Microsoft released the Windows 10 on July 29, and many people have already proceeded to download the new operating system. While many still seem reluctant to upgrade to the latest offering from the Redmond-based firm, here are some key features that everyone considering to do so must know.

Perhaps the main reason why a lot of people are eager to experience Windows 10 is because it is a free upgrade. Unlike Windows 7 and 8, which had to be purchased, the latest OS from Microsoft will cost users nothing.

However, there's a catch. Users who are currently on Windows 7 or 8 can only avail of the free upgrade until July 29, 2016. Forbes reported that availing of the OS after this date will require users to shell out $119.99 for Windows 10 Home and $199.99 for Windows 10 Pro.

Those who upgrade to Windows 10 will also have a longer system support from Microsoft, which is up to October 2025. The tech company will end its support to Windows 7 in 2020 while the Windows 8 will no longer get support in 2023, according to the Windows lifecycle fact sheet.

There are also a lot of new features that will be very useful to owners. Gaming enthusiasts can now finally make their own videos for uploading with the new Game and Screen Recording feature.

In this feature from the Xbox One app, parts of the game can be recorded and edited. It also works well with other videos, too, as long as it is playing in the desktop, noted How To Geek.

Aside from that, the Xbox One app enables the users to stream games into the PC. This is the first time Microsoft has added such a feature on its OS.

Meanwhile, with the advent of the cloud, the tech company has also upgraded the OneDrive feature in Windows 10 and has opted to replace it with the same version from Windows 7 that has the "fetch files" option. This will be very helpful for those who have multiple devices as well.

The Search option called, "Cortana," is a far more powerful search tool than its Windows 8 and 7 predecessors. Whereas Windows 7 only provided a local search and Windows 8 can rummage online searches, too, Cortana provides so much more support and it begins with the voice assistant that can also do quick tasks in the system as opposed to merely searching documents and photos.

Microsoft did not skimp on security features for the new Windows 10. It added the new "Device Guard" to keep malicious software and apps from getting into the system, something that was not available in the past two iterations of the OS.

But while all these are good, it might also be advisable to stay put first and wait it out before ditching the Windows 7 and Windows 8 software at home. Given that it has only been recently released, there are still lots of bugs and fixes on stability that have to be addressed, said another report from Forbes.

Microsoft has also implemented stricter policies on the Windows 10, which can see the company potentially "access, disclose and preserve personal data, including your content (such as content of your emails, other private communications of files in private folders), when we have a good faith belief that doing so is necessary."