Microsoft acknowledged users' frustration, while at the same time ramping up its aggressive rollout strategy. The company changed settings so the upgrade would begin once users reserved the free Windows 10 upgrade.
Microsoft also said that the Windows 10 update would be re-categorised as a 'Recommended' update, but said that users would be clearly prompted whether to continue with the process.
13 November 2015
Microsoft released a major update to win over enterprise customers, including Windows Update for Business to control update deployments and new device management capabilities.
Windows and devices boss Terry Myerson said that Microsoft was confident that it could recommend Windows 10 deployment to whole organisations.
Windows 10 crosses 200 million user milestone
5 January 2016
The take-up of Windows 10 was the fastest adoption rate of any of Microsoft's operating system, due in no small part by it being a free download. Three months later, Microsoft announced it had crossed 270 million users.
Microsoft debuts Windows 10 competency
26 April 2016
Two weeks after retiring 12 competencies, Microsoft introduced a new certification aimed at growing partners' Windows 10 businesses. The new Windows and Devices competency focuses on partners with expertise in Windows 10 and mobility.
Partners can choose from four skill assessment paths: system builder, deployment partner, internet of things device builders or application builders.
6 May 2016
With its free upgrade offer expiration date looming, Microsoft told users they would have to pay $179 for the home edition of Windows 10 after 29 July. Microsoft also took the opportunity to announce that it had surpassed 300 million Windows 10 users.
20 May 2016
Just eight months after the forced downloads controversy, users began complaining that Windows 10 was installing itself without their knowledge.
Some customers claimed they had purposefully been deceived into installing Windows 10 by notifications that were vague on whether they had accepted the upgrade or not. Customers once again had issues when they could not use custom software designed for previous operating systems, or when Windows 10 installations failed.
Microsoft sued for forced installs
28 June 2016
A Californian women won US$10,000 after suing Microsoft for an unwanted Windows 10 install that crippled her business. The plaintiff claimed she did not authorise the installation, but it went ahead anyway, leaving her computer unusable for days.
29 June 2016
Microsoft said it would make the upgrade process clearer. This includes the removing the main culprit, 'The Red X' which would start the Windows 10 installation when pressed instead of dismissing the update.
12 July 2016
Microsoft had been touting Windows-as-a-service since its reveal in 2014. At Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference in Toronto, the company announced that partners would be able to sell Windows 10 Enterprise at a list price of US$7 per user per month.
Windows 10 Anniversary update to roll out
2 August 2016
Microsoft is set to introduce new features in its anniversary update just over a year since the public release of Windows 10. Features include:
- Windows Hello facial recognition integration with third-party apps like Dropbox.
- Improved functionality with Windows Ink, allowing users to handwrite notes that will automatically be added to your calender if certain words like dates or contacts are used.
- Anti-malware service Windows Defender includes the option to automatically schedule quick scans and provides new notifications when they are complete.
- Voice-activated assistant Cortana can be used from the PC lock screen without having access to personal data
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