The official Windows 10 rollout is almost here. After much anticipation, Microsoft will introduce its new operating system on July 29. WinMagic product experts are examining the new operating system’s security features so we can best advise our customers on what those features mean for regulatory compliance and overall security best practices. We will be providing thoughts in future posts. For now, we offer a few headlines given the approaching late July date.
Microsoft is approaching the big news cautiously
The tech giant has gone to great pains to ease integration of the new operating system into existing environments. Most visible among its efforts is a carefully timed rollout. News reports this week highlighted the importance of the July 29 date but noted how the new OS will not immediately be available to everyone. On July 29, designated Windows Insiders will be the first to access Windows 10. Over time, Microsoft will systematically increase the Windows 10 availability pool—volume license customers, for example, get their dibs on August 1.
Microsoft will provide OEM partners with what they need to image new devices with Windows 10, while a build for retailers will assist customers with upgrades of new devices originally imaged with Windows 8.1. In general, Microsoft’s plan will ensure that users are not shifted to the new environment prematurely.
IT Administrators Will Enjoy Ease of Setting Migration
Microsoft is using a new in-place upgrade feature that maintains user settings (think color scheme, desktop resolution, etc.) while installing the new operating system. IT admins will also enjoy new features provided by a Microsoft Office facelift.
Enterprise Users Will Want to Investigate Security Enhancements
Windows 10 will provide built-in data loss prevention. Microsoft will also offer a form of two-factor authentication, meaning users will not need to rely on a password as the sole authentication method. WinMagic is evaluating the impact of these enhancements, so stay tuned.
Current Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users can upgrade to Windows 10 for free for one year.
