Windows 10 latest feature update is here, packing multiple changes and enhancements.
Also known as the Windows 10 October 2020 Update or 20H2, this is the second big update of Windows 10 of this year. This is just a continuation of the previous version, that is version 2004, with some design tweaks and a cleaner UI. It also focuses on performance and bug fixes and some bigger changes like removal of System Control Panel.
How to Install 20H2?
20H2 is a free cumulative update on the 2004 version. Thus, this update does not take very long to install.
To install the latest Windows update, complete the following steps:
- Click Settings.
- Navigate to Update & Security and click Windows Update.
- Select Check for Updates.
- The update appears automatically if you use Windows 10 version 1903 or a later version. Click Download and install.
What changes are incorporated in the October 2020 update?
System Page in Control Panel Removed
As the System page has been removed, if you try opening it, you are taken to the About page of the new Settings app.
You will find all details of the Settings pane in the Settings app.
To copy text to clipboard, use the Copy button.
Use the buttons at the bottom of the page to open the advanced system settings like the Device Manager and the Bitlocker settings.
The Control Panel will be here for some time, as there are several options and Microsoft is migrating them to the new Settings app slowly.
Microsoft Edge is Built-In
This version of Windows 10 includes Microsoft Edge as built-in browser.
However, this news is not that big as you may have that installed in your system already.
Though Microsoft Edge was available from January 2020, with this release, the new Edge browser is replacing the old one.
Alt Tab Functionality
Traditionally, we used the Alt Tab to navigate to the desktop apps open in Windows.
Now, you can navigate to the tabs open in Microsoft Edge too.
With this functionality, Microsoft allows the Windows 10 users to go back to earlier Alt-Tab experience.
Start Menu
The new Start menu features a streamlined design. The uniform and partially transparent background create a stage for the icons like Mail, Calendar and Calculator.
This refined design looks perfect in both the light and the dark themes.
Smooth Settings
You can access the device and the security details from the Settings sections. You can also change the refresh rate from here.
What is the function of the refresh rate?
With a higher refresh rate, you get smoother motion of visuals.
This will also allow you to enjoy a great gaming experience.
Though the rollout was a good start as the company was aggressively limiting availability after Windows update, everyone is not having a good experience, installing or using the new version. Though there are a few isolated incidents of design inconsistencies, this is not all bad news as most users gave positive feedback on this update.
