Who doesn’t love sneak peeks into upcoming features coming to your computer soon?! While it’s still fairly early and nothing is yet set in stone, there are whispers out there about the next feature release for Windows 10 which is expected sometime around April of 2020.
The release is referred to as 20H1, and Microsoft has of course been hard at work getting it ready for its spring debut to users around the world.
As of October 2019, Windows 10 had over 54% of the global operating system market share and that’s bound to go up prior to this release, because Windows 7 is reaching end of life and losing all support come January 2020.
So, what exciting new features can you look forward to in the next Windows 10 feature update? Read on to find out!
Features Planned for the Windows 10 20H1 Update this Spring
The Spring 2020 feature update is expected to bring improvements to the update process (yes, more of them!) and encourage more Cortana interaction, among other things.
Here’s a run down of Windows 10 features to look out for.
A New Cortana Experience
You’ll now be able to type messages to Cortana instead of asking by voice. The brand new chat-based UI will sit in a resizable panel that you can move around your desktop just like other windows.
Your conversation history with Cortana will appear like an online chat and you’ll be able to see results of your queries by opening Cortana from the task bar.
Microsoft also promises an improved experience with Cortana due to updates of speech and language models.
Cloud Download Option When Reinstalling Windows
If you need to reinstall Windows 10, you’ll now have an additional option to download and reinstall the operating system via a cloud download. When going to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery and choosing to reset your PC and remove everything, you’ll see Cloud Download appear as a choice.
A benefit of using the cloud download option if that you can save time on updates later because you’ll be downloading a more recent cloud-based copy of windows 10.
Get More Detail into Your Disk Type
SSDs are getting more popular, which is most likely one of the reasons for this next enhancement. The Windows 10 Task Manager will now show you your disk type: either SSD or HDD, which will give you more visibility into the hardware on your system if you use multiple disks.
Rename Virtual Desktops
If you like to keep your workspace organized by using Window 10’s virtual desktops in the Task View, you’re going to be pleased with this next update. Instead of just having them default to Desktop 1, Desktop 2, etc., you’ll now be able to name them yourself and get this… you can even use emojis in the name!
Optional Updates Controls
Windows 10 feature updates in 2019 brought more control over your computer’s update process so you aren’t stuck having an update slow you down at a bad time. Microsoft is continuing to give the user more control in the 2020 update with a new way to view optional updates.
Option updates will have the ability to be accessed in one screen by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View optional updates.
Decide How Much Bandwidth Updates Use
Another update control you’re going to see this Spring is the ability to control how much bandwidth is used to download an update. This can keep a large update from spoiling your movie streaming by hogging up all the bandwidth.
You’ll be able to set either an absolute Mbps value or percentage for:
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How much bandwidth is used for downloading updates in the background
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How much bandwidth is used for downloading updates in the foreground
New Tablet Experience
If you’re using a Surface or another 2-in-1 PC with a touch screen, you’re going to get a new screen that’s closer to the classic Windows 10 desktop that can make it a bit easier to get around if you’re not using a mouse or keyboard.
File explorer will be optimized for touch control and the taskbar icons will be spread out a little more. You’ll still have the Tablet Mode if you want it, but it won’t be defaulted to.
Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)
If you’re a Linux fan, then you’re going to be very happy with this feature update that brings a WSL version 2 that uses a real Linux kernel. Benefits include:
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More powerful Linux environment on Windows 10
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More features
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File system performance increases
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Full system call compatibility
Make Devices “Passwordless”
You’ll have a new option in Settings > Accounts > Sign-in Page that allow you to make your devices passwordless. What this means is that everyone on your PC would be required to sign in with a PIN or another Windows Hello sign-in method, such as fingerprint or face ID.
Need a New PC Before the Next Windows 10 Update?
If you plan to upgrade your computer before the Windows 10 feature update hits next year, come to Pro Tech Guy first before you go the big box stores. We can offer great deals on custom builds (standard, tiny desktop, gaming) so you get a computer that fits your needs perfectly.
Contact us today and let’s discuss your dream PC at 508-364-8189 or through our website.