Microsoft Confirms Windows 10 Kernel Version Update to 10.0 [For the OS Geeks among you]

Softpedia ^ | 11/24/2014

[SeekAndFind]

In addition to several changes in terms of looks and features, Windows 10 will also bring an important improvement under the hood, as Microsoft is working to update the kernel version from 6.4 to 10.0. As we reported to you last week, the kernel update was already spotted in leaked builds of Windows 10, but Microsoft has finally confirmed in some official documents for developers that app makers should start updating as well to make sure that no software compatibilities are found.

“Developers preparing for Windows 10 should note that the Windows NT value in the UA string will change from 6.4 to 10.0 with the new release. If you have code that depends on the version number, we advise that you update to allow for the new value,” Microsoft says in an MSDN document.

At this point, the existing Windows 10 build 9879 version that's available for users comes with the same kernel 6.4, so the update could take place in the next release.

Software incompatibility, the main fear

The kernel update from 6.4 to 10.0 could cause serious problems on the upcoming Windows 10, especially as far as software compatibility with the new platform is concerned.

Microsoft knows this very well and is now trying to work with developers to prepare them for the kernel update, especially because the company most likely expects a number of software solutions to experience issues when installed on Windows 10.

However, everything comes down to how effectively Microsoft actually manages this entire update, as the company still has enough time to work with developers and make sure that no software problems would be experienced when Windows 10 comes out.

According to people close to the matter, Windows 10 could launch in spring 2015, but the company might very well push the launch back for a few months if development takes more than expected.

Next update coming in early 2015

The additional work that Microsoft needs to do in order to update the kernel in Windows 10 obviously requires a bit more attention, so the company has recently announced that the next pack of improvements for the Technical Preview will see daylight in early 2015.

Microsoft hasn't specifically mentioned the kernel update on the list of improvements for the next Windows 10 update, but it's believed that the company needs more time to focus on this particular thing, so the early 2015 release date really makes sense.

We've also contacted Microsoft for a few more details on the kernel update, so we'll update the article when and if we get an answer.

[SeekAndFind]

Strictly for Techies

[bicyclerepair]

Linux Mint blows all windoze away running on half the hardware.

Have dual-core winxp, win7, win8.1 all with 4gb ram.

Linux Mint running a single proc. with 2gb ram does circles around them.

[aft_lizard]

And that has what to do with this topic? I realize you Linux lovers are passionate but this is discussing the kernel number change for a Windows operating system, it does in no way discuss Linux, a comparison of it to Linux or any such sort.

[GeronL]

Instead of calling it 6.5 or 7 they jump all the way to 10.

Is this like “Big Hero 6” not being a sequel to anything?

[ShadowAce]

[ShadowAce]

"6" refers to the number of "heroes" in the group. :)

I've seen the movie.

[GeronL]

I figured as much.

Someone should come out with a film titled: “Part Three” and see what happens.

[ParityErr]

I have 10 running on a VM and really like it. It's a cross between 7 and 8.1

I'm in the Corporate IT world and we have been avoiding upgrading any of our customers to 8.1 due to the user training involved. I believe users will be able to jump to 10 without much or any training.

[MCH]

...app makers should start updating as well to make sure that no software compatibilities are found.

Yeah, we wouldn't want any of those "software compatibilities" to slip through. If they did, the software might actually work. Who writes this nonsense? Do they proof read it first?

[ShadowAce]

[ShadowAce]

Look up "Troll 2"

There are no trolls.

There is no "Troll 1"

[miliantnutcase]

Same here

[GeronL]

lolz

[GeronL]

bump

[RayChuang88]

I'd recommend running Windows 7 with more like 6 GB of RAM if you want to keep disk activity reasonably low. My home computer has 8 GB of RAM installed running Windows 7 Home Edition (SP1) and it is fast, stable and starts and closes programs pretty quickly.

By the way, I'd probably recommend around 6 GB of RAM installed when Windows 10 finally ships to retailers probably around end of October 2015.

[Dr. Sivana]

"6" refers to the number of "heroes" in the group. :)

I've seen the movie.

After having seen Oceans 11 and Oceans 12, do you know how hard I tried to find Oceans 1 through 10?

[Paradox]

I have Mint installed dual boot on my computer, its great!

That said, I am still eager to get Windows 10, have tried the preview and I really like it.

[fireman15]

Thank you. That is very interesting... I haven’t given Linux a serious try for a few years and eventually kept going with Windows because I was more familiar with Windows Applications and features. I have now become so much more familiar with Android devices that I think that it would be less difficult working with a different operating system.

Every few years it makes sense to take a fresh look at the operating system that you are using. A good time to do it is when Microsoft comes out with something new. So I think that your observation is appropriate. Linux Mint... I will check it out.

[Rebel_Ace]

Sort of like STAR WARS, EPISODE IV?

[Rebel_Ace]

Aww, heck, since he is in the news lately, let's pile on: