Category: 2020.04

How Windows 10 Version 2004 Increases the Network Status Information UI

Windows 10 May 2020 Update, or Windows 10 version 2004, is simply around the corner, as Microsoft has recently released the final build to users within the Release Preview ring of the Windows Insider program.

In other words, the rollout to production devices is projected to start in some weeks, with the whole thing to happen in stages, which means few are getting the update at the same time.

The May 2020 Update is really a massive release, making total sense after the November 2019 Update was mostly focused on improvements under the hood. And something from the additional features visiting users with this update concerns the Network Status page within the Settings app.

As you probably determine if you’re a long-time Windows 10 user, Microsoft has worked on replacing the User interface using the new Settings app, technically migrating all features towards the latter so that they can give a full modern experience to everyone.

The upcoming May 2020 Update not just that continues this approach, it refines the experience in certain key areas. And one of them is the Network Status page that’s being updated with new goodies.

First of all, there’s a brand new view of active connections, with all of active network connections, wired and wireless, now displayed in the same screen. Additional data that’s displayed here include connection some time and data usage, with choices to access properties and data usage information in the same screen.

“We now show all available connection interfaces around the Status page, so you can quickly see what is connected and examine and change properties as needed. If you have multiple connections, just one is going to be employed for internet connectivity at a time, which one is still shown within the Status diagram at the top of the page,” Microsoft explains.

The information usage section comes in handy to people who attempt to better manage their Internet connection, particularly if they’re utilizing a limited plan.

“You are now able to see how much information is being used by a network right from the Status page! If it looks like you’re using a large amount of data, you can drill into the Data Usage page to produce a limit for your network, which will warn you if you get close or review your limit. You may also see how much data each app is applying with that network,” the organization says.

Handling the network connections is critical for thus many users, so it’s definitely a good thing that Microsoft improves the Settings page in this regard. The information limit screen, for instance, now shows how much you used and how much is left from the configured plan, alongside information for every application to know exactly which the first is the data hog.

Microsoft says all these improvements derive from user feedback, and this is why it’s adding new choices to better manage the available networks. And truth be told, this has always been a popular feature, albeit previously, getting information like data usage for every network would be a lot easier with third-party apps.

“We’re revamping the Network & Internet website landing page in Settings to supply more details at a glance regarding your device’s connectivity, combining several pages to provide you with one clear look at how you are connected to the internet,” Microsoft says.

Users who wish to try out the May 2020 Update right now can sign up for the Windows Insider program and download the build available in the discharge Preview ring. Users here happen to be supplied with the ultimate build.

Windows 10 Version 1903 Still Dominating the Windows 10 World

Microsoft is now getting prepared to release another Windows 10 feature update, however the one-year-old version 1903 keeps dominating the Windows 10 ecosystem, based on new data.

AdDuplex says Windows 10 version 1903 is currently the top choice with a share of 49.2 percent, followed by Windows 10 version 1909, or even the November 2019 Update, with 33.4 percent.

The good news is the November 2019 Update has increased its market share by around 5 percent in just one month, which means that it shouldn’t take too long before it becomes the number one choice.

Some 9.3 percent from the Windows 10 PCs available are still running the October 2019 Update, or version 1809. Windows 10 October 2019 Update is referred to as among the buggiest feature updates released by Microsoft, because the company pulled it only a few days after originally releasing it to users due to a glitch potentially causing the removal of user files.

Plenty of insiders

The good news is that 0.8 percent of the devices are actually running Windows 10 preview builds, which means the number of insiders is still pretty big, so it should normally be easier for Microsoft to find bugs and fix them before a new feature update goes live.

Microsoft has already finalized the development of Windows 10 version 2004, and this release is currently within the last stages before the production build goes live. Microsoft has recently shipped the final build to users within the Release Preview ring, and if everything goes according to the plan, the rollout to production devices across the world should start within the coming weeks.

Windows 10 version 2004 will become available in stages to devices across the world, but alternative download methods, including standalone ISOs, will also be offered.

Windows 10’s WordPad Is actually Finally Obtaining the actual Redesign It Needs?- inside a Concept

Microsoft’s Fluent Design language makeover within Windows Ten is actually below method, which indicates which apps tend to be gradually receiving the actual visual facelift.

One of the apps not obtaining this though is actually WordPad, that continues to be probably the most popular resources bundled along with Windows 10 these days.

As well as whilst Microsoft has focused a lot lately upon Notepad, WordPad has barely obtained any love, especially when this comes towards the visual update which therefore many people want.

A concept created through Zee-Al-Eid Ahmad Rana, that has until now designed plenty of Fluent Design-based concepts for Windows Ten, envisions the new and more modern appear with regard to WordPad, including features that customers have been asking for because the Windows 7 era.

Absolutely no WordPad goodies within version 2004

1 particular feature that We such as, apart from the actual improved appear, of course, is the search box that is incorporated in to the title bar and which would obviously come in super handy whenever operating with big documents. I use search a lot within my documents, therefore having a search box in a more convenient place might really be helpful.

However obviously, We don’t expect Microsoft to create this particular occur overnight, albeit 1 feature that the software giant ought to include rather sooner than later is actually support for tabs. While tabs happen to be one of the most requested updates within Windows Ten overall, WordPad is one of the apps where these people make much more sense, particularly because they can enhance operating with multiple documents substantially.

Regardless of whether or even not really WordPad might finally obtain a highly-anticipated update is some thing that remains to become observed, even though this goes with out stating this won’t occur overnight. The actual subsequent Windows Ten feature update is just around the corner as well as ought to go live within Might, of course with out any kind of substantial improvements for WordPad.

How to Change Default System Font in Windows 10 (Simple & Easy)

You can change the default Windows font from Segoe UI to anything you want. Here’re the steps to change the default system font in Windows 10.

Ever since Windows 7, the default system font in Windows is Segoe UI. In general, the default system font is pretty good looking and is very readable regardless of the screen and resolution.

That being said, if you are into customizing Windows to match your taste and mood, changing default font helps a lot. In fact, I accustomed to change the default Windows font just to make it look fresh and different.

Though window doesn’t provide any option to change the default font, it’s pretty easy to do. So, if you want to change the default system-wide font in Windows, follow the below steps closely.

Step-by-Step Guide to Change Default Windows Font

Since Windows has no option whatsoever to change the default font, we are going to use some registry magic. So, before proceeding, back up the registry after which follow the below steps. If possible, create a full Windows backup, just to become around the safe side.

Know the Name from the Font You Want to Set as Default

Before changing the default font, the font needs to become installed within the system and also you have to know the font family name.

To find out the font family name, open the Start menu, search for “Font Settings” and click on the result. Within the Font Settings page, find the font you want to set as the default and note down its name. Within my case, the font family name is “Open Sans”.

When you have the font family name, proceed towards the next steps.

Steps

1. First, we have to create a simple reg file. To complete that, right-click on the desktop and select the “New → Text document” option. Name the file as “ChangeDefaultFont.reg”.

Note: You are able to name the file anything you want. Just make sure the file extension is .reg and not .txt.

2. Now, right-click on the .reg file and select “Edit”. This opens the file in the default text editor.

3. Once the file is opened in the notepad, copy the below code, paste it within the file and save it. Don’t forget to replace “FONTNAME” with the font family name you got earlier.

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Fonts]
“Segoe UI (TrueType)”=””
“Segoe UI Bold (TrueType)”=””
“Segoe UI Bold Italic (TrueType)”=””
“Segoe UI Italic (TrueType)”=””
“Segoe UI Light (TrueType)”=””
“Segoe UI Semibold (TrueType)”=””
“Segoe UI Symbol (TrueType)”=””
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\FontSubstitutes]
“Segoe UI”=”FONTNAME”

4. After saving and closing the file, double-click on it. You’ll see a warning message, click on the “Yes” and the “Ok” buttons.

5. Finally, reboot Windows.

That’s all. Once you reboot, you should see the new font working in the system. Do keep in mind that based on your font choice, some elements of Windows might not render as they should. If that happens, I recommend you change to some other font or restore the default font by following the below steps.

Restore Segoe UI Font

When you wish to restore the original system font, simply download this reg file, extract it to your desktop, and double-click on it. You will see a warning message, click on the “Yes” and “Ok” buttons to merge the registry file.

Reboot the Windows and also you are done. The default font should be restored back to Segoe UI.

Microsoft Brings Ads towards the Windows 10 Search Interface

Microsoft keeps insisting for users to try out its new Chromium-based browser, and just what better spot to show a banner with this particular purpose other than the Windows 10 desktop?

Most recently, the software giant has started showing ads for the new Microsoft Edge in the actual Windows Search UI, plus a button to download the browser on Windows 10 devices.

As a matter of fact, the brand new Edge becomes the default browser on Windows 10 after installation, replacing the legacy version. However, the rollout to those devices happens via Windows Update in phases, so Microsoft turns to such ads to hurry up the adoption.

“Get the brand new Microsoft Edge. The brand new Microsoft Edge was built to bring you the best of the net,” the message reads based on a study from WL.

More Microsoft ads in Windows 10

While you can close the ad by simply clicking the X button near the message, it goes without saying that many users wouldn’t like Microsoft’s more aggressive push for that new browser, especially as similar banners promoting its very own services will also be placed in other areas of Windows 10.

One such example is the Mail app, where a banner invites users to upload the mobile form of Outlook whether they’re already running the app on their own smartphones. And what’s worse is that this Outlook ad can’t be removed, which obviously made some actually give up on the Mail app entirely and change to other email clients on Windows 10.

The new Microsoft Edge browser can be obtained on Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, and macOS, and a Linux version can also be said to be planned. Information on when Linux users are projected to obtain the first preview build, however, aren’t available.

Microsoft’s AirPods Killer Launch Date Revealed

Microsoft gets ready to finally launch the top Earbuds, with a new report claiming the debut is projected to occur in certain fourteen days.

The Surface Earbuds, which will be an immediate competitor to the Apple AirPods, is going to be obtainable in Europe at 199 Euros, according to a report from German site WinFuture. In the usa, the Earbuds could go on sale with a $199 price tag, although Microsoft could also price them a little bit higher at $249.

What this means is the Surface Earbuds might cost nearly as much as the AirPods. Apple sells the standard configuration in the usa for $199, while the AirPods Pro possess a $249 cost.

Much better than the AirPods?

The Surface Earbuds were announced last year at the October Microsoft Surface event, and they include support for third-party assistants like Siri and Google Assistant. So while the AirPods only work natively with Siri, Microsoft’s Surface Earbuds also plays nice with Apple’s assistant and Google’s Assistant.

And of course, the Earbuds can be used on any device that features a minimum of Bluetooth 4.1, meaning they’re not restricted to just one platform. So you can pair all of them with Windows 10, Android, and iOS devices.

Surface Earbuds will be sold in just one color called Glacier as well as have a charging case for simple recharging on the go. Microsoft promises as much as Twenty four hours battery life with the included charging case, along with a quick 10-minute charge should be enough for approximately one hour of life of the battery.

Microsoft is yet to announce the launch date from the Surface Earbuds, so it remains to be seen when the May 6 launch date is accurate or not. This release date may be a sign that other Surface models are simply around the corner too, such as the new Surface Go 2.

I Tried Windows 10 Version 2004 RTM and Here’s What I Found

Microsoft is very close to completing the work on another major Windows 10 feature update, because the final build of version 2004, also known as May 2020 Update, has been shipped to users signed up for the Release Preview ring of the Windows Insider program.

The Release Preview ring is typically updated when new feature updates are prepared for rollout, as Microsoft only ships builds which are nearly production-ready for this channel.

Microsoft has also confirmed recently this latest RP ring update may be the final build of Windows 10 version 2004 that it ships to insiders:

“We are actually getting the Windows 10 May 2020 Update (20H1) ready for release and releasing Build 19041.207 to Windows Insiders in the Release Preview ring. We believe that Build 19041.207 may be the final build and we will continue to enhance the overall experience of the May 2020 Update on customers’ PCs as part of our normal servicing cadence.”

I’ve been running Windows 10 version 2004 build 19041.207, the one that’s said to be the RTM, for nearly a week now, and here are the three big things that I noticed.

First of all, there are numerous additional features to test within this feature update. I’ve been part of the Fast ring in the beginning, so these aren’t a new comer to me, but I’m confident those who haven’t used preview builds of version 2004 will be impressed.

For instance, the brand new version has the second-generation Windows Subsystem for Linux, Windows Search refinements, including search suggestions while you key in File Explorer, configuration files for Windows Sandbox, GPU temperature in Task Manager, Bluetooth improvements, and so many refinements towards the Settings screen.

I don’t genuinely have a favorite, but what’s worth mentioning is that Windows 10 version 2004 feels like a definite evolution of the Windows 10 experience, and these new features tend to be more than welcome on the OS. They will all contribute to a welcome refresh for Windows 10, and users who would like a modern experience from one end from the another should be happy with this era.

Second of all, Windows 10 version 2004 feels a really polished release, as everything seems to be running quite smoothly. Every time I think about a Windows 10 flop, I go back to reminding everyone how disappointing everything has been with the October 2019 Update, the one which Microsoft shipped and then pulled just a few days later after discovering a bug potentially causing the elimination of user files.

While there’s no guarantee this type of bug doesn’t exist in version 2004, everything is very responsive and that i really can’t complain of things like performance hiccups or anything like this.

And third of, the May 2020 Update resides proof that Microsoft realizes from the own mistakes and it is hearing users to help polish its OS.

The new optional update experience that’ll be offered in Windows 10 version 2004 gives users the ability to update their drivers from a dedicated screen in Windows Update. Previously, carrying this out dropped to a rather inconvenient method that involved the Device Manager, so situations are getting a lot more straightforward now in version 2004.

Microsoft has always promised to build Windows 10 based on user feedback, and also the new May 2020 Update is living proof this really is happening. Maybe it’s not taking place exactly how users expect, however the great news is that this new feature update makes Windows 10 overall a lot better in one end to a different.

Microsoft Releases New Windows 10 Cumulative Updates

Microsoft has published a brand new batch of optional cumulative updates for many versions of Windows 10 including version 1909 (the latest stable release of the operating-system).

Windows 10 version 1903 and Windows 10 version 1909 share exactly the same cumulative update, much like before, and get plenty of improvements, all of which are embedded within the box following the jump.

Cumulative update KB4550945 includes several notable fixes, including one which concerns Windows Update. Based on Microsoft itself, the company discovered an issue that caused Windows Update to prevent responding when an update check was at progress, so after installing this new cumulative update, everything should work effectively.

Optional cumulative update

There are other welcome fixes too, like a fix that resolves apps breaking down after upgrading from a previous form of Windows. In other words, if your apps are no longer working after upgrading from Windows 7, for instance, and also you obtain a “Bad Image” error message, this cumulative update could actually help.

Microsoft says cumulative update KB4550945 also introduces fixes for notifications which for whatever reason were disabled when users linked to a VPN on the cellular network. And last but not least, additionally, it corrects a problem causing exactly what the company describes as “unexpected notifications” when the default apps are changed.

Remember that these updates are presently available as optional, so that they aren’t automatically pushed for your device via Windows Update. What you need to do is check the optional updates available screen in your device or check out the Microsoft Update Catalog to download them manually.

All improvements in today’s new cumulative updates may also be included in the next Patch Tuesday rollout which will are available with security fixes. The following Patch Tuesday is scheduled to go survive May 12.

You’ll Probably Like This Windows 10 Start Menu A lot more than Microsoft’s Version

Windows 10 concepts are nothing new, as more design ideas keep making the headlines every now and then, however, many of them are so great that Microsoft would actually do itself a big favor by checking them out.

This concept the following, that was shared on Twitter earlier today by @vastglad, proposes a far more modern search for Windows 10, including a change of the Start menu.

And while there are still some things that would require additional polishing, let’s start with the parts that appear to be sexy.

The Start menu, for example, surrenders around the live tiles, but instead utilizes a more static approach like the one in Windows 10X. Live tiles are replaced with icons, which feature a cool shadow effect, but also using what could be described as widgets – the Tasks section, for instance, displays a list of the upcoming events, while also allowing you to create new tasks right from the Start menu.

Windows 10 and Fluent Design

Overall, it’s pretty clear this design looks fresh and modern, but simultaneously, additionally, it wastes an excessive amount of space on screen in several key areas. The header of the Settings app is one example in this regard, and the same for File Explorer, where using all the available screen estate to enhance file management is important.

Certainly, users expect a far more modern experience of Windows 10, even though Microsoft has previously promised to deliver it with Fluent Design, it obviously takes longer than anticipated for the whole aspect to happen.

Microsoft has created additional Fluent Design improvements in a rather slow pace, so it’ll take a while before the entire Windows 10 experience receives a full overhaul. Meanwhile, these concepts keep coming, hopefully with bigger chances for Microsoft to check on them out and use the ideas they’re according to for increasing the operating system.

Windows 10’s App Launcher Inspired by macOS Spotlight Just Around the Corner

Microsoft will launch a Spotlight-like app launcher for Windows 10 as soon as the next month, based on a guide shared through the company recently, so it’s now looking for an official name for use for this release.

Currently codenamed PowerLauncher, the new app launcher, which fits separately from the Start menu in Windows 10, is part of the current version of PowerToys.

Like Apple’s very own macOS Spotlight tool bundled with the OS, PowerLauncher, relies on a search engine that can take the main focus on screen and allows you to look for multiple kinds of content, including apps and files.

The app can take control of the Windows key + R hotkey, currently used by the run dialog in the operating-system, to show up on screen anytime, it doesn’t matter what you’re doing on the device.

Launch next month

Clint Rutkas, person in the PowerToys team, took to Twitter to ask the community for assist in finding a new name for the app once it goes live the following month.

“Help us name our Win+R project (we call launcher internally) for Power Toys. It may do not only launch apps so attempting to make sure we have a great, straight forward name that works for everyone,” he tweeted.

The new version of PowerToys only creates Windows 10, and also the May debut for that new tool aligns using the launch of the new Windows 10 feature update as well. Microsoft will introduce Windows 10 May 2020 Update the following month, using the final build now available for users enrolled in the Windows Insider program in the discharge Preview ring.

This really is typically the last milestone a new feature update must reach before going live for everyone, so it’s now only a matter of time until the latest version lands for production systems.