Today Microsoft released the first major update to Windows 10 that includes performance enhancements and improvements to Cortana and Microsoft Edge. This update also includes new features for the enterprise such as Windows Update for Business and the Windows Business Store. Officially called the November Update, or code named "Threshold 2", this update will automatically be installed during Windows 10's scheduled Windows Update task.  Once this update is installed it will be listed as Upgrade to Windows 10, version 1511, 10586.
 

 

Along with bug fixes and updated device drivers, the highlighted improvements in this update revolve around performance, Cortana, and Microsoft Edge. With this update, Windows has been tweaked to supposedly boot up 30% faster on the same hardware. Cortana has been enhanced to be able to recognize addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers in scribbled notes.  Last, but not least, Microsoft Edge has been updated to offer better security and the tab preview feature, which allows you to preview a web site by hovering over its open tab.

For the enterprise, this version also includes the eagerly awaited Windows Update for Business and the Windows Business Store. Windows Update for Business allows businesses to control how updates are delivered to workstations in their environment.  Using WU4B, business can defer particular updates, including security updates, until they verify the updates do not affect any software they may be using. The Windows Business Store allows businesses to create their own private store that can be used to deploy applications to computers in their organization.

Unfortunately, with this release comes its share of problems. As noted in various topics, users have complained about missing settings, hardware not working due to removed drivers, and known UI bugs not being fixed. There have also been reports of the November Update hanging on 30%-40% when being installed due to SD cards or USB drives being connected.  

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