Many Windows updates install quietly, addressing things on the backend that don’t make a significant difference to your user experience. But every so often a big update comes around that adds some cool features you can get excited about.
Windows 10 has become the world’s most popular operating system, recently passing 50% of market share, so when they have a major feature update, it impacts PC users around the globe.
The latest user update to Windows 10, called update 1903, was rolled out starting at the end of May and throughout the summer, and it includes some user-facing upgrades that can help you work faster, customize more, and gain more control over your desktop computer updates.
Those who installed the update early, may have noticed some hiccups with problems like Bluetooth connectivity with certain devices being broken, but Microsoft has since worked out the kinks, and the update will help avoid this type of problem in the future.
Let’s dive into the top features in the newest Windows 10 update!
Windows 10 Features Recently Unleashed
Whether you’re into customizing your desktop or a power user that knows all the keyboard shortcuts by heart, the 1903 update has something for everyone. Here are Pro Tech Guy’s favorite new features that have just been unleashed on your PC.
1. Master Search Panel
Instead of having to perform separate searches for apps, webpages, and documents, Windows has now turned your search bar into a master search panel.
Just type in your keyword and you can see keyword search results for:
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Settings
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Applications
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Documents
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Websites
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Email
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Music
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People
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Photos
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Videos
2. Windows Sandbox (Pro Users)
When it comes to security, Microsoft has just amped up Windows 10 Pro significantly with their new Windows Sandbox. It uses hardware virtualization to create a safe environment to run untrusted or questionable programs.
This allows you to check a program prior to installing it on your system and see exactly what it will do without putting your system or files at risk. Once you finish using the Windows Sandbox app, all files are automatically deleted.
3. Get to Emojis & Symbols in a Flash
Need to add an inquisitive face emoji to get your point across? Are you typing up a product brochure and adding the ™ keeps slowing you down? The newest update includes a keyboard command that brings up your emoji and symbols panel in a flash.
Just press the Windows key and period key (.) at the same time to get the panel.
4. Change Mouse Pointer Size & Color
If you love customizing your desktop workspace, then you’ll really like this next feature. Windows 10 now allows you to change your mouse pointer color, size, and thickness to help it stand out and be easier to see or just to brighten up your day.
Type “cursor” in the search panel and choose “change mouse pointer color” to get to the settings panel.
5. Bright Mode
Last October’s Windows 10 update brought us Dark Mode and this new update takes a walk on the light side with Light Mode. You can choose it in the colors area of your personalization settings. You’ll also notice that you have the option to do color and accent color customization.
6. Control and Pause Your Windows Updates
One of the first new things many Windows users noticed with the 1903 update was a window popping up and asking them if they’d like to schedule when the update installed. You now have more power to over those automatic updates. You can pause them if it’s not a good time (for 7 days), and you can also schedule the day and time they update.
7. Know Which Apps Are Using Your Camera or Microphone
There are a lot of different apps that may ask to use your camera or microphone, like Skype, Facebook, or others that need access to video and audio. To help protect your privacy, this update includes the following notifications of which app might be watching or listening.
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If your device comes with a camera light, the light will turn on when the camera is in use.
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If your system doesn’t have a camera light, you’ll get a notification to let you know when the camera turns on or off.
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If an app is using your microphone, you’ll see a microphone icon in the notification area of the taskbar.
8. Ability to Remove More of the Built-in Apps
If you aren’t a fan of all the pre-loaded Windows 10 apps, you now have the ability to remove some of those that weren’t able to be uninstalled in the past. As of the new update you can now uninstall the following if you choose:
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3D Viewer
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Calculator
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Calendar
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Groove Music
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Mail
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Movies & TV
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Paint 3D
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Snip & Sketch
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Sticky Notes
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Voice Recorder
Get Help with PC Repair, Upgrades, and More!
You can’t enjoy the new Windows 10 update if you’re having computer issues. If you need help with repairs, a sluggish system, or an upgrade to a more powerful PC, Pro Tech Guy can help.
We proudly serve the Framingham, Natick, Sudbury, Wayland, Wellsley, Ashland and surrounding Metrowest area.
Contact us today for a free quote at 508-364-8189 or through our website.