The latest version of the Windows 10 is one of the most popular operating system today. Over the years, the Microsoft team has been putting an all-out effort to innovate the software, and make more improvements. With the recent update of the version, you can expect a lot of modifications.
To give you a better outlook, this article will established discuss some of the key points about the latest version of the Windows 10 including the added features, mods, and more importantly, the OS’s security essentials.
Windows 10: New Features and Upgrades
- More Control Over Windows Updates
One of the biggest concerns for many Windows OS users is the automated update. Most of the time, the system requires updating before you can use any program or applications. This can be counterproductive, especially if you are currently working on a task.
Thanks to the latest update, the Windows has finally made it more convenient as users now have more control when it comes to updating the system. The new feature allows you to set your active hours. This means it won’t reboot for any update during the hours you have set.
IT experts also said that the update from April 2018 made the installation and system update much faster. Although the biggest progress was the May 2019 update, which allows users to have more options when it comes to updating their system.
In addition, each release of Windows 10 provides 18-months admin support. This means there’s no need to install massive updates entirely in one go. Take note however, that updating your OS is necessary.
Updating your OS system or any apps is required to avoid exposure to attacks. Cybercriminals can get into your computer by gateways like unpatched systems. Therefore, always update your system as early as you can.
- Mobile Phones Compatibility
Mobile phone users have been increasing in numbers. They have surpassed desktop users. Therefore, companies are trying to integrate their system into mobile phones. Even Microsoft is becoming part of this change.
The Microsoft team is now focusing more on integrating the Windows OS with smartphones. If you are an avid Android phone user, here’s your best chance to utilize and maximize some of the best Microsoft Windows 10 programs and apps. You can text using your PC, save photos remotely, and link your smartphone to your Windows desktop.
However, iPhone users only have limited features since they have their own core when it comes to getting and using apps. Mac users on the other hand can integrate with Microsoft, but it still works best with Android.
- Added Feature on Task Manager
The added feature on Microsoft Windows 10’s task manager is specially designed for gaming applications. You can now view your GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) usage for each running application.
Using the Performance Tab, you can see your total GPU usage and other important information. Another convenient feature of the new tab on task manager is you can delegate applications to specific GPUs by configuring in Windows 10’s settings.
Other improvements and modifications in the latest Windows 10 version include redesigning of the game bar interface, notepad app, telemetry tweaks, more refined PC file research, and also added the new Windows Sandbox.
Microsoft Windows 10 Security Features
Microsoft is maximizing security and privacy of users and the device itself from the latest version of Windows 10. They wanted to make their users feel secure with their products, and hence, an update is made.
As mentioned earlier, it has modified the Windows Sandbox, which allows you to review untrusted running applications or programs within your network. You can simply close the Sandbox program to clean up the system.
To maximize the Windows Sandbox, here are some of the system requirements:
- 1 GB + of free disk space
- 4 GB + of Ram
- 2 CPU cores (as much as possible, a quad core with hyper-threading)
- Strong processor unit with AMD64 structure
- High virtualization capacity enabled in BIOS
Keep in mind if requirements are not met, some of the features in Sandbox may grey out. Also, you need to reboot your computer when you enable the Sandbox program. Once you have this, it will be easier for your system to test suspicious links and other activities. It can protect you from possible threats or infected files and links.
Identity Management
Identity management is one of the key highlights in the latest Microsoft OS. Since passwords are often the target of cybercriminals, Microsoft’s trying to eliminate it from their system. Instead, in their latest update, they prioritize adding multi-factor authentication, biometric authentication, and other more advanced user access.
According to cybersecurity professionals, these new advancements in digital IT security (particularly the multi-factor authentication can actually block 99.9% of hacking attempts.
Microsoft 10 OS now provides remote desktop with biometrics, which is commonly used by both startups and growing companies. This added feature enables biometric configurations to authenticate users via remote desktop session. It should help maximize security for remote desktop servers from any hacking and malware attacks.
In addition, Windows Hello is now equipped with FIDO2-certified authenticator. This is to eliminate the use of passwords when logging to sites supported by the FIDO2 including Azure Active Directory and your Microsoft account.
Windows Defender Device Guard
The Windows Defender Device guard allows users to switch modes when visiting certain sites. This is to prevent any cyberattacks such as phishing, ransomware, viruses, and malware.
There are two main settings of this device. First, the Kernel Mode Code Integrity or also known as KCMI. This option is to secure kernel mode processes and drivers from various cyber threats particularly the zero-day attacks.
On the other hand, the User Mode Code Integrity or the UMCI is specially designed for larger enterprises. With this option, you can restrict the device for only using trusted programs or apps.
Windows Defender Smart Screen
This new feature offers a lot of convenience and security. Microsoft said that the new Windows Defender Smart Screen can actually block unsolicited activities at first sight. Once activated, the system notifies users if they are visiting sites with malicious malware. It can also detect fake online ads, scam sites, and drive-by attacks. IT experts say this is one of the most efficient anti-phishing and malware system.
Windows Defender Exploit Guard
Microsoft has modified new system for overall network protection. This includes exploit safeguard, attack surface reduction rules, and organized folder access. The Windows Defender Exploit guard also offers app and program protection powered by arbitrary code guard. It can block untrusted font sources, low-integrity images and other unreliable addresses.
With this new features, auditing, managing, and setting the Windows systems is much easier and more efficient. You can expect a high-graded cybersecurity protection.
Final Words
Microsoft has tightened its security by offering new updates to its system. They want their customers to have a safe experience when using their products. Hence, we come to see Windows 10’s latest upgrade and feature.
All in all, Microsoft has made a lot of improvements with the latest Windows 10 in terms of overall performance, security and privacy. While other users have noticed some bugs, most subscribers are quite satisfied with the results.
AUTHOR BIO
JOHN OCAMPOS
John Ocampos is an Opera Singer by profession and a member of the Philippine Tenors. Ever since, Digital Marketing has always been his forte. He is the Founder of SEO-Guru, and the Managing Director of Tech Hacker. John is also the Strategic SEO and Influencer Marketing Manager of Softvire Australia – the leading software eCommerce company in Australia and Softvire New Zealand.