Microsoft's Windows 10 Features 3

New Mandatory Windows Updates

Microsoft will issue regular updates just as it always has. Only this time it's different. You will not find an option in Windows 10 Home to turn off updates - updates are now mandatory.

Updates contain drivers as well as security (and non-security-related) patches, which may worry some people. For example, since Windows 10 launched, a broken NVidia driver has already caused problems for some Windows 10 users. No doubt Microsoft will figure out the best way to deal with problems like these, as it will not want millions upon millions of Windows users complaining when an update breaks all their machines in one fell swoop.

There are of course benefits to forced updates. Vulnerabilities and security holes will be addressed and patched on all Windows 10 machines (aside from Enterprise versions) at the same time, and people won't be running vulnerable 6-year-old versions of Internet Explorer.

Windows 10 Privacy Issues

Much has been made of the 'spyware' and privacy issues in Windows 10, and rightly so. Windows 10 is the most connected, cloud-focused Operating System Microsoft has ever released and for the most part this is a good thing. Using a Microsoft account instead of a local account, for example, means your settings, wallpaper, start menu configuration and other things can be synced across all your devices - even to your Windows 10 phone.

Cortana, one of the best new features, needs to access personal data - emails, location etc. - if you want to use her full capabilities. Plus, OneDrive integration means your files are accessible from any computer, tablet or phone.

Note: The free Windows 10 upgrade offer is only available until 29th July 2016.