---
title: "The most important new features of Windows 10"
url: https://lookeen.com/blog/the-most-important-new-features-of-windows-10
lang: en
description: "Want to take advantage of the free upgrade to Windows 10? We give you an overview of the most important new features of Windows 10."
author: "Ben Golling"
published: 2016-03-18T10:09:19+00:00
modified: 2026-11-11T06:07:30+00:00
---

# The most important new features of Windows 10

Since the release of Windows 10 in July 2015, an increasing number of users have switched from the tried-and-true Windows versions 7 and 8.1 to Microsoft’s latest operating system. It is expected that the number of Windows 10 users will rise significantly in the coming months. However, this is not only due to the new features of Windows 10, but also because the one-year free upgrade period for users of the two previous Windows versions is expiring. If you are still unsure whether you should make the switch, it might help you to know about the best new features of Windows 10.

## Our Top 6 of the Most Important New Features of Windows 10

[Want to know where your data is located? The Lookeen Desktop Search stores your index exclusively locally on your PC!](https://lookeen.com/solutions/desktop-search/desktop-search)

**1\. Return of the Start Menu**

The removal of the Start Menu in Windows 8 and its half-hearted reintroduction in Windows 8.1 brought Microsoft a lot of criticism from its customers. In Windows 10, the Start Menu is now making its glorious comeback, albeit in a slightly modified form. While the Start Menu in the previous version was still too heavily geared towards touchscreen use, it combines the requirements for both the desktop and mobile areas in Windows 10.

**2\. Cortana**

If you own a Windows Phone or tablet, you have likely already come into contact with the virtual assistant Cortana. Originally created as an equivalent to Apple’s Siri, Cortana eventually made its way to the desktop area as well. Cortana can be used traditionally via search input and, as is already known from smartphones, can also process voice commands. As a nice gimmick, the search activates as soon as the user says “Hey Cortana” into their microphone. The strong integration of Cortana with the internet is something to view critically.

**3\. Microsoft Edge**

The biggest problem with Internet Explorer has always been its poor reputation. The fact that it had to earn this reputation itself naturally also plays a role. With Windows 10, Microsoft released the “Edge” browser in parallel. Microsoft Edge features a wide range of new functions such as the Read Aloud mode, pen and touch input, and Cortana integration. However, the transition is proceeding slowly; even more than half a year after Edge has been on the market, there are still quite few add-ons and extensions for the new browser. This is partly due to the fact that Internet Explorer can still be used. [While Edge is currently used by just under 1% (!) of internet users on average, it is still significantly over 10% for Internet Explorer.](https://www.browser-statistik.de/statistiken/)

**4\. Virtual Desktops**

Windows 10 offers users a new feature called “Virtual Desktops.” This is particularly helpful if you run multiple programs or projects in parallel but only have one monitor available, as the new feature helps with orientation. If you press the Windows key simultaneously with the “Ctrl” key, you can switch between the individual desktops using the arrow keys. This function expands on the ability to switch through open windows using the “Alt”+“Tab” keyboard shortcut and drag windows into other virtual desktops with the mouse.

**5\. Continuum**

Continuum is another new feature of Windows 10 that allows you to dock your smartphone or tablet to a monitor with input devices. This gives you the option to perform simple tasks on the “PC” while simultaneously using your smartphone as usual. Of course, Continuum only works with smartphones from the latest generation that come with sufficient processing power.

**6\. Desktop Search**

The desktop search in Windows 10 has been adapted not only regarding Cortana but also visually through the File Explorer. [You can read how desktop search works in Windows 10 in this article.](https://lookeen.com/blog/desktop-search-in-windows-10)

## Should You Make the Switch?

If you are unsure whether you want to switch to Windows 10, you can still [perform a free upgrade to Windows 10](https://lookeen.com/blog/how-to-upgrade-from-windows-8-to-windows-10-for-free) until the end of June and [roll back the upgrade](https://lookeen.com/blog/undo-windows-10-upgrade/) within one month without incurring any costs. Of course, the prerequisite is that you have at least Windows 7 installed.

The new features of Windows 10 are well thought out and can indeed be helpful for your daily work. A switch is particularly sensible in the tablet and laptop sectors, as Windows 10 is significantly more energy-efficient and consumes fewer system resources compared to its predecessor.