Windows 10 19H1: 7 new changes and features coming in Microsoft's next big update

Microsoft's next big Windows x feature update is currently in evolution, and nosotros have a pretty good idea equally to what new features and changes we tin can await to run across when information technology starts shipping in the spring. Codenamed 19H1, this next Windows 10 feature update improves upon already existing features, and adds a couple of new features and options for power users.

After the October 2022 Update fiasco, which saw Microsoft button out an update that had multiple stability issues and bugs, Microsoft has taken a step back with 19H1, focusing more on improving already existing features instead of moving on and building out entirely new features instead. Many called for Microsoft to slow downwards on adding new features, and Microsoft has listened. So, 19H1 has no real blockbuster new features, but information technology does build upon features already present in the Os, which should improve the overall Os experience for users.

That's non to say there aren't any new features or changes at all, then let's dive into the summit new features and come across what's coming in Windows x 19H1.

A brand new low-cal mode for Windows

Starting off with some aesthetic changes, Microsoft is introducing a brand new light fashion to Windows that switches the usual dark taskbar, Start menu, Action Center, touch keyboard, popups, and related menus and buttons from dark to low-cal. This gives the entire Bone a clean and modern experience, and is a refreshing change to the current Windows 10 aesthetic which has been this odd hybrid of dark and lite user interfaces for some fourth dimension.

Many have called upon Microsoft to make consequent night and low-cal modes, and Microsoft is answering those calls with the new calorie-free mode. Users can now have a pure calorie-free theme experience that has both apps and system interfaces use lighter themes, just like how dark mode users have been able to theme their apps dark to match the taskbar and Start menu.

Microsoft is also setting this new light way as default for Windows 10 Home devices that come with Windows ten 19H1 preinstalled. Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise PCs volition take night style enabled past default instead, merely all editions volition be able to switch to the opposite color mode if the user wishes.

A better default layout for Starting time

In addition to the new light mode for Windows x, Microsoft is also updating the default Start menu layout to something a little simpler. In previous Windows 10 updates, the default Start menu layout that appeared afterwards the user sets upwardly their PC for the first fourth dimension was a loud, busy mess of tiles, virtually of which were unwanted by the user. Starting with 19H1, this default layout has been simplified to just two groups of six apps in one column, placing the essentials first and foremost.

Unfortunately, Microsoft continues to push 3rd-party apps onto PCs via the Microsoft Shop by default, but many of the unwanted games are at present put into a folder now. This is very different from the onetime layout, which used three or four groups of apps across two columns. The new default Start menu layout is much more than approachable to normal users, and isn't as complicated or cluttered.

More fluent design

Keeping with the aesthetic changes, Microsoft is adding yet more beautiful Fluent Blueprint language to Windows 10 in 19H1. Certain organization elements like context menus and popups now feature a wonderful drop shadow effect, which looks excellent with the new calorie-free theme. In addition, bound lists and context menus in Commencement, Taskbar and modern apps now feature Fluent Pattern reveal and acrylic furnishings, which provide a squeamish blur aesthetic to many areas that uses modern context card controls.

Microsoft is besides adding acrylic blur to the login screen, which makes things look more modernistic and clean.

Improved quick deportment in Action Center

Quick actions in Windows ten are receiving an update in 19H1 that changes a couple of things and improves upon the edit mode for quick actions in a major way. No longer volition the user exist thrown into Settings to edit what shows up in quick actions, instead being entered into a dedicated edit fashion that lets the user configure what quick actions are available directly from within the Action Center.

In addition to this change, Microsoft has too changed the effulgence quick action from a button to a dedicated slider that can be pinned to quick actions in the Action Center. Users take been requesting Microsoft add a dedicated effulgence slider to quick actions for years, and Microsoft is finally doing information technology with 19H1.

Windows Sandbox

Microsoft is adding a new feature to Windows 10 chosen "Windows Sandbox," that gives users the ability to run a virtualized case of Windows 10 on meridian of their alive install. This is cracking for those who desire to run a plan that they're not and then sure almost, without putting their entire organisation at risk. Windows Sandbox is off past default, but once enabled will run a clean version of Windows 10 in a virtual machine every time y'all go to use information technology.

This characteristic is only available for Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise editions, as it's a feature aimed primarily at ability users.

Updating Windows Update

Windows Update is receiving farther improvements in 19H1, nigh of which are designed to make Windows updates less annoying. To begin, Microsoft is bringing the ability to pause updates for vii days to Windows 10 Home, a feature that was previously only available on Windows 10 Pro.

In addition, a new feature called "intelligent active hours" will automatically conform Agile Hours so that Windows updates don't interrupt the user when using their PC when outside of Agile Hours. For example, if you've set your Agile Hours betwixt 8am and 9pm, only one nighttime you lot're working on something by 9pm, Windows will now automatically adjust Active Hours then that a pending update won't install while you're using your PC outside of Active Hours.

Finally, Microsoft has changed up the Windows Update UI slightly so that many configurable options and settings are available at the forefront of Windows Update. Things similar pausing updates is at present available to the user without having to dive into advanced options.

A new Function hub app

Microsoft is updating the built-in Role app on Windows 10 with a new look that emphasizes contempo documents and Function web apps. It'south a much cleaner looking app, and makes jumping into your recent documents very easy, every bit well every bit creating new documents on the wing.

What practise y'all call up so far?

That's our listing of peak new features coming in Windows 10 19H1. There are plenty pocket-sized changes that nosotros haven't noted hither, so make certain y'all check out our consummate changelog for an in-depth wait at everything coming in 19H1. What are you well-nigh looking forward to? Permit us know in the comments.

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