Windows 10 Updates Ahead in 2018
This page is saved for archival reference, as Windows 11 has now been released and Windows 12 is anticipated.
See: Windows 10 and 11 Books and References from Amazon
Windows 10 October 2018 Update has a lot of new features and changes planned. Microsoft will begin releasing a major round of Windows 10 updates in October. This will be Windows 10 version 1809.
Most Windows 10 computers currently are running with version 1803, but there still are many running 1709 or even prior. If you've been away for the summer, or if you generally let your machine "sleep" rather than shut down, you may find months of updates pending. These are important to catch up installing now and then for security and stability of your machine.
No matter which version your machine is running, this is a good month to "check for updates" (type those words in your Cortana search box) and let any accumulated update files download and install before October rolls around. I just did an update myself and it ran about an hour
You can check your version by typing the command winver in your search box. If it doesn't indicate version 1803, then it's a good idea to catch up with your updates before the October updates come out. Letting a computer fall behind in the update process eventually runs into complications and security risks.
New features in the update are covered in detail in an article at HowToGeek.Com. Here are some highlights:
Active Hours - Smarter timing by Windows in when to install updates and restart will be supported by a machine learning model to predict when is most convenient for the user.
Borders and Shadows - Microsoft is modifying the look of windows for a softer, more graduated appearance. However, users who prefer crisper and bolder dilineation of window areas can opt to keep the traditional colored window borders.
Clipboard History - If you do copy-paste between apps, this is a powerful new feature. You can use a keyboard shortcut to access items you've copied on the fly using clipboard, and even synchronize between devices. Cloud support is on the future docket.
Edge - Features being expanded. More commands and setting options, large buttons, better Settings categories, video or music Autoplay features, and site-specific permissions all will be added or enhanced with the new version.
Edge PDF Features - As Windows 10 nudges users to use Edge rather than Adobe Acrobate Reader for viewing PDF formatted files, a variety of new tools, features and display items will be added to improve the experience of accessing PDF's online. Line focus will highlight word sets as you read. Add Notes will be part of the tool bar. App also will let you click for word definitions or audio pronunciations. Plus much more.
Emojis - New feature will allow keyboard shortcut to access and input emoji in any app.
Game Bar - New Game Bar features will include built-in audio controls, choice of output devices, volume controls, performance monitoring measures, resource dedication and shortcuts to open game mode.
Mail App Link Defaults - Users of the Mail app in Windows 10 will have the choice of which browser is the default for opening links.
Notepad - Notepad will have support for Linux and Mac line endings - This means that you can paste a text file created within other operating systems into Notepad and it will look like it was intended to look. Enhancement for Zoom, Find and Replace, and other Notepad features also will be included.
Power Usage - This measure will be added to Task Manager for better selective control over which apps to let run according to power demands, especially useful for laptops or notebooks.
Screen Clipping - In addition to easy screen shot saving, this new clipping and sketch tool will allow easy modifcations to screen shots that include drawing, arrows, annotating and highlights.
Search Previews will be added to Cortana, the Start menu search feature. When you type in to search something you'll get a Bing-based preview pane showing more info about the destination of the search result item before going there. Plus, app searches will include download page links in the search results.
Sets - Soon to follow in 2019 - This will build on the current integration of tab features into File Explorer. It will enable a window to contain tabs from multiple Microsoft apps, notably Edge, File Explorere and the full range of MS Office apps. It will enable drag and drop between windows as well.
Skype Updates - Skype will now have customizable themes, a new contacts layout, and new options for group calls and screen sharing.
Snipping Tool - Old version may be replaced in 2019, as functionality is added to other apps for more seamless use.
SwiftKey - This Android features is now coming to Windows 10. It give you better auto-correct and predictive text support based on learning your writing style. Swipe-to-type support is built in, offering an handy alternative for on-screen text input if finger-tapping or stylus input doesn't agree with you.
User Fonts - Installations of new fonts will expand options to allow users to install their own fonts but will restrict all-user access to only the installation of fonts by administrator users.
Windows Security - This will be the new name for Windows Defender, the free Microsoft anti-virus app built into Windows 10, and will handle all threats including but not limited to viruses. Options will be available to run Edge in isolation from from other computer operations, and to cordon your files away from network operations for added security.
Wireless Projection - Added controls for projecting screens wirelessly, employing smart latency for smoother video play.
Your Phone - This is a app that will bring Windows 10's smartphone integration features together and make them easier to set up. It will let you you text from your PC, access photos from your phone on your PC, and lay the groundwork for future innovations that will sync notifications from your Android phone.
Lots more for more specialized users, but the points above are the most common ones for typical users in our neighborhoods here.
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