Operating system (OS) updates come with a mix of emotions for many computer users. Excitement about the new cool features, fear of what bugs might be included, and annoyance at having to stop what you’re doing to install an update.
Do I really have to update? (Yes!)
Updates are important because they not only include features and accessibility updates but also important security patches. So not installing them means you leave your computer at risk of a breach or virus.
Microsoft is currently in the midst of rolling out an October 2018 Windows 10 update (aka Redstone 5), and we’ve got the details on everything you need to know!
Pro Tech Guy takes the stress out operating system updates by installing them for our residential and business clients. We ensure everything goes smoothly, so you can get back to work and just enjoy the new features.
So, what new stuff is included in the new Windows 10 update and when can you expect it? In this article, we’ll go over all the new tools and give you tips to follow for a smooth update.
What’s Included in the October Windows 10 Update?
Before we get into the features being added in this fall update, let’s take a look at the status and when you can expect to see that update window pop up on your own PC.
Early in October, Microsoft announced a short pause of the update rollout due to some serious missing file issues. But, as of October 9, 2018, they investigated, identified, and fixed the bugs, and the rollout was back on track.
Their next step is releasing the fixed version to their Windows Insider community, studying the feedback for any other bugs, then they’ll roll the release out to all Windows users sometime in October 2018.
While features can change at the last minute, here is the cool new stuff being planned for this update:
Go from Phone to PC Smoothly
One feature that Mac users have enjoyed for a while is the ability to send text messages from their phone or computer and have each update the other. Coming in this October update is Your Phone App, which will allow both Android and iPhone users to smoothly share data between their PC and smartphone.
Take a photo on your phone and have it instantly appear on your PC. Begin watching a video or browsing a website on one device and pick up where you left off on the other.
New Tool for Screenshots
Currently to take screenshots in Windows 10, you can either use the Windows + Print Screen key or use the Snipping Tool if you only want to clip a portion of the screen. Both are okay to use but not very fast if you don’t want to print the whole screen.
There’s a handy new clipping tool that will appear as a bar at the top of the screen and give you the option to take a full screenshot, a rectangular area, or freeform screenshot.
Finally, a Dark Theme for File Explorer
Many people like to use dark themes because they’re easier on the eyes, but File Explorer hasn’t been included in dark themed options in the past. That’s changed with this new October Windows 10 update, and you’ll be able to enjoy a dark background when in File Explorer.
Notepad Gets a Major Upgrade
If you’re a Windows Notepad user, then you’re really going to enjoy this update. Among the new additional features are:
- Do a Bing search from Notepad
- Wrap around find and replace option
- Text zooming
- Line and column numbers with Word Wrap
- Use Ctrl + Backspace to delete words
Tips for a Smooth Update
We often receive emergency calls to our Pro Tech Guy hotline when a new operating system comes out and people run into issues when they try to install it. There are “My computer is frozen”, “I can’t find my files”, and “It won’t boot” calls.
For clients that get really stuck, we offer a fresh start with a clean operating system installation of Windows 10!
Here are Pro Tech Guy’s tips to ensure your update goes well:
- Back up before you upgrade (Settings > Update & Security > Backup)
- Make sure you have enough space for the update
- Check the HP Support Assistant to see if any drivers need to be updated
- If you have an older computer, check the manufacturer’s site for compatibility
- Disable your antivirus utility (just during the update, then turn it back on)
- Disconnect any peripherals you don’t need (like a printer or scanner)
- Have Pro Tech Guy’s number handy in case anything goes wrong (508-364-8189)
Need Some Insurance Before You Install a New OS Update?
If you could use a little less stress in your life, let Pro Tech Guy take care of that October Windows 10 update for you. We’ll make sure all goes smoothly and even show you around all the cool new features!
Schedule us today for your installation using our online form or call us at 508-364-8189.