First, you need to update
Is the Windows 10 October update installed on your computer?
Here’s a quick and easy way to check. Hit the Windows key + R, then type in the
box that pop. Select OK.
The latest version of Windows 10 is the October 2020 Update.
This is Windows 10 version 2009, and it was released on October 20, 2020. This
update was codenamed “20H2” during its development process, as it was released
in the second half of 2020. Its final build number is 19042.
If you haven’t already, you can update Windows 10 by
navigating to Settings, click on Update & Security, then click on Windows
Update. From there, you’ll be able to see if new updates are available for
download. If not, simply click on Check for Updates to force the process.
Now you’re ready to start using these new features.
1. Customize your Start menu
The ability to choose an accent color to customize Windows
10 is nothing new, but the update brings an added twist. You’ll now be able to
switch between Light or Dark as the default Windows mode, and for the default
app mode.
The default Windows mode changes the color of the taskbar
and Start menu. The default app mode changes the color of windows and folders.
To switch between Light or Dark Mode:
- Select Start in the bottom left corner
- Click on Settings (the gear icon)
- Select Personalization, then click Colors in the left menu
- Under Choose your color, you can select either Light or Dark mode, or a combination of both.
From there, you can choose an accent color for all your
windows and colors.
Pro tip: Access this even faster with your mouse.
Right-click on your desktop and select Personalize. Click on Colors and follow
the last step above.
2. See all your open windows and tabs
If you have a lot of windows open, the taskbar can become
cluttered with shortcuts and apps. There’s a much faster way to see which
windows are open without having to search through the taskbar.
This trick is a time-honored favorite, but now Alt+Tab shows
you all your open browser tabs, too. (Note: It only works for Microsoft Edge.)
To try it, press and hold down the Alt key, then press the
Tab key. Windows will show you a snapshot of what’s open.
While holding Alt down, you can select a window either by
tapping Tab or using your mouse cursor. To close a window, just click on the X
in the top-right corner of the preview.
3. Switch to Tablet Mode if you have a Surface Pro or
Surface Book
Your Surface Pro or Surface Book can magically transform
from a PC to a tablet with a few clicks. This setting is great for when you
need a device that’s more touch-friendly and super easy to navigate. It also
makes using Windows apps designed for tablets work better.
The switch between tablet and PC mode is super easy:
- Select THE Action center in the taskbar. It’s the speech bubble-like icon in the far right-hand corner, next to the clock.
- Underneath the notifications, there are several options that include Wi-Fi connections, Flight mode, and Screen snip.
- Look for Tablet mode. Tap it to switch.
- To switch back to PC mode, just follow the same steps.
Note: This feature only works if your device has a
touchscreen.
4. Change your display refresh rate
The refresh rate of your monitor determines how smooth
motion appears on the screen. This is especially important when playing
graphically-intensive video games, but you’ll also notice it when you’re
dragging open windows around.
Monitors support different refresh rates, determined by the
manufacturer and model. In general, a 60Hz monitor can display images at 60
frames per second.
If your graphics are lagging, check that your screen is at
its maximum refresh rate:
- Click the Start button in the lower left-hand corner, then select Settings (the gear icon).
- Click on System, then Display. This should open automatically or choose it from the left menu.
- Scroll down to the second-to-last option, Advanced display settings.
- If you use dual monitors, select from the drop-down which monitor you want to change.
- In the Refresh rate drop-down menu, you’ll see a few refresh rate options supported by your monitor.
- Just click on the desired refresh rate and close the window.
5. Pin tabs to the taskbar
Just like pinning the calculator, snipping tool, or your
favorite app to the taskbar, the latest update allows you to pin website tabs,
too. The provides easy and immediate access to your most frequently visited
websites without launching your browser.
Note: Again, this only works with Microsoft Edge.
To pin tabs:
- Open Microsoft Edge and browse to the website that you want to pin.
- In the top right-hand corner, click on Settings (the three dots).
- Navigate to and hover over More Tools.
- Click Pin to taskbar and choose the title you want to appear when you hover over the pin.
As a bonus, you can follow the steps above but instead of
clicking Pin to taskbar, select Launch taskbar pinning wizard. Edge will take a
couple of seconds to analyze your browsing habits and will make a few
suggestions of websites to pin for you. Handy!