All the features of Windows 10. The best of Windows continues to improve

operating system Windows 10 was developed in open testing mode. Any user could bring something of their own to the development of this product. Therefore, it is not surprising that this OS has acquired many interesting functions and newfangled “tricks”. Some of them are improvements to time-tested programs, others are something completely new.

Talk to your computer out loud using Cortana

Cortana is an analogue of the popular Siri application, which is very popular among iOS users. This program allows you to give your computer voice commands. You can ask Cortana to take a note, call a friend via Skype, or search for something on the Internet. In addition, she can tell a joke, sing and much more.

Cortana is a voice control program

Unfortunately, Cortana is not yet available in Russian, but you can enable it in English. To do this, follow the instructions:

Click on the Settings button in the Start menu.
Go to Settings
Go to language settings and then click on "Region and language".
Go to the "Time and Language" section
Select US or UK regions from the list. Then add English language if you don't have it.
Select US or UK in the Region and Language window
Wait until the data package for the added language is downloaded. You can set accent recognition to improve the accuracy of command recognition.
The system will download the language pack
Select English to speak to Cortana in the Voice Recognition section.
Click on the search button to get started with Cortana
Restart your PC. To use Cortana's features, click the magnifying glass button next to Start.

If you often have problems with the program understanding your speech, check whether the accent recognition option is installed.

Video: How to enable Cortana on Windows 10

Split the screen into parts using Snap Assist

Windows 10 has the ability to quickly split the screen in half for two open windows. This function was available in the seventh version, but here it has been improved somewhat. The Snap Assist utility allows you to control multiple windows using your mouse or keyboard. Let's look at all the possibilities of this option:

Drag the window to the left or right edge of the screen so that it fills half of the screen. At the same time, a list of all open windows will appear on the other side. If you click on one of them, it will take up the other half of the desktop.
From the list of all open windows you can select what will occupy the second half of the screen
Drag the window to the corner of the screen. Then it will take up a quarter of the monitor resolution.
Drag the window to a corner to close it in four
Place four windows on the screen in this way.
You can place up to four windows on the screen
Manage open windows using the Win key and arrow keys with the improved Snap Assist. Just hold down the button Windows icon and click the up, down, left, or right arrows to move the window in that direction.
Minimize the window several times by pressing Win + arrow

The Snap Assist utility is useful for those who often work with a large number of windows. For example, you can place on one screen text editor and a translator, so as not to switch between them again.

Disk space analysis via “Storage”

In Windows 10, by default, a program has been added to analyze the used space on the hard drive. Its interface will probably seem familiar to smartphone users. The main functional features are the same here.

The Storage window will show the user how much disk space different types of files take up

To find out how much disk space different types of files take up, go into your computer's settings and go to the "System" section. There you will see a “Storage” button. Click on any of the drives to open a window with more information.

You can open a window with additional information by clicking on any of the drives

It is very convenient to use such a program. With its help, you can accurately determine how much of the memory is occupied by music, games or movies.

Managing virtual desktops

IN latest version Windows has added the ability to create virtual desktops. With their help you can conveniently arrange your workspace, namely shortcuts and the taskbar. Moreover, you can switch between them at any time using special keyboard shortcuts.

Managing virtual desktops is easy and simple

To manage virtual desktops, use the following keyboard shortcuts:

Win + Ctrl + D - create a new desktop;
Win + Ctrl + F4 - close the current table;
Win + Ctrl + left/right arrows - switch between tables.

Video: How to set up virtual desktops in Windows 10

Fingerprint Login

In Windows 10, the user authentication system has been improved, and synchronization with fingerprint scanners has also been configured. If such a scanner is not built into your laptop, you can buy it separately and connect it via USB.

If the scanner was not built into your device initially, it can be purchased separately and connected via USB

You can set up fingerprint recognition in the “Accounts” settings section:

You can always use a password or PIN if the fingerprint scanner breaks down.

Video: Windows 10 Hello and fingerprint scanner

Transfer games from Xbox One to Windows 10

Microsoft is seriously concerned about creating integration between its gaming console Xbox One and Windows 10 OS.

Microsoft wants to integrate console and OS as much as possible

So far, such integration has not yet been fully configured, but profiles from the console are already available to the operating system user.

Additionally, cross-platform multiplayer capabilities are being developed for future games. It is even expected that the player will be able to play from the same profile on both Xbox and Windows 10 PC.

Now the operating system interface provides the ability to use an Xbox gamepad for playing games on a PC. You can enable this feature in the “Games” settings section.

Windows 10 allows you to play with a gamepad

Microsoft Edge browser

In the operating room Windows system 10 have completely abandoned the infamous browser Internet Explorer. It was replaced conceptually new option - Microsoft Edge. According to the creators, this browser uses only new developments that fundamentally distinguish it from its competitors.

Microsoft Edge browser replaces Internet Explorer

Among the most significant changes:

new EdgeHTML engine;
voice assistant Cortana;
possibility of using a stylus;
Possibility of authorization on sites with using Windows Hello.

As for the browser's performance, it is clearly better than its predecessor. Microsoft Edge really has something to contrast with such popular programs as Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox.

Wi-Fi Sense technology

Wi-Fi Sense technology is a unique development by Microsoft, previously used only on smartphones. It allows you to share your Wi-Fi with all your friends from Skype, Facebook, etc. So, if a friend comes to visit you, his device will automatically connect to the Internet.

Wi-Fi Sense lets your friends automatically connect to Wi-Fi

All you need to do to share your network with friends is to check the active connection box.

Please note that Wi-Fi Sense does not work with corporate or public networks. This keeps your connection secure. In addition, the password is transmitted to the Microsoft server in encrypted form, so you can find it out from using Wi-Fi Sense is technically impossible.

New ways to enable on-screen keyboard

Windows 10 provides four ways to enable the on-screen keyboard. Getting access to this utility has become much easier.

Right-click on the taskbar and check the box next to “Show touch keyboard.”
Enable showing keyboard in tray

Now it will always be available in the tray (notification area).

The on-screen keyboard will be accessed by pressing a single button

Press the Win + I key combination. Select "Accessibility" and go to the "Keyboard" tab. Tap the corresponding switch and the on-screen keyboard will open.
Click on the switch to open on-screen keyboard
Open an alternative version of the on-screen keyboard that was available back in Windows 7. Start typing “On-screen keyboard” in the taskbar search, then open the appropriate program.
Search for “On-screen keyboard” and open an alternative keyboard window
An alternative keyboard can also be opened using the osk command. Just press Win + R and enter the given letters.
Enter the osk command in the Run window

Video: How to enable on-screen keyboard in Windows 10

Working with the Command Line

Windows 10 has significantly improved the Command Line interface. Several important functions have been added to it, which were very difficult to do without in previous versions. Among the most significant:

selection with transfer. Now you can select several lines at once using the mouse, and then copy them. Previously, you had to resize the cmd window to select only the words you wanted;
In Windows 10 Command Prompt, you can select multiple lines with your mouse and then copy them
filtering data from the clipboard. Previously, if you pasted a command from the clipboard that contained tabs or capital quotation marks, the system would throw an error. Now, when inserted, such symbols are filtered and automatically replaced with those that match the syntax;
When pasting data from the clipboard into the Command Prompt, characters are filtered and automatically replaced with those that match the syntax
word transfer. The updated “Command Line” now implements word wrapping when resizing the window;
When resizing a window, words in the Windows 10 Command Prompt are wrapped
new keyboard shortcuts. Now the user can select, paste or copy text using the usual Ctrl + A, Ctrl + V, Ctrl + C.

Control the system using gestures

From now on, Windows 10 supports a system of special touchpad gestures. Previously, they were only available on devices from certain manufacturers, but now any compatible touchpad is capable of all of the following:

scrolling the page with two fingers;
scaling by pinching fingers;
double-clicking the touchpad surface is equivalent to right-clicking the mouse;
showing all open windows when swiping the touchpad with three fingers.

It's easier to operate the touchpad

All these gestures, of course, are not so much a necessity as a convenience. If you get used to them, you can learn to work much faster in the system without using a mouse.

Video: Gesture control in Windows 10

Supports MKV and FLAC formats

Previously, to listen to music in FLAC format or watch a video in MKV, you had to download additional players. Windows 10 has added the ability to open multimedia files of these formats. In addition, the updated player performs quite well. Its interface is simple and convenient, and there are practically no errors.

The updated player supports MKV and FLAC formats

Scrolling an inactive window

If you have multiple windows open in split screen mode, you can now scroll through them with the mouse wheel without switching between windows. This feature is enabled in the Mouse & touchpad" This small innovation greatly simplifies working with several programs at the same time.

Enable scrolling of inactive windows

Using OneDrive

In Windows 10, you can enable full synchronization of data on your computer with your personal cloud storage OneDrive. The user will always have backup all files. In addition, he will be able to access them from any device. To enable this option, open OneDrive program and in the settings allow it to be used on the current computer.

Enable OneDrive to always have access to your files

The developers of Windows 10 really tried to make the system more productive and convenient. Many useful and interesting features have been added, but the creators of the OS are not going to stop there. Windows 10 updates automatically in real time, so new solutions are constantly and quickly available on your computer.

1 Windows 10 October 2018 Update is installed automatically through Center Windows updates. Once the update download is complete, we will notify you to select an appropriate time to complete the installation. If the version of Windows 10 installed on your device has expired, take advantage and update now.

2 The timeline on the phone displays activity for the last 7 days, including activity on the tablet and laptop if the user uses one on all devices account Microsoft.

4 Requires specialized hardware, including a fingerprint scanner, illuminated IR sensor, or other biometric sensors and related devices.

5 Based on a comparison of average password entry time and face or fingerprint authentication time.

7 During supported life cycle devices. Internet access fees may apply. Future upgrades may require additional hardware or software requirements. For more information, see the article.

8 Office 365 subscription required (sold separately).

9 Files are restored to the state they were in before the attack. File Restore requires an Office 365 subscription. You can access the last 30 days' worth of file versions at any time, for any reason.

10 Includes pictures and videos stored on your computer's hard drive and OneDrive storage, and requires all devices to sync with OneDrive.

11 Users need to link their mobile phone to your PC in the settings menu or through the Your Phone app from the store Microsoft Store. Users will receive an application from Microsoft that they can download to their mobile phone and then follow the installation wizard. Requires Android 7.0+. S mode is only compatible with Microsoft Edge.

12 Requires a tablet or computer that supports the use of a digital pen. The pen can be purchased separately. Office 365 subscription required (sold separately).

14 Computer hardware requirements for playing games on Windows 10 may vary. Games sold separately. 4K resolution is only available for games, monitors and video adapters that support this mode. DirectX 12 features are only available with compatible games and video adapters. Check your computer to determine graphics adapter compatibility.

15 Installed on your PC as part of the Windows 10 April 2018 Update and later updates, along with new features, technology innovations, and security enhancements. To receive updates promptly, you must enable automatic update on the computer. If you want to get updates right now, .

16 Features and functionality may vary on non-Windows devices.

The October update is the second semi-annual release in 2018, introducing a whole host of new features and improvements. Version 1809 is expected to be publicly available in early October 2018.

This is the sixth global update to Windows 10, and it brings fewer changes compared to the previous version of Windows 10 April 2018 Update, but we will see a number of visual changes and some new features related to system stability, data storage, customization, security and productivity.

In this article, we'll highlight the seven best new features and improvements coming to Windows 10 version 1809 in fall 2018.

Despite the fact that you will have to wait a little longer for the tabbed interface (Sets) in Explorer, which will appear in the version of Windows 10 19H1, already now in Windows 10 October 2018 Update you can use the dark theme for Windows Explorer, context menus and pop-up notifications.

Turn on dark theme design can be done in the settings: Settings > Personalization > Colors > Default App Mode > Dark.

Previously, we could copy text and images to the clipboard and paste them into any application, but only within the same system.

The October 2018 Update introduced new feature- which uses the Microsoft cloud to copy and paste clipboard contents between devices. In addition, a new clipboard using a new interface (which can be called through the combination Windows keys+ V), allows you to view your history and insert previous content that you may need.

3. Search Preview

With the Windows 10 October 2018 Update, Microsoft is adding some important changes to the search experience.

IN new version Windows 10 will become available new interface search to place a preview in the left pane, allowing access to additional information and with further actions it will become much faster and more convenient.

For example, when searching for an application or document, the left pane will now display common actions, including options to run the application as administrator, file information such as path and time last change document.

Additionally, if you are searching for an app, web search results now show a button to download the app directly from the official website.

The new and improved screenshot tool is a full-fledged application with many useful functions for editing.

Found a typo? Highlight and press Ctrl + Enter

As you may have already noticed, many people are upgrading their current version of Windows to the “tenth” version, which has recently been released and is distributed digitally. Perhaps you have already updated your operating system yourself, or you are waiting for all the updates to be completed, or maybe you still cannot decide to take such a step and abandon the OS that you have been successfully using for so long. In any case, you should familiarize yourself with some of the features of Windows 10 that are still unfamiliar to most users.

Quick access to settings

In previous versions of the operating system, all users saw the “Control Panel” - this part of the system contained almost all of the existing settings of your computer, which you could view and change. However, Microsoft is now moving away from this model, turning all settings into one large application that would allow you to customize the way your computer works. But at the same time, you should know that you can move any settings item to the main menu to get quick access to it. When you do this, when you open the main menu you will immediately see the same settings item, be it “Network connection” or “System updates”. This feature makes using Windows 10 much easier and more comfortable.

Basket

It was with the shopping cart that many users previously had serious wars, since it could not be optimized. It is either located on your desktop - or you need to get to it at the very root of the folder to check what is in it. With a new operating system, everything becomes much simpler. You just need to find it through a search in the main menu and, in the same way as in the case of settings, attach it to the menu itself. And now, when you open the main menu, you will immediately be able to directly access your cart.

Disk Cleanup

In the past, most people used third party programs and applications that made it possible to analyze the quantity free space on your hard drive, select those files that can be safely deleted - and offer you to clean up wasted space. This procedure should be performed as often as possible so that your computer does not become clogged, but at the same time, as you understand, you need to download or buy a special software. In the case of Windows 10, you no longer need to do this, since the system has a built-in service that allows you to instantly analyze the data on the disk and clear it of unnecessary files. Thus, you save your money, your time, and generally act much more efficiently than if you used any third-party software.

Uninstalling programs

In previous Windows versions Uninstalling programs was one of the most difficult and unpleasant processes. Naturally, for each file and for each folder there was a “Delete” item, but it only deleted the physical documents that you specified, and yet every program installed on your computer leaves a trace on system disk. Accordingly, you had to go to the control panel, find the desired program, and start the uninstallation process. In general, there were plenty of problems. But in the new version of the operating system, the possibilities have become greater, so you can remove almost any program directly from the main menu. You just need to right-click on the desired program and select “Delete” - and it will be completely removed from your computer, without leaving any traces that would then clog up the computer itself and the registry.

Command line

Finally, what many have been waiting for has happened Windows users, who constantly dealt with the command line. Through it you can do a lot of useful and interesting things with the operating system, but in its entire history it has never added a simple function for copying and pasting text. Thus, even the largest and most complex commands you had to enter on the line manually. In the case of Windows 10, what everyone has been waiting for has finally happened - now you can copy and paste without any restrictions, and the process of use itself command line became much more pleasant and convenient.

Hotkeys

Hotkeys have always played a very important role in Windows, but in the tenth version there are even more of them, so you can spend a little time learning them. For example, the combination Win+I brings up the settings window, and Win+A brings up the notification center. In general, even more new unique commands have appeared, so using the operating system will become even more convenient.

Alerts

Now you can customize the notification bar by adding various programs there for quick access and making it as convenient as possible to use.

Safety

Windows 10 raises the bar on security by new level- now, if you have the appropriate equipment, you can establish access to your computer by scanning your fingerprints.

Summer means that many people are on vacation and spending less time in front of computer screens than usual. However, Microsoft decided to introduce its new operating system at this time this year, namely . On the same day, major computer manufacturers will begin shipping devices with Windows 10.

In Windows 10, the company promises to fix Windows disadvantages 8 and significantly so that it is more adapted to the requirements of modern computer market. The Windows Insider testing program showed that Microsoft is more ready than ever to listen to users' opinions, and at the same time fueled interest in the system. The resource has compiled a list of Windows 10 features that will make working with Windows easier and more convenient.

1. Start Menu

After being absent from Windows 8, the Start menu is back with a new look. It is because of its absence that many did not switch to Windows 8; The menu now offers a combination of the traditional approach and the Start screen tiles that will be familiar and familiar to those who were not afraid to get acquainted with Windows 8.

2. Notification Center

Where Microsoft's operating system lagged behind competitors' products was in the delivery of notifications. In both Windows 7 and Windows 8, there was no single place where all system and application notifications were collected. Action Center in Windows 10 addresses this shortcoming. It is available on both PC and smartphone versions of the system, eliminating the need to open separate applications to find out the essence of the notification.

3. Cortana voice assistant

Another one borrowed from mobile platform function – voice assistant Cortana. This program has found application in many segments of Windows 10, in particular, in system search and in global network. The function is so important that Toshiba even allocated a separate key on the keyboard to launch it in its Windows 10 laptops.

Unfortunately, Cortana is not yet available to Russian Windows 10 owners, and it is not yet clear when it will start working. Over time, when voice assistant will work in all regions, opportunities machine learning will make Cortana even better.

4. Continuum

An interesting feature for owners of smartphones running Windows 10. It turns smartphones into real computers when you connect a keyboard, mouse and monitor to them. The interface of the mobile operating system changes to the interface of the PC version. A number of manufacturers are already preparing special docking stations for smartphones that will allow you to connect peripheral devices to them.

A single Windows on all Microsoft devices and a focus on cloud technologies. If everything works out as planned, the smartphone may become the only one computer device users, both mobile and landline.

5. Switch apps

Not all new features of Windows 10 should become eye-catching sensations; some are just the result of the evolutionary development of the system. For example, the keyboard shortcut Alt + Tab. Previously, you could use them to switch between programs, the same thing happens now, only with improved appearance and the location of windows.

6. Snap mode for managing windows

Microsoft's attempt to penetrate the territory of the ARM architecture in as Windows RT was not a success, but there were some good things about it. The Snap feature allows you to intelligently position windows side by side. It is especially useful for big screens, where there is a lot of free space. As you already understood, this feature is available in Windows 10 and is even better than before.

7. Edge Browser

In the 90s it was introduced Internet browser Explorer, and although it got better with each version, it lagged behind many of its competitors in terms of features. New browser Microsoft has dubbed it Edge, and by doing away with IE's legacy code, it better meets the specifications of the modern web. This makes it faster to use, and features like support for stylus input further increase user interest.

8. Universal applications

Windows 10 will put an end to fragmentation software products Microsoft. It will work on computers, tablets, smartphones, set-top boxes and a number of other devices. Universal apps must also work on different types devices, with changes in the user interface. This should fill the store Windows applications Store and show Microsoft's vision for the future of operating systems.

9.Windows Hello

In recent years, especially after the introduction of the iPhone 5s, fingerprint scanners are found in mobile devices more and more often. Windows Hello is a biometric authentication feature that will allow users to unlock their computer using facial recognition or iris scanning. Thus, users can be spared the need to remember and enter passwords. The future will show how reliable and popular this function will be.

10.DirectX 12

Computers are becoming more powerful, and the cores in the central and GPUs more and more. However, so far the ability to exchange information between these cores has been limited. Only one core could communicate with another at a time. GUI DirectX 12 should improve things, and multiple cores will be able to communicate at once, increasing energy efficiency. Due to this, developers will be able to improve lighting effects and other graphic capabilities.

Windows 10 will be the last operating system Microsoft system. In the future, the platform will be developed according to the “software as a service” model. The operating system will no longer receive major updates every few years; it will constantly change, acquiring new and losing unnecessary features.