Avast_Blog_Small Business: A guide to using Windows 10 as a small business

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A guide for configuring Windows 10 small businesses and enterprises. Learn about versions, upgrades, features, and security here.

Since Microsoft discontinued Windows 7 support in January 2020, many businesses made the switch to Windows 10, ensuring they had the latest operating system to securely manage their programs, apps, and files. 

With the latest performance and security features, Windows 10 continues to grow in popularity among small and medium business owners alike. However, there are still many businesses that are yet to upgrade Windows, despite Microsoft no longer supporting Windows 7.  

Whether you’re a small business or an enterprise, this guide explores why Windows 10 is beneficial for businesses and how you can configure Windows 10 as your new operating system. 

Key features of Windows 10 for business

There are many advantages to upgrading to Windows 10 across your business network. For example, Windows 10 allows easier access to Office 365 files and offers cloud storage through OneDrive. Most of the benefits available are due to the new operating systems’ key features. 

Cortana integration

One of the main features of Windows 10 is Cortana, Microsoft’s voice-controlled assistant software. Cortana can be a useful tool for companies as it can search Office 365 files, speed up data requests, access lost information, launch PowerPoint presentations, and more. Company-wide adoption of this feature could improve productivity through more efficient processes.   

Edge web browser

Another perk of Windows 10 is the new Edge web browser. Integrated with Cortana, Windows 10 Edge browser allows users to search via voice control. You can also use Edge to annotate and store web pages on OneDrive. These annotations can then be shared with other users. 

The Edge browser also features a ‘Reading List’ and a ‘Reading Mode’ function. The first feature syncs content between devices while the latter strips out the formatting to allow easier reading. While the Edge browser lacks some of Google Chrome’s features, it is fast and efficient and integrated into Windows 10.

Even better, the Edge Browser is also designed to defeat most web-based threats. While this is not a replacement for antivirus and antimalware, it is an added layer of protection, making Windows 10 a highly secure system for business users. 

Start menu

Microsoft also brought back the Start Menu for Windows 10 – a feature very much missed by Windows 8 users. When you open the Start Menu for Windows 10, two panels appear: the left column shows pinned, recently, and most-used apps; the right column displays a selection of tiles that users can customize, resize, and organize.

With all these features, the new and improved Start Menu for Windows 10 allows ease of access and organization for businesses while also allowing a safe level of personalization for employees. 

Virtual desktop

Businesses can also benefit from Windows 10’s virtual desktop feature known as ‘Task View’, which allows you to easily switch between multiple desktops. This enables employees to effectively manage a multitude of open windows and apps while allowing them to enjoy extra screen space - this is especially beneficial for small businesses without multi-monitor setups. 

The ‘Task View’ feature also allows you to access the Windows timeline, which shows recent activity in supported apps. This can be very useful for staff trying to navigate a particular web page or document, again improving efficiency across the business.

Besides all the functional and performance-boosting features, Windows 10 also offers Microsoft’s latest security features and is set to be the primary focus of its security efforts in the future. This means that regular patches and updates will be available, forming an essential part of a multi-layered security strategy. 
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