Windows 10 November Update: What's New?
Significant Windows 10 Update Now Available
A substantial update for Windows 10 is being rolled out today through Windows Update, addressing numerous issues present in the initial release. Microsoft is focusing on improvements to several key areas of the operating system.
These enhancements include a simplified activation process, the reinstatement of colored title bars for windows, and deeper integration of the Skype communication platform.
Further refinements have been made to the Edge browser, aiming to enhance its performance and user experience.
Key Changes and Features
However, alongside these improvements, advertisements have been incorporated into the Start menu interface.
During its development phase, this update was known as "Threshold 2," following the initial Windows 10 release which was designated "Threshold."
The update will be identified as version "1511," reflecting its release in November 2015.
Unlike the Windows 8.1 update process, this release will be delivered directly through Windows Update, rather than via the Store.
Publication Note
Please note that this article was originally composed several weeks prior to today’s date. It is being republished now to coincide with the official release of the aforementioned update.
Activating Windows 10 Using Existing Windows Product Keys
Related: A Simplified Guide to Performing a Clean Install of Windows 10
The process of activating Windows 10 has historically presented challenges for users. Initially, Microsoft’s communication regarding the upgrade procedure was unclear, leading to confusion. We investigated and clarified the steps for a clean installation of Windows 10, a process that was more complex than necessary.
Subsequently, Microsoft published official documentation on its website to address these ambiguities. Activation now functions as originally intended. During Windows 10 installation, inputting a valid product key from Windows 7, 8, or 8.1 should successfully activate the system, provided the PC qualified for the upgrade.
The concept of a "digital entitlement"—where activation occurs automatically without key entry—is now more clearly defined. You can verify this status by navigating to Settings > Update & Security > Activation. A message stating "Windows 10 on this device is activated with a digital entitlement" will appear if activation was completed without manual key input.
This indicates that your hardware is recognized as eligible for the upgrade and has been successfully activated by Microsoft’s servers.
Understanding Digital Entitlements
A digital entitlement is linked to your Microsoft account and the hardware of your device. This means that if you reinstall Windows 10 on the same device, it should automatically reactivate without needing a product key.
Important Note: The original Windows 7, 8, or 8.1 license must be genuine and valid for the digital entitlement to function correctly.
- Ensure your PC met the upgrade requirements when initially upgrading from a previous Windows version.
- The Microsoft account used during the upgrade must be associated with the Windows 10 installation.
- Hardware changes may sometimes invalidate the digital entitlement, requiring re-activation.
If you encounter issues with activation, Microsoft’s support website provides troubleshooting resources and assistance. They offer tools and guidance to resolve common activation errors.
The Return of Customizable Title Bar Colors
Users now have the ability to re-enable colored title bars, eliminating the need for complex workarounds if the default white appearance is undesirable. This functionality is accessible through the Settings application. Navigate to Settings > Personalization > Colors.
Within the Colors settings, verify that the "Show color on Start, taskbar, action center, and title bar" option is activated. The selected color will then be applied to the title bars of your windows.
How to Enable Colored Title Bars
- Open the Settings application.
- Select Personalization.
- Choose Colors from the left-hand menu.
- Toggle the "Show color on Start, taskbar, action center, and title bar" setting to On.
This simple adjustment allows for a personalized visual experience, offering an alternative to the standard white title bar aesthetic. The chosen color will consistently appear across the Start menu, taskbar, action center, and window title bars.
App Recommendations Appear in the Start Menu
Windows 10’s Start menu now incorporates "occasional suggestions" for apps to install. This addition introduces another element of clutter for users navigating the Start menu. Similar to promotional content within Microsoft Edge, this functionality aims to drive increased app installations from the Microsoft Store.
Microsoft is actively promoting greater utilization of its app ecosystem. These suggestions are intended to encourage Windows 10 users to explore and adopt more applications available through the Store.
How to Disable App Suggestions
Users have the option to deactivate these recommendations. Navigate to Settings, then select Personalization, and finally Start. Within the Start settings, disable the "Occasionally show suggestions in Start" toggle.
This adjustment will remove the app suggestions from appearing within the Start menu. It allows for a cleaner and more focused user experience.
The image illustrates the Windows 10 Fall Update, which introduced this feature. It highlights the evolving interface of the operating system.
Locating a Missing PC: Native Windows Tracking
The Windows 10 operating system now features an integrated "Find My Device" functionality. This option is accessible through the Settings menu, specifically under Update & security.
Previously, users relied on external applications like Prey to track lost laptops or tablets. Now, Windows 10 provides built-in tracking capabilities utilizing GPS and location services.
How the Feature Works
The system allows for periodic transmission of your device’s location data to Microsoft’s servers. This ensures that, even if lost, the last known location of your computer can be determined.
This functionality eliminates the need for third-party software to achieve device tracking. It offers a convenient and readily available solution for locating a misplaced machine.
Find My Device provides peace of mind, knowing your device’s whereabouts can be determined if it’s ever lost or stolen.
Enhanced Functionality in Edge: Browser Sync and Tab Previews
Related: 11 Tips and Tricks for Microsoft Edge on Windows 10
A recent update to Microsoft Edge has introduced support for the latest advancements in web technologies. Specifically, the browser’s core engine now incorporates new features from HTML5, CSS3, and ECMAScript.
Two prominent features immediately accessible to users are tab previews and synchronization capabilities. Simply hovering the mouse cursor over a tab in the titlebar now displays a preview of the webpage.
Syncing Across Devices
Furthermore, users can now synchronize their favorites and reading list across all devices running Windows 10. This ensures a consistent browsing experience regardless of the device being used.
Extension Support and Updates
Despite these improvements, browser extension support remains unavailable, having experienced a delay in implementation. This functionality is not yet integrated into the browser.
Interestingly, Microsoft has deviated from its initial plan of delivering Edge updates through the Windows Store. Instead, updates appear to be tied to significant releases of Windows 10 itself.
This contrasts with other pre-installed Windows 10 applications, which receive more frequent updates via the Store. Edge’s update schedule is therefore less consistent.
Skype and Sway Integration in Windows 10
The Windows 10 Fall Update introduces several new applications to the operating system. Notably, Skype Video, Messaging, and Phone are among the key additions.
These applications are unified by their reliance on Skype’s core service, facilitating video conferencing, text-based communication, and voice calls.
This integration effectively supersedes the previous, larger Skype "Metro" application that was available for Windows 8 users.
The newly designed apps aim to provide a more seamless Skype experience within the Windows 10 environment.
However, it’s important to note that the traditional desktop version of Skype remains accessible for those who prefer it.
Introducing Sway
Alongside the Skype updates, Windows 10 also incorporates Sway, a new application from Microsoft.
Sway is positioned as a tool for developing and distributing dynamic reports, presentations, and personal narratives.
It allows users to craft interactive content in a visually engaging format.
- Key Features of Sway: Interactive reports.
- Key Features of Sway: Compelling presentations.
- Key Features of Sway: Personalized storytelling.
Essentially, Sway provides a platform for creating and sharing content beyond traditional document formats.
Positive Developments for Devices with Limited Storage Capacity
Related: A Guide to Downloading Offline Maps within the Windows 10 Maps Application
A previously available functionality, allowing the installation of Windows 10 applications onto alternative drives – such as an SD card in a tablet or laptop possessing constrained storage – has been reactivated. This setting can be located by navigating to Settings > System > Storage.
Furthermore, users now have the option to designate a specific location for Windows 10 to save its offline map data. This is particularly beneficial for devices with smaller storage capacities, enabling storage on external media like an SD card.
The offline map storage location is configurable within Settings > System > Offline maps.
Benefits of Utilizing Alternative Storage
- Increased Storage Space: Free up valuable space on the primary drive.
- Improved Performance: Potentially enhance application loading times.
- Flexibility: Easily transfer applications with the SD card.
This re-introduction of the feature provides greater control over storage allocation. It is a welcome addition for users of devices with limited internal storage.
Enhanced Start Menu and Context Menu Functionality
Significant refinements have been made to the Start menu experience. The updated design now accommodates a substantially larger number of installed applications.
Users are no longer limited to 512 apps; the Start menu can now support up to 2048 "tiles," representing individual applications. This enhancement ensures that all installed apps are readily accessible, even with extensive software installations.
Improved Tile and Jumplist Features
Windows 10 applications and tiles now benefit from the inclusion of jumplists. Furthermore, the Start menu can display a greater quantity of tiles, providing quicker access to frequently used programs.
A key improvement addresses the inconsistencies previously found in Windows 10’s context menus. These menus have been standardized, offering a more uniform experience across both the Start menu and the wider desktop environment.
The standardization of context menus contributes to a more intuitive and user-friendly interface throughout the operating system.
Enhancements for Users Transitioning from Windows 8
Several functionalities within tablet mode have been refined to mirror the experience found in Windows 8. Specifically, the Task View interface now allows users to dismiss applications by dragging their thumbnail representations to the screen's lower edge, replicating a familiar gesture from the earlier operating system.
Furthermore, a setting has been reintroduced that governs the behavior of snapped windows. Under Settings, then System, and finally Multitasking, users can activate the option to resize adjacent snapped windows concurrently.
When enabled, touching (or clicking) and dragging the divider between two side-by-side applications will adjust their dimensions simultaneously. This behavior closely resembles the resizing interaction of Metro-style apps in Windows 8.
Cortana's Enhanced Capabilities
Cortana offers improved functionality, as detailed in resources concerning its features on Windows 10.
A Microsoft account is now optional for utilizing Cortana. This allows access even when logged in with a local user account on your PC.
Expanded Feature Set
Cortana’s abilities have been significantly broadened. It can now interpret handwritten notes directly.
The virtual assistant is capable of monitoring scheduled events, such as movies and concerts, for which you have tickets.
Users will receive notifications if a phone call goes unanswered.
Furthermore, Cortana synchronizes messaging and call logs for convenient access.
Optimized Resource Management
Cortana incorporates intelligent power management. It can automatically enter a low-power state when computer usage is detected as inactive.
Automatic Default Printer Management in Windows
Windows is configured to automatically handle the selection of your default printer. Each time a print job is initiated, the utilized printer is then designated as the default option.
This automated behavior can be deactivated. Navigate to Settings, then select Devices, and subsequently choose Printers & scanners. Within this menu, you'll find the "Let Windows manage my default printer" option, which can be disabled.
Controlling Printer Preferences
Disabling this setting grants users greater control over their preferred printer. It prevents Windows from automatically changing the default printer based on recent usage.
By manually setting your default printer, you ensure consistency in your printing workflow. This is particularly useful in environments with multiple printers.
- Consistent Printing: Avoid unexpected printer selections.
- User Control: Maintain full authority over printer preferences.
- Workflow Efficiency: Streamline printing tasks by always using the intended printer.
The "Let Windows manage my default printer" feature aims to simplify printing for casual users. However, for those requiring precise control, disabling it is recommended.
Customizing the Windows 10 Login Screen Background
Previously, altering the login screen background in Windows 10 often required registry edits. This process has now been simplified for users desiring a solid color background.
Users can now directly disable the display of the default Windows "hero image" on the sign-in screen. This is achieved through the Settings app, specifically within the Personalization options.
How to Change the Background
Navigate to Settings > Personalization > Lock screen. There, you will find the option to "Show Windows background picture on the sign-in screen." Disabling this setting will revert the login screen to a plain color.
It's important to note that utilizing a custom background image still necessitates the use of alternative methods or workarounds.
Beyond this change, the Windows 10 Fall Update introduces several other enhancements. These include refreshed icons and various visual refinements.
Furthermore, the update incorporates internal improvements. These optimizations focus on areas such as memory management, contributing to overall system performance.
- New icons have been implemented throughout the operating system.
- Visual tweaks enhance the user interface.
- Underlying system improvements boost efficiency.
These updates collectively aim to provide a more polished and responsive user experience within Windows 10.
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