Microsoft releases "1st major update" to Windows 10

Kip Kniskern

In a blog post this morning, Microsoft’s Executive Vice President for Windows Terry Myerson announced that the first major update for Windows 10 is now available. You’ll receive the update, dubbed the November update, or 1511 (for the 11th month of 2015), or build 10586, according to your Windows Update settings, so if you aren’t immediately offered the update you can check there.
You can check out our hands on video of the November update here:


Myerson points out a number of improvements in the update, including performance, with boot times now some 30% faster than Windows 7 on the same device, Cortana:

With Cortana, you can use your device’s pen to just scribble a note in the Cortana Notebook and Cortana will recognize the phone number, email address, and even physical address to help you set reminders. Cortana can also now keep track of your event and movie bookings too, sending you helpful reminders to know where to go and get there on time, plus the option to book and track an Uber. We’re excited to make Cortana available in Japan, Australia, and Canada and India (in English) with features and experiences customized for each market.

… and Microsoft Edge, offering improvements in security and performance, as well as new features like Tab Preview, synced Favorites and Reading List items, and a closer connection with Cortana.
Apps for Windows 10 are have also been improved, including Mail, Calendar, Photos, Groove, Xbox, Store, OneNote, Solitaire, and more.
Windows 10 also begins rolling out on the Xbox One today, as the backbone of the New Xbox One Experience, and Myerson notes that Windows 10 is coming to “select mobile phones soon”.