Microsoft sees Windows 10 as a real game changer not only on the desktop but all on platforms, and the company’s CEO Satya Nadella admitted this in a keynote at the Gartner Symposium ITxpo.

Nadella talked about Windows 10’s role in Microsoft’s long-term strategy, admitting that this new release not only played a key role for its business, but could also help the company focus more on some less-explored markets, such as the Internet of Things (IoT).

Windows 10, Nadella said, would be the beginning of a completely new generation of the Windows operating system, and compared to Windows 8 which represented just another release for desktop, tablet, and smartphone users, this revamped product would actually be designed for many more devices.

It’s a well-known fact that Microsoft wants Windows 10 to run on as many devices as possible, so the upcoming operating system would be developed from the ground up to be compatible not only with small devices such as wearables, but also with gigantic screens such as those manufactured by Perceptive Pixel.

One Windows for all devices

Nadella admitted that Windows 10 was quite a critical product for Microsoft, but he didn’t mention whether the new operating system was supposed to repair the bad impression after Windows 8 or it was just a new beginning for the software giant.

“Windows has gone through a core rearchitecture. One core Windows that runs everywhere. Architected the right Windows in the right devices with the right features,” Nadella said.

“Windows 10 is a very important step for us. It's the first step in a new generation of Windows as opposed to just another release after Windows 8. General purpose computing is going to run on 200 plus billion sensors. We've architected Windows where it can run on everything.”

All-in on the Internet of Things

Windows 10 will support Microsoft’s efforts to expand into the Internet of Things business, as the operating system will also be capable of running on more devices than its predecessors.

“The Internet of Things end points will need an operating system that's manageable and secure. I feel Windows will be a fantastic operating system to run on the edge,” Nadella explained. “That's really our IoT strategy.”

Needless to say, part of Microsoft’s IoT’s strategy is based on the cloud, and Satya Nadella, as the former boss of the software giant’s cloud business, knows that this is a key step in order to push the company towards the mobile first, cloud first approach that he has been promoting ever since he replaced Steve Ballmer at the helm of the company in February this year.