What's New With Windows 10 October 2020 Update
Microsoft’s Windows 10 October 2020 update is now available to the public. Released on October 13, 2020, this update is the tenth major update to Windows 10. This update – version 20H2 – appears to be relatively minor in terms of changes that will impact the average user. However, there are several changes you should know about and understand. Read on, and in this article, you will learn what’s new with Windows 10 October 2020 update.
New Features In Version 20H2
Following a previously-established pattern, version 20H2 does not offer many new features as a Fall update. Instead, it provides “a scoped set of features to improve performance and enhance quality.” Typically, Microsoft releases new features in its Spring updates to Windows 10. However, there are several new features in this update you need to know and understand.
Edge Is Now The Default Browser In Windows 10
Microsoft’s new Chromium-based version of Edge is now the default browser in Windows 10. When you install the update, this version of Edge will install, and you will no longer be able to access the prior version of Edge. Of course, if you want to use a different browser, you can still do so. Further, you can set a different browser as your default, if desired.
An Updated Start Menu
With this release, Microsoft updated the Start menu. Instead of the solid color background, a new partially transparent background is now resident. This change helps icons to stand out, making them more noticeable when scrolling through the menu.
Minor Updates To Notifications
In addition to changes on the Start menu, you will also notice cosmetic changes to Notifications. Perhaps the most useful of these is the inclusion of an “X” on every notification so that you can dismiss each one immediately.
New Multitasking Settings
If you use Windows 10’s Timeline feature, you will notice a group of new settings available by navigating to System, Multitasking. These settings allow you to show individual browser tabs when you use Alt + Tab to switch tasks. More specifically, you can choose to show only the primary tab, the three most recently visited tabs, the five most recently visited tabs or all tabs.
Advanced Display Settings
Version 20H2 contains a new option to change the refresh rate of your monitors. This enhancement negates the prior need to use a third-party utility for this task, and gamers and graphic designers are sure to welcome this feature.
Version 20H2 Frequently Asked Questions
I Skipped The Spring Update. Do I Need To Install It First?
No. Version 20H2, like all semi-annual updates to Windows 10 – is a cumulative update. This feature means that if you skipped a previous update, the update process for version 20H2 includes the previously-skipped update and the update for version 20H2. Therefore, you do not need to worry about skipping a previous update when updating now.
Must I Update To Version 20H2 Of Windows 10?
No. Version 20H2 is an optional update. Therefore, you can choose to skip it – or defer it – if you so desire.
How Long Will The Update Process Take To Complete?
Most users will find the update process to take approximately 30 minutes to complete. However, if you are working on an older device or if you have a relatively slow internet connection, the update process could approach an hour in length.
I Don't Know The Last Time I Updated. How Can I Find Which Version Of Windows I'm Currently Running?
In the Search Box, type “Winver” and press the Enter key. Upon doing so, you will see a dialog box that shows you the version and the build.
How Do I Start The Process Of Updating To Version 20H2 Of Windows 10?
Assuming your Information Technology staff has not blocked you from initiating updates, you can manually start the update process. To do so, type “Update” into the Search Box and then click Check for updates.
How Do I Block My Computer From Updating To Version 20H2?
Susan Bradley, a CPA and technology consultant, published an excellent article at Computerworld.com detailing the steps to block the update. If you want to defer the update, take the steps outlined in the article.
Summary
With Microsoft updating the Windows operating system semi-annually, it is essential to stay up-to-date on the new features. Otherwise, we will not be able to use the tools available in Windows to their fullest extent. Although the Fall updates are relatively minor compared to those occurring in the Spring, you may find some of the new features useful to you. Therefore, with each update to Windows – including version 20H2 – carefully consider the new features provided and how you can use them to work more efficiently and more securely. By doing so, you will help to ensure that you are maximizing your return on your investment in technology.
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