Windows 10 will ditch conventional recovery image and give space back to users

Although Windows 10 has yet to have an official release date, from what we have seen so far, it is looking to become of the most forward-looking Windows OSes released to date. While features are a huge part of this, Microsoft must also consider performance enhancements as well. With Windows 10, not only will we see the OS on computers, but it will also be the backbone of less powerful mobile devices like tablets and phones. In order to achieve a seamless experience amongst all possible devices, the Windows Storage and Deployment Team has made enhancements to the OS that will retain the power of Windows 10, yet maintain its compact footprint.

Compressing files is nothing new and has been a native part of Windows since Windows XP. Although compressing files and what it achieves hasn't changed, the technology behind it certainly has dramatically improved over the years. Since Windows 10 will still utilize compression techniques to free up space, it will do so using an efficient compression algorithm to compress files. Rather than compress files blindly, Windows 10 will now assess whether a device's files will require compression based on the units CPU and RAM. If compression of files or apps is necessary, Windows 10 will gauge how much it can compress without affecting the devices perceivable performance.

Another part of Microsoft's formula for a smaller footprint on Windows 10 will be the use of a much more intelligent and efficient recovery method. Currently, Windows 8/8.1 utilizes a separate recovery image that takes away precious space for users. With Windows 10, the 'Refresh' and 'Reset' feature will rebuild the OS using runtime system files. This will not only save space, but it will also save time due to the user not having to start over from scratch and install updates. In the event of a dramatic issue, users will have the ability to create external recovery media.

Naturally, we can look forward to seeing these space saving methods in the next iteration of Windows 10 devices that will range from computers, tablets, and mobile phones. The benefits will also cascade to older devices upgraded from Windows 8/8.1.

Source: Microsoft