It ’s Windows 10 update time ! The so - call “ Anniversary Update ” First Baron Marks of Broughton a year since the group O officially made it out of Redmond and it ’s the swelled update yet . We ’ve already postedour initial impressionsof the update , but with the hefty spot now drift out for everybody , here are 12 Modern tricks to try on your Windows 10 political machine .

1) Switch to the dark theme

Paint Windows 10 black with a simple toggle permutation change : the drab theme was previously useable as ahidden featurein Microsoft ’s group O but is now to the full prescribed . Go to preferences then pick Personalization and Colors to find the option . It turn dialogs and ( some ) universal apps dark , and if you ’re on a laptop computer could even save you battery life .

2) Log into apps with your face

Remember Windows Hello ? It lets you use your beautiful facial features to lumber into Windows ( say “ hello ” is optional ) . Well , the Anniversary Update extends this to apps as well , if they require to use it . So far only a few have done so , includingDropbox , but that figure should grow in time . It can work on the web through Microsoft Edge as well .

3) Control music playback from the lock screen

The curl screen is where you sign into Windows , and the Anniversary Update is giving it some new features , including music playback control . It only works if music is already represent in Microsoft ’s own Groove app before you engage the silver screen , but the controls you need appear in the lower - leftover . Or , you could employ Cortana to play music alternatively …

4) Use Cortana from the lock screen

Among several tweaks and improvements to Microsoft ’s digital supporter total the ability to use Cortana straight from the curl screen . You no longer require to sign in to check the atmospheric condition . From stage setting , prime Personalization then Lock screen and Cortana lock screen scene to change which commands are usable .

5) Run extensions in Microsoft Edge

Microsoft ’s stain new web browser app has n’t exactly place the world on ardour yet , but it ’s easy wait more like a competent piece of software . The Anniversary Update bring with it extension service for Edge . There ’s a newfangled Extensions entrance on the main app menu for managing your add - ons and you’re able to pick up newfangled 1 from ( where else ? ) the Windows Store .

6) Translate text and pin tabs in Microsoft Edge

Another Modern feature in Edge — which is in reality just the Microsoft Translator extension — is the power to switch between different languages when you ’re surfboard the vane . you’re able to also finally pin chit , just like every other web web browser in the world , land a much - needed might user feature — right - get across on a tab key and prefer Pin to bob it to the left - hand side .

7) Send directions to your phone

Microsoft ’s apps and services are flourish across Android and Io tight and Cortana is leading the boot . In the new Windows 10 update you may ask Cortana for focussing , just as you always could , but those directions are then automatically sent to Cortana on Android or Io if the app is installed and uses the same Microsoft login credentials .

8) Get Android alerts on Windows 10

speak of Android , you may arrange Cortana up to send your telephone notice straight to your desktop or laptop so you do n’t have to split your tending between two devices . Installthe app , lumber in using your Windows bill , and select Sync notifications from the app menu . you could nibble out individual apps you want to learn from as well .

9) Prioritize app notifications

The Action Center bet light and more well idea - out in the Anniversary Update , and it aggroup notifications by app , which is a welcome change . To set a priority stage for a certain app , go to System and Notifications & actions in preferences , then tap an app — you may set various option for its warning signal , including how crucial they are to you .

10) Make better use of your stylus

Pre - Anniversary Update , tapping the style play up one default app ( usually OneNote ) , but now you get Sticky Notes , SketchBook and screen seizure putz as well , plus links to other stylus - enabled apps you may make use of . What ’s more , try write “ confluence at 4 pm ” on a sticky annotation and you ’ll see the event automatically added to your default calendar .

11) Tell Windows when you don’t want any unexpected restarts

By telling Windows when your “ active ” hours are , you could politely inform the OS you do n’t want any unexpected updates or restarts during that meter . Head to setting and click Update & certificate , Windows Update and modify active hour to coiffure the times when you really do n’t want to be interrupted .

12) Pin windows and programs to every virtual desktop

Not the most glamorous of new feature , admittedly , but if you ’re making use of the virtual desktops feature introduced with Windows 10 then you ’ll come up it very handy : programs and window can appear across all desktops if you want them to . enter the Task View via the clit on the taskbar then mighty - press an app thumbnail to see the option .

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