Microsoft launched its Windows 10 operating system last July 15, 2015. Windows 10 is not just an overhaul of Windows 8. It is an operating system designed to regularly receive updates and upgrades to improve user experience and avoid building a new operating system every few years altogether.
Longtime users know that Microsoft will not be releasing new versions of Windows soon. In the meantime, here are the nine best features Microsoft has incorporated in its 2019 Windows 10 update. Find out why you need to install the update now.
Table of Contents
More Control over Updates
Microsoft has given back to the users more control over Windows 10 updates. In the past Windows will just automatically install updates. Now, users can choose to pause and schedule updates. You are also free to choose not to install the update if you are happy with your current version of Windows 10.
However, you will be obliged to install the update after eighteen months to ensure that your operating system’s security features are at par with the latest standards. This is still better than updating your Windows operating system every six months.
Moreover, Microsoft has set aside over 7 gigabytes of storage space dedicated for Windows updates. You do not need to free up space whenever an update is available. But you have to update your drivers on windows first. Doing so will let you maximize not just this feature, but all the other features included in the latest update.
Windows Sandbox
The Windows Sandbox feature is a useful tool for users who worry about the security of their device but do not know how to set up a virtual security tool. With the help of Windows Sandbox, they can simply run a new file from an unknown source safely.
How does the Windows Sandbox do this clever trick? The Windows Sandbox constructs an alternate desktop environment where users can run the file, test it there first before running it in the user’s actual desktop. This way, corrupted and infected files will not harm the device. Just like an isolation chamber, the Windows Sandbox will contain any potential threat to the device. This process will consequently protect the host desktop.
Improved Speed
When Microsoft attempted to patch the Spectre flaw back in January 2018, it slowed down the users’ PC performance. The Windows 10 May 2019 update promises to eliminate this problem and improve the speed of users’ PCs. Microsoft used retpoline and import optimization to block Spectre-based attacks with minimal impact on the PC’s performance.
Goodbye Built-in Apps
Users can now maximize their device’s storage capacity in this latest Windows 10 update. They can now uninstall more built-in apps such as Calendar, Mail, and Calculator, Paint 3D, 3D Viewer, Groove Music, and Movies & TV. More space means users can install their preferred apps in their devices, hence eliminating the need for bigger capacity hard drives.
Separation of Cortana and Microsoft Search
Cortana is one of the best things that happened in the first version of Windows 10. But Cortana and Microsoft Search together spell disaster. Cortana has a separate icon on the Windows taskbar from the Microsoft Search in this update. Users can choose to leave Cortana and hide Microsoft Search or the other way around. They can also hide both if they want to. More Start Menu Function
The Start menu can now search for files anywhere in the PC using the Windows search index. This process will still be quick even if it will go through all the files on your PC. And best of all, it takes note of your top apps so you can launch an app more quickly.
Kaomoji Face Characters
Emoji fans will rejoice because Microsoft added Kaomoji Face Characters in the emoji shortcut. There is no need to create these cute emojis manually. Just click, or touch a Kaomoji from the emoji panel, and send cute messages to family, friends, and loved ones.
Less Mess, Less Stress
Windows 10 has joined the trend and applied minimalism in the default Start Menu. It is now less messy, and programs are easier to find. However, this feature is available only in the new PCs, or when setting up a new account.
A World without Passwords
A PIN or Windows Hello sign-in feature will replace passwords in this latest version of Windows 10. Users can now create an account online without the hassle of making a strong password. This new account will be linked to the user’s phone number where Microsoft will send a security code every time a user signs in this password-less account. Of course, this feature is still optional, but very useful for forgetful account holders.
Functionality, simplicity, ease and tight security, these are the qualities that the latest Windows 10 possess. And these are compelling reasons to update your operating systems as soon as possible.
