Microsoft has released the first major update to Windows 10 for PCs and tablets, bringing improvements in all aspects of the platform including new device drivers and applications. If you are already running Windows 10, you will receive the November update according to your Windows Update settings. If you’re running Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, you can take advantage of the free upgrade offer and receive the November update as part of your Windows 10 upgrade.

Windows 10 Upgrade Offer is valid for qualified and genuine Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 devices, including devices you already own. Windows 7 SP1 and Windows 8.1 Update required. However, some editions are excluded: Windows 7 Enterprise, Windows 8/8.1 Enterprise, and Windows RT/RT 8.1.

Experience improvements in this update include:

• Performance in everyday tasks, such as boot time now nearly 30% faster than Windows 7 on the same device.
• With Cortana, you can use your device’s pen (US only) to just scribble a note in the Cortana Notebook and Cortana will recognize the phone number, email address, and even physical address to help you set reminders. Cortana can also now keep track of your event and movie bookings too, sending you reminders to know where to go and get there on time, plus the option to book and track an Uber. Microsoft made Cortana available in Japan, Australia, and Canada and India (in English) with features customized for each market.
• Microsoft Edge offers improved performance and security, along with tab preview, which allows you to hover over your open tabs and get a preview of what’s on those websites without leaving the page you’re on. Microsoft Edge now syncs your Favorites and Reading list items across devices. And, Cortana will now notify you of coupons (US only) from retailers such as Staples, Macys and Best Buy when shopping in Microsoft Edge.
• Improvements to Mail, Calendar, Photos, Groove, Xbox, Store, OneNote, Solitaire.
  

Microsoft is also introduces two free services, designed for IT:

• Windows Update for Business provides IT controls over the deployment of updates within their organizations, while ensuring their devices are kept current and their security needs are met. Features include setting up device groups with staggered deployments and scaling deployments with network optimizations.
• Windows Store for Business provides IT a flexible way to find, acquire, manage and distribute apps to Windows 10 devices – both Windows Store apps and custom line of business apps. Organizations can choose their preferred distribution method by directly assigning apps, publishing apps to a private store, or connecting with management solutions.
  

In addition, the update introduces two capabilities designed for IT to empower people to use multiple devices:

• Mobile Device Management, empowers IT to use the full power of Enterprise Mobility Management to manage the entire family of Windows devices, including PCs, tablets, phones, and IOT. Windows 10 can manage BYOD scenarios from the device to the apps to the data on those devices. The OS is also compatible with the existing management infrastructure used with PCs.
• Azure Active Directory Join, empowers IT to maintain one directory, enabling people to have one login and securely roam their Windows settings and data across all of their Windows 10 devices. AAD Join also enables any machine to become enterprise ready with a few simple clicks by anyone in the organization.
  

Coming soon, enterprise data protection will help protect corporate data by separating and containing corporate data from consumer data.

Also in today’s update, Microsoft enables enterprise customers to turn off all telemetry data if they choose.