With the May 2019 Update, Windows 10 becomes more secure, reliable and efficient than ever before, offering features that will actually save you time and frustration as well as keep your computer protected. Of course, there’s always room for improvement, but Windows 10 is now better than ever and still continues to progress with a host of constant updates.

Windows 10 is one of the most versatile OS Microsoft has ever made, and it’s an operating system like no other.

Instead of rolling out a completely overhauled OS every few years, MIcrosoft gives Windows 10 free yet very tangible updates semi-annually, the latest of which is the May 2020 Update . This approach allows the OS to consistently bring in new features and support with its semi-annual updates, allowing it to reach far beyond how traditional PCs work. And, it’s worked out so well that Windows 10 has quickly taken Windows 7’s mantle as Microsoft’s most popular OS.

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Of course, much like its predecessors, Windows 10 also comes with several different versions meant for different types of hardware and specific users, adding to its versatility. These versions include Windows 10 Pro that offers enterprise-grade security and tools and the more locked down and lightweight Windows 10 in S Mode . Also coming are Windows 10 Lite , which will compete with the ChromeOS and the best Chromebooks , and Windows 10X , which is designed for dual-screen and foldable devices.

From its key features to its semi-annual updates, we gathered everything you need to know about the powerful and extremely versatile Windows 10 OS. Read on and find out what makes it tick or find out where to buy Windows 10 .

System Reqs and Versions This review pertains to the Home and Pro versions of Windows 10. For detailed Windows 10 system requirements and the various versions, check out the Microsoft website.

The first major Windows 10 update that Microsoft has rolled out in 2020 brings in a whole new set of features and performance refinements to the versatile OS. Improvements abound with this update, from better security and sign-in experience to an updated chat-based user interface on Cortana, with Microsoft focusing “on meeting the over a billion people around the world relying on Windows where they are now.”

Here are some of the major refinements the Windows 10 May 2020 Update is bringing to the table:

Faster Windows Search

The Start menu search has been causing performance issues due to excessive disk and CPU usage. However, with the Windows 10 May 2020 Update, Microsoft has rolled out a fix that’s now detecting peak usage times to better optimize the Windows search indexer. That means that Windows Search is now faster than ever.

Cortana chat-based experience

With the Windows 10 May 2020 Update, Microsoft is also rolling out a new chat-based experience with Cortana. With this feature, you now have the option to speak or type your questions to Cortana. Your conversation history will appear in a chat window, which you can resize, move around on your desktop and switch to dark mode.

Potentially unwanted apps blocking

You’ll now have a way to block potentially unwanted apps (PUA) that might have undesirable advertising, use your PC for cryptomining or do other things on your computer. With this new update, the OS can now detect such apps and notify you so you can make an informed decision on whether or not to download them.

More kaomoji

This update also brings in a few more kaomojis. These are just some of the new kaomojis the update is adding to the list.

ヾ(⌐■_■)ノ♪

ლ(╹◡╹ლ)

(⊙_◎)

( ͡~ ͜ʖ ͡°)

ಠ_ರೃ

(∩^o^)⊃━☆

/ᐠ｡ꞈ｡ᐟ\

Microsoft Edge memory improvements

Microsoft Edge will be the one of the first Win32 applications to take advantage of segment heap capabilities, which delivers a memory usage reduction of up to 27%. This lower memory usage when browsing on Microsoft Edge will help offer a better device experience, as more memory will be freed up for other applications.

New Notepad features

Text editor Notepad gets quite new features with the Windows 10 May 2020 Update. Those features include quick text zooming, wrap around find/replace, and an asterisk in the title bar to remind you to save the document.

Go passwordless

PINs or Windows Hello biometric sign-ins are much more convenient methods of logging in to your computer. And with the Windows 10 May 2020 Update, you can go completely passwordless. There’s a new “Make your device passwordless” option in the Settings so you can forgo passwords altogether.