The latest version of Windows 10 is known as 22H2, denoting its release in the second half of 2022. Microsoft has explicitly indicated that significant updates will occur annually, with 22H2 being an exception as it primarily focuses on bolstering security, optimizing performance, and enhancing reliability. This aligns with what was previously termed as service updates. The ongoing bug-fixing process is ongoing, and certain in-house applications and features are receiving updates alongside their counterparts in the Windows 11 framework. For example, Windows 10 has introduced an upgraded Phone Link application and provided a preview of the new Media Player application in one of its preview builds.
Earlier updates have introduced notable changes. The incorporation of the Chromium-based Microsoft Edge as the default web browser extends beyond Edge itself. It now supports Microsoft Store applications that require web connectivity. Consequently, both the browser and these applications offer better compatibility with websites due to the shared foundational rendering code with Google Chrome. It’s important to highlight that Edge is available not only on Windows but also on Android, iOS, macOS, and Linux.
Windows 10 has also benefited from feature additions between major updates. These include the News and Interests Taskbar panel and the Meet Now icon in the Taskbar for impromptu video conferencing sessions.
Key features that emerged in subsequent versions of Windows 10 deserve recognition. These include the Clipboard History, a valuable tool for frequent copy-paste tasks, a robust screenshot tool, the Timeline feature, Focus Assist, Game mode, Dark mode, Nearby Sharing, parental controls, and a revamped News application. The Phone Link application facilitates synchronization of photos, SMS messages, and voice calls from Android smartphones and LTE-enabled laptops. Despite these advanced features, the operating system maintains a user-friendly interface familiar to long-time Windows users. For those considering a transition from an Apple ecosystem, a comprehensive list of 15 Windows tips tailored for Mac users has been compiled.
