Windows 10 comes with some new features and updates that enhance the operating system. Microsoft’s Windows 10 Anniversary Update is here and ready to download. The software maker first started testing its Anniversary Update back in December, and now all Windows 10 users get to experience the new features and improvements free of charge. Windows 10 Anniversary Update also includes a number of UI improvements to the Start menu, notification center, taskbar, and overall dark theme. Windows 10 Anniversary Update is available from Windows Update immediately.

Windows Inkfall-update-hero

Windows Ink is a central location to find built-in or third-party apps that work with your stylus. You can use the new sticky notes to note down reminders, and they’ll even transform into true reminders as Cortana understands what you write. The new sketchpad is useful if you simply want to doodle, or draw a guide to something.The new virtual ruler allows you to to draw shapes or just straight lines.

Microsoft Edge extensions
The update brings support for extensions, and it’s now up to third-party developers to fill the Windows Store with their add-ons. They’re very similar to Chrome extensions, and ones like AdBlock, 1Password, LastPass, and EverNote are already available.Microsoft has also added in web notifications for Edge, allowing websites to push notifications to the Windows 10 Action Center notification center. Microsoft is also improving battery life with Edge, and claims it’s up to 70 percent better than some competitors.screenshot__16_-0

Cortana improvements
Microsoft’s digital assistant, Cortana, debuted on Windows 10 last year, and the software maker is bringing it to the lock screen with the update. You’ll be able to ask it to make a note, play music, set a reminder, and lots more without ever logging in. Cortona also has  the ability to schedule appointments in Outlook or options to send friends a document you are working on. It can help you set reminders and alarms, stay on top of sports scores and news, navigate and operate your operating system.

Dark theme 
You can switch on the dark mode in settings, and it will switch built-in apps that typically use a white background over to black. The all apps list is now an integral part of the Start menu. If you see something like a news story on a Live Tile, you’ll go directly to that news item when you click the tile instead of simply opening the homepage of an app. The Action Center has also been improved, with badge icons in the task bar that correspond to the number of outstanding notifications.  Microsoft has even improved the system clock in Windows by adding a calendar with a full list of your own events.

Windows Hello for apps and websites
Windows Hello is one of the best features that Microsoft added to Windows 10. It uses a special camera to scan your face and let you log into Windows without using a password. You won’t need your password for websites if you have a new PC that supports Windows Hello.

Windows 10 apps on Xbox One
The Xbox One is finally getting Windows apps.  As Windows 10 now powers the Xbox One, Microsoft will start rolling out an update to its console to provide support for Cortana on Xbox One and the new universal apps. Netflix is using a universal app across Windows 10 devices and Xbox One, and Microsoft has started moving its MSN Weather and Groove Music apps across.

New Skype app
Microsoft has created a new universal app that’s designed to be the future of Skype on Windows 10. It’s allows for your basic Skype video and audio calls. It launches instantly, and you’ll get notifications for calls and messages straight within Windows 10 whether you have it open or not.

Sync your phone notifications to your PC
Syncing phone notifications to your PC has to be one of the best additions to Windows 10  Update. If you have a Windows 10 or Android phone then you’ll be able to use Cortana to sync notifications from all your phone apps up to your PC. You can even reply to messages, dismiss notifications, and quickly send photos from a phone to a PC.

Security Protection

The operating system ships with Microsoft’s Windows Defender antivirus software and the Windows Firewall installed and enabled by default, which provides many PCs with a huge security uplift. Windows 10’s UEFI Secure Boot requirement protects against low-level rootkits that could infect your PC, the SmartScreen filter guards against malicious websites, and Windows Hello makes biometric-based authentication easy.

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