Hot off the heels of Windows 10 Anniversary Update, Microsoft has announced the next major update to Windows 10 and new Surface devices.
Titled the Creators Update, Microsoft included new features for Windows 10 as well as a range of new and innovative features. Expected in March 2017, this update will bring 3D and mixed reality, improved ways to communicate through a new feature called People Bar, and improvements to the general user interface, personalisation, Microsoft Edge and the Action Centre.
In other news, the Surface Studio, Surface Dial and Surface Book with Performance Base have also been launched, providing a range of new devices to compete against Apple MacBook, Apple iPad and other devices. Whilst it has yet to reach stores, they are available for pre-order through the Microsoft Store.
The following video provides a taste of what is to come in the Windows 10 Creators Update:
It is exciting to see the continued development and progress of Windows 10, and we will continue to keep you posted as further news comes to hand.
If you are looking to get upgrade to Windows 10, or require assistance in learning how to take advantage of its new features, please contact us today to see how we can help you.
Over the past few weeks, we have been working with clients to prepare them for the recent release of the Windows 10 Anniversary Update and assisting them when issues arise. This update, which is progressively being delivered will occur automatically on computers over the coming months.
The update, as mentioned in a previous CyberGuru Blog article, provides a range of new features and enhancements, but also brings with it a number of new issues. As a result, some users have experienced issues, including the reset their existing setup (to the point where even their region has reverted to the default!) as well as changes to the underlying configuration, causing some devices to be unusable until they are re-setup.
Whilst these issues cannot be prevented in some cases, it underlies the importance of a good ICT maintenance strategy to ensure backups are in place, up-to-date internet security software installed and that your computers are serviced prior to the upgrade. We strongly suggest regular backups that are reviewed and tested, as you never know when they may be needed!
If you are running Windows 10 Home, these updates will likely automatically. However, in Windows 10 Pro there is an option to defer updates. This is an important consideration for businesses who rely on their devices on a daily basis. We often recommend Windows Updates’ default option to download and install updates automatically, however in the case of mission critical computers such as servers, we can enable these updates to be postponed for several months.
It is important to note that the update will take approximately two hours to complete, so we strongly suggest that you set a time to do this. If you wait for it to happen automatically, then you may find one day your computer will upgrade in front of your eyes! Importantly, you only have 10 days to revert should you identify your installation be unsuccessful or present issues, otherwise you may need to restore from that backup.
If we may help in any way in getting you upgraded to Windows 10 Anniversary Update, please contact us. If you have been upgraded, we also would like to hear of any issues you have identified.
It’s hard to believe it’s been a year since Microsoft launched Windows 10. Windows 10 was announced being the “last version of Windows” with future updates all forming part of what is known as Windows as a Service which will provide regular updates to users of the service.
Since Windows 10 was launched, Microsoft have since provided two major updates, one which was in November 2015 and in August 2016 the Anniversary Update. These updates are provided at no cost to existing Windows 10 users to provide new features, enhancements along with other changes.
The top five improvements with Windows 10 we feel require calling out are the enhanced performance, the adjusted user interface, Edge, Cortana and the new Windows Ink Workspace.
We have noticed advances in the performance of the operating system. Whilst we have conducted no formal test, it feels more responsive on our own devices, both in terms of starting up programs and the general operations of using various features.
From the user interface perspective, the Start menu has been adjusted with access to the “All items” now on the left hand side. In addition, the Action Centre icon has moved to the bottom right-hand corner of the screen, with an indicator of the number of messages waiting for your attention.
Windows 10 Anniversary Update – Desktop with Start Menu – click to enlarge screenshot
Within Edge, Microsoft’s replacement for Internet Explorer web browser, the most noticeable change is the introduction of extensions which add to the built-in capabilities of the browser. Some examples of the extensions currently available include Adblock Plus, LastPass and Mouse Gestures. Edge it has also brought improvements to the browsing engine allowing for better battery life and the ability to automatically pause Flash content.
Windows 10 Anniversary Update – Microsoft Edge Extensions – click to enlarge screenshot
Perhaps still currently under-utilised by many is Cortana, the digital assistant similar to Siri and Google Now included with Windows 10. Australia is fortunate to be one of the first countries in the world to have access to this, and her capabilities have increased along with integration with a range of Microsoft and third-party apps that are “better with Cortana” allowing for Cortana to be used across a range of programs.
Windows 10 Anniversary Update – Better with Cortana – click to enlarge screenshot
Windows 10 Anniversary Update – Cortana – click to enlarge screenshot
For touch-based devices, the new Windows Ink Workspace allows access to a range of touch-based apps including Sticky Notes, Sketchpad and Screen sketch. These capabilities will be especially useful on tablets that have previously only supported handwriting through OneNote and other apps.
Windows 10 Anniversary Update – Windows Ink Workspace – click to enlarge screenshot
We believe it is an advantageous to upgrade to Windows 10 Anniversary Update as soon as available. If you require any assistance or further advice, please feel free to contact us.
So you’ve held off from upgrading to Windows 10 until now, thinking that you’ll do it once Microsoft has ironed out the bugs. Well if you’re going to take the leap, now is the time!
Many people have held off upgrading to Windows 10 either due to concerns about stability or because it is incompatible with their operating system. After 29 July 2016, Windows 10 will no longer be free to upgrade to. So if you’re still considering whether to upgrade, you have one week left to do so.
Whilst it hasn’t been officially advised, we understand that the price to upgrade following 30 July will be approximately $119 USD for Windows 10 and approximately $199 US for Windows 10 Pro. Australian pricing has yet to be announced.
As a Microsoft Certified Professional with Windows 10 certifications, we provide well-informed advice to a range of organisations, including small businesses, not-for-profit organisations as well as individuals, to help them identify whether their computers will support the latest operating system. We can also provide support and training following the upgrade.
If you would like to discuss whether you should upgrade to Windows 10 or would like help in doing so, please contact us today.
“Help! I’ve been accidently upgraded to Windows 10!” is the cry I have been hearing from a number of unsuspecting users running Home Premium or Professional versions of Windows on their computers.
Whilst in some cases the user may have accidentally clicked to accept the upgrade (which can be done in a number of ways, including closing a particular “Get Windows 10” window), I understand that for many clients this hasn’t been the case. Some upgrades have been successful and positive experience but a number of them have been problematic and required a full reinstallation of the computer to bring it back to a usable state.
Microsoft is enthusiastic about the adoption of Windows 10, proudly advising that there are more than 300 million devices running it worldwide according to Microsoft by the Numbers (link opens in new window). However, it has not said how many have been done automatically. Unfortunately, there is no magic button to prevent this from happening.
However, we are working on identify ways to take control of this. We have installed third-party software as well as changed particular settings in Windows to prevent this upgrade occurring automatically. We are particularly cautious to ensure only suitable computers are upgraded computers where we can, however it is a challenge to keep on top of the various methods of notifications that Microsoft has used since its introduction. Whilst Microsoft has advised these notifications will cease once the free upgrade period ends at the end of July this year, we are working on identifying successful ways to keep on your existing Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 without having to upgrade.
Whilst we encourage the adoption of new products such as Windows 10 and appreciate the improvements and new features, it is concerning that Microsoft is aggressively pushing users to upgrade without due consideration of the full ICT environment or the potential impact on productivity. As previously mentioned in a previous CyberGuru Blog article, I suggest only upgrading your computer to Windows 10 if it is a brand-name, up to two years old and running common line business applications (such as Microsoft Office).
If you would like support to prevent your computer to being upgraded to Windows 10 or require training in taking advantage of Microsoft’s newest operating system, please contact us for more information. If you have any questions you would like CyberGuru to answer in a future Ask CyberGuru instalment, please contact us also.
