The most important Microsoft updates you need to know right now

If you follow Microsoft closely, you know that they typically roll out two updates to Windows 10 every year: one in the spring and one in the fall. Spring tends to have the bigger updates, while fall is typically smaller by comparison.

Read on for Microsoft’s most recent and upcoming updates.

Fall 2020 Windows Update

Right on schedule, there was an October 2020 Windows 10 update (aka Windows 10 version 20H2). If, like some of us, you tend to fall way behind on your tech updates, now’s a good time to go and check to make sure you’ve taken advantage of the newest update.

Though you may not notice anything wildly different about the updated Windows 10, Microsoft has made a few refinements that will improve your experience as a user:

• Start Menu: Microsoft has revamped their start menu so that it’s easier to interact with and understand clearly — and so that it looks a little bit more streamlined. You’re also able to visually personalize it by selecting accent colors.

• Taskbar: Microsoft has improved their Taskbar so that it’s more personalizable and efficient.

• Notifications: Notifications are now easier to interact with — and easier to dismiss when needed.

• 2-in-1 devices: For devices that can swap between laptop and tablet, the device will now automatically switch to tablet mode whenever the keyboard is detached (instead of asking for approval every time).

• Tabs: Microsoft has made a few changes to how Windows users interact with tabs — and you can configure some of these settings to your liking under Settings > System > Multitasking. One such update allows you to open all of your tabs with one simple command, making it easier to keep track of all your open pages.

• Microsoft Edge: This update includes Microsoft’s new Microsoft Edge browser, which is based on Chromium. Chromium has a lot of similarities to Google Chrome, and as a result, Microsoft Edge users are able to use the Google Chrome browser extensions available on the Google Chrome Web Store. Some of the highlights of the newer Microsoft Edge include privacy improvements and features that better security.

With all of these updates combined, you should feel a difference in user experience, ease of use, security, and streamlining. So, go ahead and upgrade — if you haven’t already.

Spring 2021 Windows Update

The spring 2021 Windows update has yet to be released — and chances are that it won’t be rolled out until May. This will be Microsoft’s Windows 10 21H1 update.

According to Microsoft’s blog, the new update will include the following:

• “Windows Hello multicamera support to set the default as the external camera when both external and internal Windows Hello cameras are present.
• Windows Defender Application Guard performance improvements including optimizing document opening scenario times.
• Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) Group Policy Service (GPSVC) updating performance improvement to support remote work scenarios.”

We won’t have too much more information about the update until later in the season — but keep your eyes peeled for info, and don’t forget to install the new update once it becomes available.

More updates coming in 2021

The Microsoft team has already started dropping hints about another update, likely to come around the end of the year in 2021. According to CNET, “The update, reportedly codenamed Sun Valley, could bring a redesigned Start menu, Action Center and File Explorer, with a more modern look and new features. Sun Valley is expected to be released around the 2021 holiday season, Windows Central says, but that could change.”

The takeaway

Microsoft is constantly taking in new learnings and feedback, figuring out ways of improving their systems, and adjusting accordingly. All of these recent and upcoming updates are more steps in the right direction. With any luck, they’ll make using Windows 10 that much easier, more enjoyable, and more secure.