

You can find out more about the update process on ZDNet. Microsoft recommends that you update, of course, but it's not mandatory - unless you're about to hit an end-of-service date for the version you're currently running. Read more at TechRepublic: 20 pro tips to make Windows 10 work the way you want (free PDF) Do I have to update to the October 2020 version? Version 2004 (also known as the May 2020 Update) will be supported until December 2021. You can still use version 1809, but the loss of Microsoft support means you will no longer get important security patches or other updates. (Support was originally scheduled to end in May, but Microsoft delayed this due to the impact of the coronavirus.) Support for Enterprise and Education editions will last until May 2021. Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 1809 (also known as the October 2018 update) for Home, Pro, Pro Education and Pro for Workstations editions in November. Read more: Here's the best way to set up your new PC or laptop Will previous versions of Windows 10 still work? We've also explained how to use some of the best new features here. 2-in-1 devices: For these device users, instead of getting a notification asking if you want to switch to tablet mode every time you detach your keyboard, it will happen by default.Settings: Find more Control Panel features in the Settings About page under Settings > System > About.Focus Assist notification and summary will be turned off by default. Notifications: See where your notification is coming from by checking the app logo at the top, and dismiss it by clicking the X in the top right corner.Taskbar: Personalize your Taskbar so you can find what you're looking for faster.

You can also configure it to show only your last three or five tabs, or turn it off completely under Settings > System > Multitasking. Tabs: Open all tabs in Edge in Alt + Tab, instead of just the active one in each browser window.You can also set an accent color if you like. Start menu: A new Start menu will feature a more streamlined design, replacing the solid color backplates behind the logos in your apps list with partially transparent backgrounds, helping the icons stand out more.The new Edge browser includes a privacy feature that tries to block sites that track you online, and a feature called Collections that lets you gather information from different websites as you're doing research. Microsoft Edge: The update will include the new Chromium-based Microsoft Edge browser instead of the legacy version for the first time.The Windows 10 October 2020 Update doesn't include a ton of massive changes from the May update, but there are a lot of smaller refinements that should make your computing experience better. What new features does the October 2020 Update include?
