Windows 10 is the best Windows of the last decade and the new Microsoft policy of improving and updating its system regularly is also highly appreciated, not only to cover security bugs, but also to correct imperfections and to add new functions. On the other hand, Windows 10 should be the last Windows operating system (in the sense that there will not be a Windows 11, or at least not shortly) therefore it must become perfect so that it can convince everyone, even the most convinced detractors, to use it.
The one of August 2, 2016, the anniversary update that brings the Windows 10 version 1607 is the second major update of Windows 10 (after the November update) and the largest, which includes many changes, modifications and additions.
Since they are not so obvious, we see here the most important changes brought about by the anniversary update of Windows 10 .
1) The Start menu is reorganized to be more useful and more complete .
The Start menu in Windows 10, from version 1607, changes slightly becoming more compact and including all the useful buttons.
From left to right the Start menu is divided into 3 columns: one with the buttons to access the most important areas of the PC and where you can also find the key to turn it off, the one to manage the account and the settings one, the second with the list of the installed programs in alphabetical order and the third with the apps downloaded from the Store.
Recently added programs are at the top of the installed programs column and the most used programs are listed below.
You can customize the Windows 10 Start menu by hiding some of these elements, as explained in another article.
2) Windows Defender in Windows 10 has been enhanced
You will notice, in the right corner of the desktop near the clock, the icon with the shield indicating the functioning of Windows defender, the Windows 10 antivirus that is activated automatically if there is no other antivirus software installed.
Opening Windows Defender Settings you will notice many more options than before, including above all the possibility of activating cloud protection, which helps against unknown threats and the possibility of starting an offline scan.
The latter restarts the PC and starts a very effective antivirus analysis, before each program is executed.
Windows Defender can now be used even if another Antivirus is installed.
3) Improve virtual desktops
Those who use virtual desktops will find the possibility to move (by dragging them with the mouse) windows from one desktop to another in the preview screen that appears by pressing together the Windows-Tab keys.
It is also possible to fix some windows so that they always remain visible on each desktop.
Right click on the window in the preview screen to find the options menu.
4) The Operations Center has multiple options for customizing visible icons .
From Windows 10 Settings, go to System> Notifications and Actions to choose which buttons to see and which notifications to see.
READ ALSO: What the Windows Operations Center does and how to disable notifications
5) Dark theme for apps
The dark theme is really good for those who use the PC at night, so as not to strain their eyes.
In Windows 10 you can enable it by going to Settings> Personalization> Colors .
6) Update settings
To prevent automatic updates from disturbing your work, you can ask never to download and install updates released by Microsoft at certain times.
In Settings> Update and security> Windows Update you can configure the hours of activity, a time interval during which the PC will never be restarted automatically.
7) Linux bash shells in Windows
This was an already announced novelty, the possibility of being able to use a Linux command line environment on Windows.
Not only will Linux users appreciate it, but even ordinary geeks will be able to take advantage of it to learn the real commands of a computer system administrator, those of the Unix bash interface.
The Bash shell comes from a joint effort between Microsoft and Canonical, the Ubuntu developer.
It supports the full range of Unix commands and allows you to run Bash scripts inside they work natively in Windows.
You can also use apt-get to download binary files.
To use bash linux it is necessary to activate the functionality by going to Control Panel> Programs and Features> Activate and deactivate Windows functions, putting the cross to the Windows subsystem for Linux .
After restarting the computer, you will find the Microsoft Bash utility from the start menu.
8) Microsoft Edge with extensions
The Edge browser heir to Internet Explorer now supports extensions, such as Chrome and Firefox.
To manage the extensions just open Edge and find the option in the main menu (the one that appears by pressing the button with three lines at the top right).
The extensions are located on the Microsoft store and are, for example, the Microsoft Translator, Evernote Clipper and Office Online.
In addition to the Edge extensions, it has also improved in the management of downloads, favorites, history and the possibility of configuring the proxy.
9) The system clock is now integrated with the events of the calendar app which is really excellent and perhaps the best one.
Those who work with Google or Outlook calendars will find the Calendar app and integration in Windows 10 very useful.
10) Other changes
Finally, there are a number of small improvements, changes and additions that we are going to list below:
- Lock screen
The default email address is no longer displayed on the lock screen.
You can control the music from the lock screen
The login screen now uses a background image identical to the lock screen.
- Improvements in license activation, now linked to the Microsoft account.
- Cortana and research have improved and smarter.
Cortana can only be deactivated by registry key.
Cortana also receives notifications from iPhone and Android (pity that the Cortana app is not yet available in Italy).
- Application bar
The clock is displayed on each monitor when using the multi monitor configuration.
By pressing the volume icon you can immediately choose which audio output to use.
The Notification Center icon is moved to the right of the clock and shows the number of notifications.
Notifications between Windows 10 mobile and Windows 10 PC are now synchronized.
The network icon makes it easier to access Wi-Fi connection settings.
The taskbar can be hidden when in Tablet mode
In tablet mode the list of all applications is now shown in full screen.
- Applications
New Skype app that replaces the phone and video apps
Added the Connect app to transmit on the screen (Miracast) from another PC or mobile phone .
Added the Sticky notes app as a modern application.
- If the PC goes wrong, when the blue lock screen appears, you will find a QR code to be scanned with the mobile phone to find the cause of the problem.
- New remote assistance app
- Hotspot option in settings to turn Windows 10 into a wifi router.
READ ALSO: Simplify Windows 10 by arranging some options
