5 Reasons You'll Want Windows 10

The Return of the Start Menu

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Microsoft is hoping its next operating system will be like Bo Derek—a perfect 10. At least that's my best guess about why the company decided to skip Windows 9. Or perhaps Redmond figured the number 10 has worked well for arch-enemy Apple for all these years.

Whatever the reasoning, Windows is due for a major re-branding given the nearly universal contempt for Windows 8 (despite its many wonderful advances). And not just a rebranding: in order to maintain its lead among desktop computer operating systems, Windows desperately needs some functional changes.

Yesterday afternoon, Windows brass showed a roomful of enterprise users and tech journalists the first look at Windows 10, which is expected to launch sometime in mid-2015. The new operating system is something of a backpedalling to earlier desktop-style Windows, while maintaining the touch friendliness of Windows 8.

But Windows 10 isn't simply a reblending of Windows 7 and 8. There are a few brand-new features, some of which have been asked for by observers for a while. And it's intended to be the singularity of OSes—one to serve phones, tablets, laptops, convertibles, and desktop PCs. One thing to keep in mind is that nothing is yet set in stone—this is still a very early look at Windows 10. With that caveat, click through our slideshow to see the major new enhancements in Windows 10.