Windows 10: Microsoft is updating your PC and there’s a very good reason why

If you’re using a Windows 10 PC running last year’s October 2018 Update, you could soon find yourself forced to update to the newer November 2019 Update. Microsoft has announced it’s started a “phased process” of automatically initiating feature updates for certain devices running the older software. Why is Microsoft doing this you ask? Well, the firm has said the initiative is designed to keep your PC supported and receiving monthly updates that are “critical to device security”. That means you’ll be best protected against malware, viruses and other harmful items if you’re running a newer version of Windows 10.

Explaining the process, Microsoft said: “Windows 10, version 1909 is available for any user on a recent version of Windows 10 who manually selects ‘Check for updates’ via Windows Update. The recommended servicing status is Semi-Annual Channel.

“Beginning today, we will slowly start the phased process to automatically initiate a feature update for devices running the October 2018 Update (Windows 10, version 1809) Home and Pro editions, keeping those devices supported and receiving the monthly updates that are critical to device security and ecosystem health.

“We are starting this rollout process several months in advance of the end of service date to provide adequate time for a smooth update process.”

As noted by Microsoft, the update process will take place in phases. That means not everyone running the October 2018 Update will be forced to install the November 2019 Update at once.

It’s worth noting the October 2019 Update will actually be supported by Microsoft until May 12, 2020. However, it seems the American firm is starting an automatic upgrade initiate now to ensure little to no Windows 10 users are running the older software when this date rolls around.

Upgrading to the November 2019 is not just essential for security, it also introduces a number of notable new features for Windows 10 fans to get excited about.

Firstly, the operating system improves the battery life of PCs powered by certain processors. This should be particularly appreciated by users that find themselves working on the go.

Plus, the November 2019 Update also gives fans more control over notifications. When an alert is delivered you can now tap on a settings button to permanently mute the programme in the future if you deem it unimportant.

Microsoft Shell is also souped-up in the November 2019 Update. As a quick reminder, Microsoft Shell is Windows 10’s graphical interface. Users can now add events to their Calendar without having to tediously open the app itself – its fly-out menu can now be leveraged for this, instead.

The list of November 2019 improvements don’t stop there though – File Explorer is also treated to a couple of nifty features. Not only should the tool be more intuitive to use overall, but it’ll now let you sort through items that are stored locally and in the cloud. Handy right?

Not fond of Microsoft’s chatty virtual assistant Cortana? Well you’re in for a treat. The November 2019 Update allows you to leverage third-party assistants, like Alexa from Amazon, on your device’s lock screen.

And last, but certainly not least, Microsoft’s new software will also exterminate a swathe of bugs from the previous Windows 10 version, the May 2019 Update.

source: express.co.uk