Microsoft has introduced a new version of its Windows operating system that offers home and business users valuable features. It’s called Windows 10 Pro.
It includes a revamped Start Menu that Microsoft chopped off from Windows 8 and full-fledged Cortana, the company’s digital voice assistant. It also provides security upgrades like TPM support and a Windows Hello biometric login feature.
Enhanced Security
Microsoft designed Windows 10 Pro to offer security and network capabilities essential for business and power users. Featuring device encryption, Windows Hello biometric login, and remote desktop capabilities, this version of the operating system is the perfect choice for businesses and productivity enthusiasts who require advanced computer security and networking features.
Once you get to know Windows 10, its enhanced security features include SmartScreen, which blocks malware-infected websites and downloads by scanning them for phishing codes and other vulnerabilities. Another essential feature is BitLocker, which encrypts entire drives, keeping data secure if your device is lost or stolen. Additionally, this version of the operating system includes a virtual sandbox that allows programs to run in a protected environment without being able to access any of your system files.
Finally, Windows 10 Pro enables domain joining, which lets you connect your computer to a network managed by a domain controller. This feature allows for centralized management of network resources and user accounts.
Other valuable computer security features in this operating system edition include UEFI and Secure Boot, which protect against malicious files and code that attempt to gain unauthorized access. It also offers a credential guard, which uses virtualization security to isolate secrets so that only privileged system software can access them. This feature safeguards NTLM password hashes, Kerberos Ticket Granting Tickets, and domain credentials from attackers.
Powerful Performance Optimization
Microsoft Windows 10 Pro offers several optimization tools that can help users improve performance and speed. For example, the system can run in Battery Saver mode to conserve energy without sacrificing functionality. It also can be configured to turn on or off the paging file, an area of hard disk that serves as virtual memory. Users can even modify the size of this file and set a maximum value for it.
In addition, the operating system can use more memory to perform search operations, which may help reduce lag times. This can be done by opening Settings, clicking on System, then clicking About. Users can then click on Advanced system settings to configure search indexing to increase the number of folders used for this operation.
The system also has a few visual effects that can take up valuable resources. For example, the taskbar can display transparency effects, which seem light-hearted but could waste many system resources. Users can turn off these effects by selecting the custom option in the ‘Visual Effects’ tab.
Finally, the operating system can be configured to regularly remove unneeded files from the computer. For example, the Storage Sense feature can delete temporary files no longer in use and extract files from the Recycle Bin and Downloads folder older than 30 days (users select the time frame). This frees up space and can help keep the operating system running smoothly.
Boosted Productivity
For business owners, power users, or anyone who works from home, Windows 10 Pro offers the features you need to be productive and efficient. The operating System includes the revamped Start Menu, Cortana integration, and several new tools that make it easier to stay organized and work more productively.
Multitasking capabilities are boosted by the ability to snap open windows side by side and use multiple monitors. The operating system also makes it easier to collaborate with coworkers thanks to tools like Microsoft Teams and OneDrive. Cortana is a handy digital assistant that can help you quickly search the web and find important information.
Windows 10 Pro also includes creating a virtual desktop, making it easy to segregate tasks and maximize screen space. Its concentration feature also turns off app notifications so you can focus on an essential task without distraction.
For more advanced computing needs, Windows 10 Pro includes Hyper-V, a virtualization solution that allows you to run other operating systems on your device. This is a useful tool for businesses that need to test software or for anyone who wants to run macOS or Linux on their PC. The operating system also offers advanced security options, including BitLocker, to protect files and folders.
Advanced Networking Options
Many users may notice that the WiFi settings in Windows 10 are now found within the Network & Internet section of the Settings application. This move can confuse laptop and tablet users who connect to and switch between wireless and Internet networks. The good news is that finding the new configuration options only takes a few steps.
The Network & Internet page includes several options to manage and change how your system connects to the Internet. For example, the Show available network connections link lets you see which networks are in range. This can be useful if you’re traveling or working remotely and want to ensure you don’t accidentally connect to an unknown public network.
This page also contains an advanced option to check data usage, which can be helpful for those with limited data plans. You can view how much data your system has used on WiFi and Ethernet connections and set limits for specific applications to help you stay within your data plan.
Connecting to a corporate or school network is another essential remote feature. With the Pro edition of Windows 10, you can use features like Domain Join and Client Hyper-V to enable seamless connectivity between devices. This can be especially helpful if you’re using a company-issued laptop for work and need to access apps and files stored on your corporate network.
