Windows 10: Microsoft's first MAJOR update is coming NEXT WEEK

Microsoft will include a number of visual and stability tweaks within the new update

MICROSOFT will push out the first major update to Windows 10 – codenamed Threshold 2 – within the next few weeks.

The Windows 10 update – which is dubbed Threshold 2 inside Microsoft – is scheduled for the first week in November.

Threshold 2 will contain a number of tweaks and features previously showcased in the latest Microsoft Insider builds, including redesigned messaging apps and improvements to the Edge browser.

Microsoft missed its own deadline to roll out overhauled Skype messaging apps built for its latest operating system.

According to an official Microsoft blog post, the refreshed apps will break-up the core Skype experience into three new universal apps.

Thanks to its new universal app approach, Redmond technology firm is introducing the ability to send texts from your desktop PC using chatty virtual assistant, Cortana.

This means you no longer have to rummage for your smartphone each time you need to send a text message.

Microsoft has also added the ability to type your text into the Cortana search field – and send the message directly from your taskbar.

The Redmond technology firm has already started linking Skype usernames with mobile numbers to make it much easier to find friends.

Cortana can now send a dictated (or typed) text message from your desktop taskbar

It also means you won't need to know someone's obscure Skype ID to add their contact details.

Amongst the new features – which will update automatically to all users running on Windows 10 – is a dramatic change to how the operating system handles activations.

The change to the process will finally allow users who upgraded their PC to Windows 10 from a previous version will finally be able to reinstall the operating system.

Previously, those who had taken advantage of the feee upgrade offer were unable to perform a clean install of Windows 10.

A number of smaller visual tweaks have also been made across the operating system

This was because the new Microsoft operating system would not recognise a product key from a previous version.

The latest update will allow Windows 10 users to register their operating system using their existing genuine Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 product keys.

Windows Vice President Gabe Aul said: "You can enter the product key from Windows 7, Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 used to activate the prior Windows version on the same device to activate Windows 10 by going to Settings > Update & security > Activation and selecting Change Product Key."

Cortana will also get a score of new features and better local integration after Threshold 2 rolls out worldwide.

After the update, Windows 10 users will be able to access third-party apps within the Cortana search field – such as ordering an Uber taxi to the next appointment on your calendar without leaving the search field.

Cortana can now book you an Uber from the taskbar and pull relevant details from your calendar

Microsoft Edge – a quantifiable failure for the operating system – will also see some improvements. Unfortunately browser extensions are not amongst the new features.

A number of cosmetic changes, such as coloured title bars for apps ands refreshed icons, are also expected to be included.

Users who upgrade from Windows 8.1 to the latest version of Windows 10 will also have all of the third-party bloatware stripped from their machine during the free installation process, Windows commentator Paul Thurrott has claimed.

Windows 10 Threshold 2 update is expected to roll out worldwide, starting next week.