Every October, Microsoft releases a major Windows update that (hopefully) fixes some of the biggest bugs and flaws, and adds new features to this OS-as-a-Service product.
While the 2018 1809 update had a lot of issues causing a two month delay, it should now be available through a regular update service.
Whether you are already using 1809 or are just looking forward to it, here are some of the features you can expect in the newest version of Windows.
Finally, Explorer Dark Mode!
Microsoft already provided a dark theme in a previous update, but unfortunately Windows Explorer itself retained its white background.
Dark modes and themes are found almost everywhere these days. They not only make it easier to read the screen in the dark, but also reduce the power consumption of the screen. Most importantly, they look pretty cool.
Turning on dark mode for Windows apps couldn’t be easier. First go to Settings> Personalization> Colors.
Now scroll down to the bottom of the window.
In the Default App Mode section, select Dark. Now Windows Explorer will have a dark background and your eyes will be grateful to you.
Snip & Sketch screenshot tool
Windows 10 had much better support for editing screenshots out of the box than previous versions. However, the tools available have been a bit fragmented and with the 1809 update, there is now one tool that manages (and replaces) them all. Snip and Sketch tool.
You can find this tool in all of your other applications, or simply by typing its name in the start menu search bar. With it, you can easily take and edit screenshots.
Your phone app for Android users
Whether you like it or not, smartphones have become a part of almost everyone’s daily life. Therefore, Microsoft decided to integrate Android phones into the Windows desktop with a new application known as Your Phone.
There is no indication as to when or if other phone operating systems will ever be fully supported, but if you have an Android smartphone, you can now send texts and view photos. There are also some limited iOS features. Specifically, sending web pages from your iPhone to Windows.
You can find this app among other Windows apps. The fastest way to access is to search for “Your Phone” in the Start menu.
To pair your phone, simply click “Get Started” and follow the instructions. Then enter your number here.
Enter your number and click Submit. You should receive a text with a link to Your Phone Companion app. Install and open.
Now, you just need to sign in to your Microsoft account to complete the link.
You are now ready to share content between your phone and Windows desktop.
Start menu search upgrades
Search functions in the Start menu have been significantly expanded. Now when you search for something, you will see several tabs for categorizing the results. There are also more relevant results online with shortcuts to download or install the app.
The search itself has also become much faster, it appears simultaneously with the appearance of the Start menu itself.
The cloud-powered super charging case
The humble clipboard has also undergone a major overhaul. Now when you copy something to the clipboard, you can do more than just paste it somewhere.
For example, you can now stack the copied items by activating the clipboard history. If you press Windows + V you will see this history and select the item you want to insert.
You can also sync your clipboard data to the cloud and then to other devices.
Windows, Reloaded
Windows 10 today is much more mature and refined than when it first launched. Despite a rough start, the 1809 update brought some really useful and welcome changes to the system. Enjoy!
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