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Nov. 12, 2019, was more than just a normal Microsoft Windows ten Security Patch Tuesday. Afterwards the installation of a cumulative malicious code patch or two, you may have noticed an optional update is available on your Update & Security settings screen (Figure A).

Effigy A

The characteristic update to Windows 10, Version 1909, adds several performance and quality-of-life enhancements to the operating organization. These updated features should brand the overall Windows ten experience improve for users. But for the almost office, the updated features are subtle under-the-hood changes–cipher a typical user will notice or have to deal with in terms of irresolute default configuration settings.

There are a few new features that may appeal to certain users, particularly users taking advantage of voice-activated digital administration and the built-in Windows 10 Agenda app.

SEE: 20 pro tips to make Windows 10 work the way you want (TechRepublic download)

What changes can you expect in Windows 10 Version 1909?

If y'all elect to install the optional characteristic update and move to Windows 10 Version 1909, you will notice something striking when compared with previous version updates–brevity. The download and installation of this feature update should take only a few minutes and will be completed by a system restart. Yous practise not demand to plan for an hours-long process.

When you return to the Windows x desktop, you will non notice any obvious changes. Co-ordinate to the Microsoft Insiders documents page for Version 1909, many of the performance enhancements are not visible during typical operating organisation use. There are also several improvements that are important for enterprise administrators and OEMs–not the average user.

Yet, users of the Windows x Agenda app will notice a modify right away when they click the date and time icon located in the System Tray of the Taskbar. There is at present a box where users can add events to their calendar from the flyout screen (Figure B).

Figure B

Some other subtle change that users will appreciate applies to how the navigation pane of the Start Menu works in Windows 10 Version 1909. Hovering your mouse cursor in the Start Menu Navigation pane will now automatically aggrandize the pane to show more item nigh each private option (Figure C). Users had to perform that chore manually before the update.

Effigy C

If y'all regularly use the Alexa digital banana from Amazon, you may exist pleased to learn that Windows ten Version 1909 allows you lot to reach Alexa in a higher place the Windows ten lock screen. Microsoft has been expanding features that tin exist accessed without actually logging onto your PC, and at present Alexa joins the list.

Should you lot opt in to Windows ten Version 1909?

Overall, the Windows ten November 2019 Update to Version 1909 adds several new features that should appeal to certain users and not annoy everyone else. And so far, there are no reports of Version 1909 breaking applications or otherwise causing bug. And since the installation is generally painless, it may be worth a few minutes to opt in to this optional Windows 10 update.