Search
  • Videos
  • 5G
  • Windows 10
  • Cloud
  • Innovation
  • Security
  • Tech Pro
  • more
    • Apple
    • ZDNet Academy
    • Microsoft
    • Mobility
    • Hardware
    • Executive Guides
    • Best VPN Services
    • See All Topics
    • White Papers
    • Downloads
    • Reviews
    • Galleries
    • Videos
    • TechRepublic Forums
  • Newsletters
  • All Writers
    • Log In to ZDNET
    • Join ZDNet
    • About ZDNet
    • Preferences
    • Community
    • Newsletters
    • Log Out
  • Menu
    • Videos
    • 5G
    • Windows 10
    • Cloud
    • Innovation
    • Security
    • Tech Pro
    • Apple
    • ZDNet Academy
    • Microsoft
    • Mobility
    • Hardware
    • Executive Guides
    • Best VPN Services
    • See All Topics
    • White Papers
    • Downloads
    • Reviews
    • Galleries
    • Videos
    • TechRepublic Forums
      • Log In to ZDNET
      • Join ZDNet
      • About ZDNet
      • Preferences
      • Community
      • Newsletters
      • Log Out
  • us
    • Asia
    • Australia
    • Europe
    • India
    • United Kingdom
    • United States
    • ZDNet around the globe:
    • ZDNet China
    • ZDNet France
    • ZDNet Germany
    • ZDNet Korea
    • ZDNet Japan

Windows 10 October 2018 Update: The new features that matter most

14 of 18 NEXT PREV
  • A wider Windows search experience

    A wider Windows search experience

    Click in the search box to the right of Start and you'll see this new, wider search window. It downplays the Cortana personality and makes Timeline items easier to find.

    Windows 10

    • Should you be scared of your laptop’s webcam?
    • Windows 95 reborn: Windows 10, Linux, Mac get major nostalgia upgrade
    • Microsoft security chief: IE is not a browser, so stop using it as your default
    • Microsoft Build 2019: It's back in Seattle from May 6 to 8
    Published: October 2, 2018 -- 22:41 GMT (15:41 PDT)

    Caption by: Ed Bott

  • The full scope of Windows search

    The full scope of Windows search

    The new, wider search window means that a single search term can turn up results from the Web, apps from the Store, and files from local storage or the cloud. The menu options beneath a file include options that save you from having to right-click.

    Windows 10

    • Should you be scared of your laptop’s webcam?
    • Windows 95 reborn: Windows 10, Linux, Mac get major nostalgia upgrade
    • Microsoft security chief: IE is not a browser, so stop using it as your default
    • Microsoft Build 2019: It's back in Seattle from May 6 to 8
    Published: October 2, 2018 -- 22:41 GMT (15:41 PDT)

    Caption by: Ed Bott

  • Searching for Settings from Start

    Searching for Settings from Start

    That pane on the right is open automatically in the new search view. For settings, it gives you an easy option to open Settings and jump directly to the relevant page. For apps, you get a menu of additional options.

    Windows 10

    • Should you be scared of your laptop’s webcam?
    • Windows 95 reborn: Windows 10, Linux, Mac get major nostalgia upgrade
    • Microsoft security chief: IE is not a browser, so stop using it as your default
    • Microsoft Build 2019: It's back in Seattle from May 6 to 8
    Published: October 2, 2018 -- 22:41 GMT (15:41 PDT)

    Caption by: Ed Bott

  • Battery details for Bluetooth devices

    Battery details for Bluetooth devices

    This tiny detail is extremely welcome. Now, when you look at paired and connected Bluetooth devices that support the ability to report their battery life, you can see at a glance when you need to recharge or replace the batteries in a device.

    Windows 10

    • Should you be scared of your laptop’s webcam?
    • Windows 95 reborn: Windows 10, Linux, Mac get major nostalgia upgrade
    • Microsoft security chief: IE is not a browser, so stop using it as your default
    • Microsoft Build 2019: It's back in Seattle from May 6 to 8
    Published: October 2, 2018 -- 22:41 GMT (15:41 PDT)

    Caption by: Ed Bott

  • Significant improvements for the Magnifier feature

    Significant improvements for the Magnifier feature

    One of my favorite features, the built-in Magnifier utility, gets some much needed improvements, including options to adjust magnification increments. It also includes a way to turn on this tool without using a keyboard shortcut.

    Windows 10

    • Should you be scared of your laptop’s webcam?
    • Windows 95 reborn: Windows 10, Linux, Mac get major nostalgia upgrade
    • Microsoft security chief: IE is not a browser, so stop using it as your default
    • Microsoft Build 2019: It's back in Seattle from May 6 to 8
    Published: October 2, 2018 -- 22:41 GMT (15:41 PDT)

    Caption by: Ed Bott

  • Make text easier to read without adjusting scaling

    Make text easier to read without adjusting scaling

    For those with less than perfect vision, the ability to increase text size across all of Windows will be a welcome addition. Previously, the only way to get larger text was to increase scaling of the entire interface.

    Windows 10

    • Should you be scared of your laptop’s webcam?
    • Windows 95 reborn: Windows 10, Linux, Mac get major nostalgia upgrade
    • Microsoft security chief: IE is not a browser, so stop using it as your default
    • Microsoft Build 2019: It's back in Seattle from May 6 to 8
    Published: October 2, 2018 -- 22:41 GMT (15:41 PDT)

    Caption by: Ed Bott

  • Snip & Sketch replaces Snipping Tool

    Snip & Sketch replaces Snipping Tool

    The Windows key + Shift + S shortcut has been around for a couple of versions, but that shortcut gets a major set of new features in this release. You can copy a rectangle, a freeform region, or a full screen, with a delay of up to 10 seconds. After the clip is complete, annotate it in the app and then save, share, or paste it. (The old Snipping Tool is still present but will be deprecated in the future.)

    Windows 10

    • Should you be scared of your laptop’s webcam?
    • Windows 95 reborn: Windows 10, Linux, Mac get major nostalgia upgrade
    • Microsoft security chief: IE is not a browser, so stop using it as your default
    • Microsoft Build 2019: It's back in Seattle from May 6 to 8
    Published: October 2, 2018 -- 22:41 GMT (15:41 PDT)

    Caption by: Ed Bott

  • Windows finally gets a built-in Clipboard manager

    Windows finally gets a built-in Clipboard manager

    The Clipboard has been a part of Windows since the very start, and it's always been hamstrung by its ability to handle one and only one item at a time. In this release, that all changes. Use these new settings to keep a Clipboard history and (optionally) sync clips across devices signed into the same Microsoft account.

    Windows 10

    • Should you be scared of your laptop’s webcam?
    • Windows 95 reborn: Windows 10, Linux, Mac get major nostalgia upgrade
    • Microsoft security chief: IE is not a browser, so stop using it as your default
    • Microsoft Build 2019: It's back in Seattle from May 6 to 8
    Published: October 2, 2018 -- 22:41 GMT (15:41 PDT)

    Caption by: Ed Bott

  • The new Clipboard experience, close up

    The new Clipboard experience, close up

    Press Windows key + V to see a scrolling list of recent items copied to the Clipboard. Click or tap any item to paste it into the current location.

    Windows 10

    • Should you be scared of your laptop’s webcam?
    • Windows 95 reborn: Windows 10, Linux, Mac get major nostalgia upgrade
    • Microsoft security chief: IE is not a browser, so stop using it as your default
    • Microsoft Build 2019: It's back in Seattle from May 6 to 8
    Published: October 2, 2018 -- 22:41 GMT (15:41 PDT)

    Caption by: Ed Bott

  • Send and receive text messages from your PC

    Send and receive text messages from your PC

    If you have an Android phone, you can use the new Your Phone app to view, send, and receive text messages on your PC. This feature has been in the works for years and has previewed several times. It's now apparently ready for wide release.

    Windows 10

    • Should you be scared of your laptop’s webcam?
    • Windows 95 reborn: Windows 10, Linux, Mac get major nostalgia upgrade
    • Microsoft security chief: IE is not a browser, so stop using it as your default
    • Microsoft Build 2019: It's back in Seattle from May 6 to 8
    Published: October 2, 2018 -- 22:41 GMT (15:41 PDT)

    Caption by: Ed Bott

  • Get instant access to photos from your phone

    Get instant access to photos from your phone

    This feature in the Your Phone app (Android only) addresses a fairly common scenario. You take a photo on your phone, then want to use it in an app on your PC. But surfacing the most recent photos on this page, immediately, you no longer have to wait for cloud apps to sync or use workarounds like sending the photo to yourself in email.

    Windows 10

    • Should you be scared of your laptop’s webcam?
    • Windows 95 reborn: Windows 10, Linux, Mac get major nostalgia upgrade
    • Microsoft security chief: IE is not a browser, so stop using it as your default
    • Microsoft Build 2019: It's back in Seattle from May 6 to 8
    Published: October 2, 2018 -- 22:41 GMT (15:41 PDT)

    Caption by: Ed Bott

  • File Explorer finally gets a dark theme

    File Explorer finally gets a dark theme

    Nothing says "a late 2018 operating system update" like a dark theme. (Just ask Apple, which made that a signature feature of its new MacOS Mojave release.) Windows 10 already had dark themes throughout; the October 2018 update brings this feature to File Explorer.

    Windows 10

    • Should you be scared of your laptop’s webcam?
    • Windows 95 reborn: Windows 10, Linux, Mac get major nostalgia upgrade
    • Microsoft security chief: IE is not a browser, so stop using it as your default
    • Microsoft Build 2019: It's back in Seattle from May 6 to 8
    Published: October 2, 2018 -- 22:41 GMT (15:41 PDT)

    Caption by: Ed Bott

  • More tweaks to make Windows updates less annoying

    More tweaks to make Windows updates less annoying

    The single biggest pain point for Windows 10 users is its update cadence. The October 2018 Update includes more notifications to prevent unexpected restarts. You can also expect to see more third-party firmware updates.

    Windows 10

    • Should you be scared of your laptop’s webcam?
    • Windows 95 reborn: Windows 10, Linux, Mac get major nostalgia upgrade
    • Microsoft security chief: IE is not a browser, so stop using it as your default
    • Microsoft Build 2019: It's back in Seattle from May 6 to 8
    Published: October 2, 2018 -- 22:41 GMT (15:41 PDT)

    Caption by: Ed Bott

  • Download the Diagnostic Data Viewer app

    Download the Diagnostic Data Viewer app

    Worried about what's in those telemetry transmissions? Turning on the ability to review diagnostic data in Settings is just the first step. You then have to download this app to review the data.

    Windows 10

    • Should you be scared of your laptop’s webcam?
    • Windows 95 reborn: Windows 10, Linux, Mac get major nostalgia upgrade
    • Microsoft security chief: IE is not a browser, so stop using it as your default
    • Microsoft Build 2019: It's back in Seattle from May 6 to 8
    Published: October 2, 2018 -- 22:41 GMT (15:41 PDT)

    Caption by: Ed Bott

  • See exactly what's in a problem report

    See exactly what's in a problem report

    For those who have been concerned about privacy in Windows 10, the potential for personal information to leak in problem reports is especially troublesome. With this release, you can now use the Diagnostic Data Viewer app to inspect those reports before they're sent.

    Windows 10

    • Should you be scared of your laptop’s webcam?
    • Windows 95 reborn: Windows 10, Linux, Mac get major nostalgia upgrade
    • Microsoft security chief: IE is not a browser, so stop using it as your default
    • Microsoft Build 2019: It's back in Seattle from May 6 to 8
    Published: October 2, 2018 -- 22:41 GMT (15:41 PDT)

    Caption by: Ed Bott

  • In Edge, block videos that play automatically

    In Edge, block videos that play automatically

    The ability to prevent web pages from playing videos automatically is one of the most requested features for Microsoft Edge. It finally arrives in this release. Also note the redesigned navigation pane on the left.

    Windows 10

    • Should you be scared of your laptop’s webcam?
    • Windows 95 reborn: Windows 10, Linux, Mac get major nostalgia upgrade
    • Microsoft security chief: IE is not a browser, so stop using it as your default
    • Microsoft Build 2019: It's back in Seattle from May 6 to 8
    Published: October 2, 2018 -- 22:41 GMT (15:41 PDT)

    Caption by: Ed Bott

  • Edge's evolution to ebook reader continues

    Edge's evolution to ebook reader continues

    Even after pulling out of the music business completely, Microsoft seems determined to continue its investments in ebooks. Microsoft Edge is a full-fledged reader that gets its own tab in the Store and can also access unprotected EPUB and PDF files.

    Windows 10

    • Should you be scared of your laptop’s webcam?
    • Windows 95 reborn: Windows 10, Linux, Mac get major nostalgia upgrade
    • Microsoft security chief: IE is not a browser, so stop using it as your default
    • Microsoft Build 2019: It's back in Seattle from May 6 to 8
    Published: October 2, 2018 -- 22:41 GMT (15:41 PDT)

    Caption by: Ed Bott

  • And finally, Emoji goes to 11!

    And finally, Emoji goes to 11!

    The October 2018 Update supports all the new emojis approved as part of emoji 11.0, including a swan, lobster, skateboard, and six new smileys. Press Windows key + . (period) or ; (semicolon) to begin searching. Look for "pistol," for example, and you'll see a cartoonish water gun rather than a realistic-looking weapon.

    Windows 10

    • Should you be scared of your laptop’s webcam?
    • Windows 95 reborn: Windows 10, Linux, Mac get major nostalgia upgrade
    • Microsoft security chief: IE is not a browser, so stop using it as your default
    • Microsoft Build 2019: It's back in Seattle from May 6 to 8
    Published: October 2, 2018 -- 22:41 GMT (15:41 PDT)

    Caption by: Ed Bott

14 of 18 NEXT PREV
  • A wider Windows search experience
  • The full scope of Windows search
  • Searching for Settings from Start
  • Battery details for Bluetooth devices
  • Significant improvements for the Magnifier feature
  • Make text easier to read without adjusting scaling
  • Snip & Sketch replaces Snipping Tool
  • Windows finally gets a built-in Clipboard manager
  • The new Clipboard experience, close up
  • Send and receive text messages from your PC
  • Get instant access to photos from your phone
  • File Explorer finally gets a dark theme
  • More tweaks to make Windows updates less annoying
  • Download the Diagnostic Data Viewer app
  • See exactly what's in a problem report
  • In Edge, block videos that play automatically
  • Edge's evolution to ebook reader continues
  • And finally, Emoji goes to 11!

Windows 10 version 1809, officially the October 2018 Update,started rolling out October 2. Here are some of the new capabilities you can expect in this surprisingly feature-packed release. (This gallery is based on a near-final Insider Preview release.)

Read More Read Less

Download the Diagnostic Data Viewer app

Worried about what's in those telemetry transmissions? Turning on the ability to review diagnostic data in Settings is just the first step. You then have to download this app to review the data.

Windows 10

  • Should you be scared of your laptop’s webcam?
  • Windows 95 reborn: Windows 10, Linux, Mac get major nostalgia upgrade
  • Microsoft security chief: IE is not a browser, so stop using it as your default
  • Microsoft Build 2019: It's back in Seattle from May 6 to 8
Published: October 2, 2018 -- 22:41 GMT (15:41 PDT)

Caption by: Ed Bott

14 of 18 NEXT PREV

Related Topics:

Microsoft Enterprise Software Windows PCs Reviews
LOG IN TO COMMENT
  • My Profile
  • Log Out
| Community Guidelines

Join Discussion

Add Your Comment
Add Your Comment

Related Galleries

  • 1 of 2
  • The ultimate MacBook accessory: The Anker 7-in-1 USB-C hub

    If you're an owner of a newer MacBook, then you'll know that your choice of ports has dwindled down to, well, USB-C ports. But fear not! This doesn't mean that you need to buy new accessories. ...

  • A short history of Microsoft's Surface: Missteps and successes

    Microsoft started working on the hybrid devices that now make up the Surface family back in 2009. The group has made some missteps along the way, but today its lineup of Windows 10 devices ...

  • How to run Windows 10 and Windows applications on your Mac

    macOS is a great platform, but there are times when some Mac users still need access to Windows and Windows apps.

  • Here's what's new in Windows 10 April 2018 Update

    The latest Windows 10 feature update includes the first public release of the Timeline feature as well as dozens of smaller enhancements to the Windows 10 user experience. Here's ...

  • 16 Cortana shortcuts, secrets, and power tips

    The Cortana web service is tightly tied to Windows 10, which means you can get instant answers to some common questions and calculations without having to open a web browser. Here are ...

  • Windows 10 setup and configuration secrets for experts

    Make the operating system work for you and your device.

ZDNet
Connect with us

© 2019 CBS Interactive. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Cookies | Ad Choice | Advertise | Terms of Use | Mobile User Agreement

  • Topics
  • All Authors
  • Galleries
  • Videos
  • Sponsored Narratives
  • About ZDNet
  • Meet The Team
  • Site Map
  • RSS Feeds
  • Reprint Policy
  • Manage | Log Out
  • Join | Log In | Membership
  • Newsletters
  • Site Assistance
  • ZDNet Academy
  • TechRepublic Forums