Microsoft has released its list of planned Windows 10 versions, with a total of seven versions of the upcoming operating system being planned for release.
The list of versions includes some home editions, mobile editions and other more focused editions. This follows previous Windows releases that the company has made, with Windows 8 shipping a number of different editions as well.
"We designed Windows 10 to deliver a more personal computing experience across a range of devices," said Microsoft's Tony Prophet in a blog post. "An experience optimized for each device type, but familiar to all. Windows 10 will power an incredibly broad range of devices — everything from PCs, tablets, phones, Xbox One, Microsoft HoloLens and Surface Hub."
The first version of the operating system is called Windows 10 Home, and it is the consumer-friendly version of the operating system that most people will be running on their home computers. It will come with core Windows 10 features such as the new Edge browser and Cortana integration as well as apps for email, photos, videos and so on.
The second version is Windows 10 Mobile, the Windows 10 release for smaller ARM and Intel-based tablets and Windows Phone smartphones. This version will include Universal Apps when they are available and support for Continuum for Phone, which allows users to connect to larger displays and use their device as a computer.
Next up is Windows 10 Pro, which is aimed at replacing Windows 8.1 Pro and is for small businesses that need features to manage apps and data across multiple devices. Users of Windows 10 Pro will be able to take advantage of the Windows for Business program, which allows users to control how they get security updates and other updates.
The fourth version is called Windows 10 Enterprise and is aimed at larger businesses with more comprehensive security options. This version will not be taking part in Microsoft's free Windows 10 update because of the fact that it's only available to volume licensing customers.
Version number five is Windows 10 Education, meant for students, staff and administrators of schools. This version is available through academic licensing, and there will be paths, according to Microsoft, for upgrades to Windows 10 Education from Windows 10 Home and Pro.
The sixth version is Windows 10 Mobile Enterprise, which is an upgrade to the operating system known as Windows Phone for Business. This version is basically the mobile version of Windows 10 Enterprise, giving users more control over security features and how updates are installed to the system.
Last but not least is Windows 10 IoT Core, which is the replacement for Windows Embedded. This will be an operating system for controlling connected devices that are a little smaller. Larger connected devices, according to Microsoft, should be controlled through Windows 10 Enterprise and Pro.
More details about each version of Windows 10 are sure to be announced closer to the operating system's release date. It is unclear exactly when Microsoft will release the operating system, but it is reportedly on track for a summer release.
