot of errors.

I'm going to treat the real install when it happens the same way.
Restore instead of bashing around trying to fix things that are broken.

So far it seems to keep things much cleaner.

Mike

 

[kemical]

Windows 10 Consumer Preview: Here's what Windows Insiders can expect in 2015
Link Removed

It was announced recently that no more Windows 10 builds would be issued to Windows Insiders this year, and that the program will resume in early 2015. That leaves over a month and a half between now and the next publicly available build, so what can we expect to see in early 2015?

Since the launch of the Windows Insider Program, Microsoft has introduced us to a new Start Menu, windowed Modern UI apps and many more awesome desktop-like features. The whole point of the Windows Technical Preview at this stage was to show Enterprises that Windows is still a viable desktop operating system, as well as receive feedback from Windows Insiders regarding the desktop as a whole.

Internally, Microsoft is considering this a success. Over 200,000 bits of feedback has been submitted by Windows Insiders, and Enterprises are happy with the direction in which Windows 10 is heading. So what's the next step for Microsoft and its development journey with Windows 10? Consumers.

The consumer side of Windows 10
The new year should see Microsoft talking more about the consumer side of Windows 10, and we're expecting to see a consumer-orientated preview which runs on desktops, tablets and phones. Windows Insiders should start receiving new builds in January/February, and these new builds will be packed with new features for every kind of device. Microsoft should introduce Windows Phone 10 too and talk about its many new features.

Link Removed

What kind of features are we going to see in the Windows 10 Consumer Preview? Well considering this preview is designed for more than one form factor, we should get to play with Continuum and the brand new Start Screen. In the most recent Windows Technical Preview build, an early version of the Start Screen is enable-able, meaning Microsoft is getting close to releasing it to Windows Insiders officially.

Many are awaiting the appearance of Cortana, the Microsoft personal-assistant which currently runs on Windows Phone. It's currently unclear when Cortana is set to appear in public builds, we know that Cortana is working in internal builds of the operating system, we just don't know when Microsoft plan to release her publicly. It's possible that Microsoft will unveil her alongside the Consumer Preview, but hold off on her release until BUILD in April, but now we're treading into the speculation zone.

On the desktop side of things, WinBeta understands that an updated UI and more "modernized" icons are on the way. By the time Windows 10 is released, we should have a whole batch of new icons, with the old ones nowhere in-sight. In the most recent builds (989x), the recycle bin, and many others have been updated. Regarding the updated UI, it's currently unclear what this entails. We understand that Microsoft has been thinking about introducing some form of transparency effect to the UI in Windows 10, but considering those plans aren't concrete, we're not holding our breath just yet.

Link Removed

We also understand that live-tiles on the desktop are set to make an appearance at some point during development, at the very latest sometime around BUILD. You can already create shortcuts to Modern UI apps on the desktop by simply dragging the app from the Start Menu and dropping it on your desktop. In upcoming builds, doing the same thing will result in the actual live-tile of the app being placed to the desktop, much like Gadgets used to work.

The Notification Center should see some more enhancements, as Action Center is set to make an appearance in newer builds. Of course, the Notification Center will also make an appearance within the touch-UI too. And of course, Internet Explorer 12 and Office for touch are both set to make an appearance at some point in 2015.

So, that's just a small snippet as to what's coming for Windows Insiders. Of course, all the features listed here won't show up immediately, but will be scattered across a number of upcoming builds. Also, we doubt this is everything coming in Windows 10, we imagine more features and tweaks are in the pipeline before Windows 10 RTMs in the Summer of 2015. Expect Microsoft to have an event/announcement at the beginning of 2015 detailing the many consumer-features of Windows 10, and will be expecting a heap-load of more feedback to be submitted by you, the Windows Insiders.
Ref:
Link Removed

 

[kemical]

Good news on the 9879 iso release:

Microsoft announced not too long ago that the recently released Windows Technical Preview build would be sent out to those in the slow ring soon, and will arrive with a number of bug fixes to help stabilize the operating system. The company claims that crash data from those in the fast ring has helped Microsoft in identifying the many problems this build suffered from.

It's currently unclear how the bug fix will be applied to the slow ring, whether it will be included with the actual upgrade process or released as a separate hotfix via Windows Update remains to be seen. For those who downloaded the build in the fast ring, we assume the bug fix will be delivered to you too via Windows Update.

It's unclear when Microsoft plan on pushing out the build for slow ring participants, however we have a feeling that it will be very soon. Microsoft promised that with the release of the build to the slow ring, ISO's would be made available for clean installation. Let's hope they stick to their word.

For those that did not know, you can switch between Slow and Fast ring updates in PC Settings > Update and Recovery > Preview Builds. Everyone is on the slow ring, by default. If you want to see the build right as it comes available, you will want to be on the fast ring. If you want to wait a bit and let major bugs get fixed before you install the build, wait for the slow ring.

In this case, Windows 10 build 9879 was released to those on the fast ring not too long ago, and has since been identified to have some issues that need to be resolved. Luckily, those on the slow ring will be receiving this build with less issues or bugs to worry about.

Ref:
Link Removed

 

[kemical]

Link Removed We decided to make a couple of additional fixes so are holding Slow ring progression until early next week. Thanks all!

Latest tweet on MS builds:
Link Removed

 

[davehc]

Now this:

http://www.neowin.net/news/windows-10-build-9888-shows-up-with-a-kernel-version-of-100

Their is a comment on the kernel change, also, on the MSDN development library site. I am a little concerned with the kernel jump. I have quite a bit of paid up software and am not wanting to look at any future incompatibilites

 

[kemical]

Winbeta has an article running recapping the weeks events and the ever changing Windows 10.
Windows 10 news recap: Desktop live tiles, NT kernel version 10.0 and more

Another busy Windows 10 week is behind us, meaning there's at least six more weeks until the next publicly available Windows 10 build is available. This week, we learned yet even more about Windows 10, and how next year will see Windows 10 spread its wings and shine bright like a diamond. Let's dive in shall we?

First up, we revealed earlier this week a few new Windows 10 features which are set to make an appearance in the new year. Those features, being live tiles on the desktop and many more were detailed exclusively here at WinBeta. We recommend you Link Removedfor a sneak peek at what's to come in the Windows Consumer Preview.

During the week, Microsoft further detailed their new OneStore for Windows 10, which is a Windows Store designed for all form factors. The new OneStore will offer IT administrators a whole load of options for deploying applications and managing distribution. Go check that out here!

It was also Link Removedthat build 9879 for slow ring participants would be released next week, meaning ISO's are inbound! If you're a slow ring participant, the build should land with bug fixes available from Windows Update, and for those who wish to update with ISOs, Microsoft promised ISOs would be released too.

Link Removed

And with what might be the biggest news this week, Windows 10 saw its NT kernel version bump from 6.4 to 10.0. As this story broke, many failed to believe its authenticity as this jump in version was deemed impossible a few months ago by developers. Still, Microsoft went ahead and did it, and they even confirmed this change too in an MSDN document available for IE developers!

ref:
http://www.winbeta.org/news/windows-10-news-recap-desktop-live-tiles-nt-kernel-version-100-and-more

 

[davehc]

An interesting thought in my mind. Do those of us who are running the OS, having got it through the "fast" path, now expect to get those improvements by some means, that is, through a large update, or should we change back to the "slow" path, and wait for the improved ISO?

 

[kemical]

Current speculation is that for current 9879 users (or those on the fast ring) will receive a Hotfix/update via Windows Update. Iso's should be available however and it's hoped that the release will be around the early part of this week maybe even today..

 

[kemical]

Although it's already been posted, just for clarity here is links for the 9879 iso:

Calling all Insiders: ISO files of the November Update (build 9879) are now available for download. You'll still receive this update automatically via Windows Update, but if you prefer a clean install or you want to install on a virtual machine, you can download an ISO file instead. Here's how:

• Click one of the Download links on this page to download an ISO file that you can use to install the preview.
  
  
• When the download is complete, transfer the ISO file to installation media such as a USB flash drive or DVD.
  
  
• Boot your PC from the installation media, and then follow the steps to perform a clean install.

Ref:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/preview-iso-update?os=win10

 

[kemical]

Another update for Win 10 users addressing a security flaw in Flash player:

Link Removed another patch is available as of now. KB3018943 - security update for IE Flash Player

Ref:
Link Removed

 

[kemical]

WinBeta.com have an article showing Cortana on the desktop. Cortana is an app from the Microsoft phone. More here:

Cortana will reportedly launch on Windows 10 with the same feature set available to the personal assistant on Windows Phone, considering the same backend will be used for both platforms. Although Microsoft may add PC-centric features in due time.

Cortana could make her debut on the Windows 10 Consumer Preview due in January next year, as no more Technical Preview builds are expected this year.

ref:
Link Removed


When i hear the name 'Cortana' I always think back to the AI Cortana that was in the game 'Halo'... I wonder if there is a connection?

 

[kemical]

Microsoft's Gabriel Aul has taken it to Twitter to reveal that a new update (KB3020114) is rolling out right now to Windows Insider Participants who are running Windows 10 build 9879. This particular update simply fixes frequent Explorer crashes that users have been experiencing and reporting.

Ref:
http://www.winbeta.org/news/windows...b3020114-update-fix-frequent-explorer-crashes

Still no fix for keyboard lights though...

 

[davehc]

This is getting to be a drama.
Many users are getting different symptoms and faults.
For example, the update you mentioned, caused me to have the need to log in to all the sites I visit. One in particular, (under discussion with the Admin there, I get a popup telling me my login is incorrect (Blah blah, what do I know, I have been visiting the site for some years without problems.) This is with IE. Chrome is not seeing the same problem.

Interesting to note that, so far, and in particular on the MS tech preview forums, the negative feedback has so far exceeded Windows 8 by a very large margin, yet the pundits are acclaiming the latest OS. What the heck!

 

[kemical]

Really? Do you have links David as I'm ashamed to say I haven't even visited their forum lol. I didn't even know there was any issues with IE as I always use Chrome 64bit Browser..

When I saw there was an update pending I instantly thought 'aaah bless em... Microsoft have released an update for the keyboard lights'. But alas no.... Now i hear it's an issue with IE and before that it was blue screens neither of these issues affected my system apart from a weird reboot (which has been fixed) and the afore mentioned keyboard lights.

 

[davehc]

This one

Link Removed

It is actually rebadged as Windows 10, which I have suggested might be one of the problems.

 

[MikeHawthorne]

For example, the update you mentioned, caused me to have the need to log in to all the sites I visit. One in particular, (under discussion with the Admin there, I get a popup telling me my login is incorrect (Blah blah, what do I know, I have been visiting the site for some years without problems.) This is with IE. Chrome is not seeing the same problem.

I had an issue like this, in addition I logged into my email client, (Mozilla Thunderbird) and found that everything was gone, my address books, local folders, all of my messages, and email accounts.

It was like I had just installed it.

I also found that web sites that I was always logged into automaticly had to be done manually again, and this was in Google Chrome.

It didn't seem to affect all of the sites I log into though, it didn't affect Amazon but it did affect some forum and game site logins.

I do think that 9879 has been brought up to date, I haven't had the issue with re-booting or my sound stopping in a week or so.