Windows 10 is one of the most versatile OS Microsoft has ever made. It’s truly an operating system like no other, offering free yet very tangible updates semi-annually – instead of rolling out a completely overhauled OS every few years – and allowing it to consistently bring in new features and support. This brilliant approach has worked out so well that Windows 10 has quickly become Microsoft’s most popular OS.
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Adding to its versatility, Windows 10 also comes with several different versions meant for different types of hardware and specific users. And, it’s still expanding. Already existing versions like Windows 10 Pro, which offers enterprise-grade security and tools, and the more locked down and lightweight Windows 10 in S Mode will soon be joined by Windows 10X and possibly the rumored Windows 10 Lite. Both are said to directly compete with the ChromeOS, allowing Microsoft to have solid contenders against the best Chromebooks.
From its key features to its semi-annual updates – the latest of which is the October 2020 Update, we gathered everything you need to know about the powerful and extremely versatile Windows 10 OS. Read on and find out what makes it tick or find out where to buy Windows 10.
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.