Windows 10 isn’t just Microsoft‘s most popular operating system to date, it’s arguably the most versatile OS out there right now. Windows 10 has been designed to receive updates on a semi-annual basis, which largely focus on adding in new features and giving updates to stability and overall performance. This approach has given Windows 10 users the option to update incrementally, rather than overhaul the entire OS.
Keeping with the theme of versatility, there are a handful of variations of Windows 10 to suit different types of hardware, individuals or businesses. Windows 10 Home edition is best suited for individual use, for example, while Windows 10 Pro‘s suite of tools are ideal for businesses and professionals.
However, Windows 10 is no longer the latest in Microsoft’s line of operating systems. Its successor, Windows 11, has just launched, and it’s a free (optional) upgrade for users of Windows 10 and Windows 7 should you choose to do so. The succeeding OS features a refreshed Start menu, improvements to pre-installed programs and a user interface overhaul.
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It’s no wonder that most laptops and PCs are on the Windows 10 bandwagon. It’s simply an operating system like no other, and it’s likely to stay beloved long after Windows 11 has taken over. From its key features to its semi-annual updates – the latest of which is the October 2020 Update, here’s everything you need to know about this powerful and extremely versatile OS. Read on and find out what makes it tick.
Ready to switch? Find out where to buy Windows 10. If you’re having trouble with the OS, here’s how to start Windows 10 in Safe Mode.
System Reqs and Versions
This review pertains to the Home and Pro versions of Windows 10. For detailed Windows 10 system requirements and the various versions, check out the Microsoft website.
Windows 10 October 2020 Update
Unlike the May 2020 Update, which came with a whole new set of features and performance refinements, this October 2020 Update is a relatively minor one. Rolled out on October 21 and now available for download, its main focus is on implementing fixes to the previous update.
That isn’t to say that this October 2020 Update doesn’t come with new features of its own, however. Among those are the full integration of the Chromium-based Microsoft Edge browser into the OS, inclusion of Microsoft Edge tabs into the OS’s Alt-Tab menu, and a brand new Start menu as well as more support for high refresh rate gaming monitors, an improved Taskbar, and the addition of app logos in Windows 10 notifications.
New Start menu
The October 2020 Update has given the Windows 10 start menu a facelift. While it’s not the drastic redesign that people were hoping for, it does give the start menu a fresh look. The design is more streamlined, removing the solid color backplates behind the logos in the apps list and applying a partially transparent background to the tiles. It makes it blend in better to your desktop theme and easier to find the apps you’re looking for.
Alt + Tab changes
This update also changes the Alt + Tab function, one of the most-used keyboard shortcuts. So, now when pressing those keys, you can not only switch between open apps using an on-screen menu, but also scroll through open Edge tabs as well. That makes it easy to switch between websites when you’re using the browser.
Improved tablet experience
While not exactly a new feature, this update also improves the operating system’s overall experience on 2-in-1 laptops. Improvements here include automatically switching to the tablet experience when you undock the screen on detachable 2-in-1s as well as better spacing between desktop icons.