Windows 10 updates set to boost adoption and revenue
Microsoft is now putting the hard sell on those businesses and users who have yet to upgrade to Windows 10. With the first major update due for the new OS in early November, officially called the Fall Update, those still on Windows 7 or Windows 8 will start to see larger messages encouraging them to update.
The Microsoft Windows 10 update process is also changing; it will become a recommended update and download automatically, a tactic that caused rather much fuss during the July launch.
Part of this is Microsoft’s drive to get users enjoying the new experience and onto its most secure and up-to-date product. However, those users happy on their current OS may find this rather intrusive, so check your update settings and make sure you’re not auto installing the Windows 10 update.
Whenever you do get upgraded to Windows 10, either in the office or at home, you will also notice that Microsoft is keen to keep you using its default products like the Edge browser over Chrome or Firefox.
Microsoft Edge certainly improves the web browsing experience but is also a key part of Microsoft’s monetisation strategy for the free Windows 10 update, an offer that lasts until next summer. Thanks to the launch of the OS, Bing search, part of Edge and Cortana voice assistant, turned its first ever profit in the company’s latest results. The more people using Bing, the more money it will make, so it is in Microsoft’s interests to sell them on its own products and away from Google.
With Skype built into Windows 10 and Office 365, Microsoft is also looking to drive more revenue from its unified communications services. Any business looking to save money may find these more useful than a choice of browser; Skype is now ideal for small and medium sized businesses for messaging and video chat, enabling workers to be more collaborative and stay in touch. Of course, you don’t need Windows 10 to benefit from Skype, but the built-in nature of the tool does make it easier for workers to use. For any queries about using Windows 10 or other products in your business, get in touch.
