The original version of Windows 10 (also retroactively named version 1507[1] and codenamed "Threshold 1" was released in July 2015. It carries the build number 10.0.10240; while Microsoft has stated that there was no designated release to manufacturing (RTM) build of Windows 10, build 10240 was described as an RTM build by various media outlets.[2][3][4][5][6][7] It was retroactively named "version 1507" by Microsoft per its naming conventions that have the last 2 digits of the year and the month number for future stable releases of the operating system.[8]
This is the first public preview build of Microsoft Windows 10. It introduces a hybrid start menu that combines the functionality of that of Windows 7 and Windows 8.1. In this build, "Metro-Style" apps, direct predecessors to UWP apps, can be run in floating windows. Improvements are made to window management with the introduction of Task View that features virtual desktops. Other improvements in this area include the expansion of the window snapping feature allowing apps to be snapped on up to four corners with "Snap Assist" feature that suggest other windows to snap when the users snaps a window.[16][17]
The Windows command line console is updated with this build with new functionalities including, allowing users to cut, copy, and paste texts with the standard keyboard shortcuts, the ability to display the console at full screen at any display resolution, and transparency options.[16][18]
This is the last public preview build to have the version number of 6.4. This build brought upon one of the most controversial changes to the operating system by removing the OneDrive's "Smart Files" that allowed users to view and work with files on OneDrive through File Explorer even if they were not synced to the device. OneDrive now uses selective synchronization of local contents with the cloud service.[23][24]
Other UI changes in this build include the ability to hide the "Task View" and "Search" buttons from the Taskbar, updated minimize and restore animations, updated menu icon for "Metro-Style" apps from 3 dots to hamburger-style icon.[24]
This build was released after Microsoft's January Windows 10 event where it showed off its upcoming roadmap for the operating system as well as introduced new hardware, including the HoloLens and Surface Hub. This build brings an all-new Start menu built on top of the UWP APIs. It replaces the Start menu and Start screen, built on legacy DirectUI used on Previous Windows builds and releases. A full screen button is added to the new Start menu, allowing the user to toggle the full-screen experience without having to go to the Settings app, logging out, and logging back in, as it was required in previous builds.[30]
This build is the first build to introduce Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps. It introduces the beta version of the Windows Store built using the UWP APIs. It also debuts the new Xbox app, which Microsoft announced would be used to stream Xbox One games directly to the PC.[31] A new alarm app is featured and it includes a world clock, timer, and stop watch[32] A new UWP Calculator app replaces the traditional Win32 calculator. Maps app with Cortana integration[33] and ability to save maps for offline use[34] A new Photos app is introduced with aggregated content and automatic enhancements.[35]
There are other user interface changes with this build, including restyled window frames and support for new languages. The Settings app is updated with new layout[36] The Taskbar is restyled with new opaque appearance, smaller application icons, and underlines to denote active applications. The Action Center is redesigned and includes with quick action buttons.[37] The search button on the Taskbar is changed to a search box by default. Option to pick default folder when opening File Explorer is added with this build. Early version of DirectX 12 is also included.
This build brings Cortana support to China, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, a