In fact, the latest additions to Windows have brought forth a number of interesting features and changes that make using it more productive and fun. Options like dark mode, cloud clipboard, and quick access to emoji are winning over fans and users — and with more automatic updates down the line, there’s no telling what Microsoft will be giving us next. Not only does updating your PC give you access to cutting-edge apps and software, but it also includes the latest patches to keep your system safe from cybercriminals and hackers. If you’ve been on the fence about updating Windows to the latest version, here’s our breakdown of some of the coolest new features you can try for yourself today.
Copy and paste across your devices using the cloud
Copying and pasting text is a fundamental feature for any computer — but sometimes there’s information you want to copy from another computer. Up until now, your only option was to paste the data in an email and send it to yourself, but now, Microsoft allows for cloud-based clipboards where you can copy and paste information across multiple computers. All you need to do is be signed in to your Microsoft account on both PCs and enable the cloud clipboard. This will allow you to easily switch between devices — as well as have multiple sets of data ready to copy and paste!
See easier thanks to Light & Dark Mode, bigger text, and a bigger cursor
Dark mode has been one of the most requested features on both Windows and Mac, and now, Microsoft is giving you the option to toggle between light and dark themes for a sleek new look. The new settings panel lets you easily switch between the two modes, as well as select accent colors that can truly personalize your browsing experience. On top of this, Microsoft has made it even easier to change the size of your text and cursor. This is excellent for anyone with vision issues and can make reading on your computer much more pleasant. Finding your cursor also becomes much less of a hassle. Especially for those of us with two monitors, it can take ages to see where a small cursor has fallen. Now, you can make it stand out boldly from your wallpaper.
Access Emoji straight from your keyboard
This one is a major plus for those of us who spend time on social media. One of the more convenient options found on smartphones is the ability to easily switch to the emoji keyboard with the push of a single button. Until recently, you had to navigate to a special menu on PCs to access emoji, but now, Microsoft has redirected the menu into a simple keyboard shortcut. Simply press the Windows key on your keyboard plus the period (.) key. This will bring up a full emoji panel that will continue to be updated as new icons are released.
Update on your own time — and get real tech advice from Microsoft
As cool as the frequent updates are from Microsoft, Windows 10 does have an obnoxious tendency to remind you of them — and even automatically downloads some updates if you’re busy with other things! Luckily, the newest updates from Windows are a “meta-update” of sorts. This means you can actually adjust how your updates function altogether — including pausing them or scheduling them at your convenience. The system can also automatically back up your file folders prior to updating, so your system is even safer before shutting down and rebooting itself. But if any of this feels too difficult to understand, Microsoft came prepared with an option called “Recommended Troubleshooting.” What this gives you is real advice and tips from Microsoft that automatically appear if you run into errors or problems — and the feature will even walk you through the steps so you can try to fix them on your own. It’s the reincarnation of that paperclip guy, only he actually knows what he’s talking about. If you’re ready to update your system, all you need to do is open your Start menu, click the Gear icon for Settings, and click on Update & Security. Microsoft will walk you through the rest. So relax, enjoy the new features, and take comfort in the fact that you have the latest security patches and bug fixes to keep your system safe.
