Официально вышло «обновление Windows 10 за октябрь 2020» или Windows 10 версии 20H2. Некоторым пользователям оно уже приходит через центр обновлений или, если необходимо, вы можете запустить обновление вручную с помощью помощника по обновлению, загрузить который можно с официального сайта https://www.microsoft.com/ru-ru/software-download/windows10. Там же можно скачать Windows 10 ISO последней версии и выполнить чистую установку системы.
В этом кратком обзоре о том, что нового появилось в Windows 10 20H2 и некоторая дополнительная информация, которая может быть полезной в связи с этими нововведениями.
Изменения в Windows 10 20H2
Прежде всего, новая версия Windows 10 не богата на новые функции и существенные изменения и, возможно, это к лучшему. Однако, некоторые нюансы всё-таки поменялись:
Из того, что обычный пользователь может заметить и найти полезным (или бесполезным), кажется, отметил всё. Среди прочего: просмотр открытых вкладок Edge по Alt+Tab и при наведении указателя мыши на закрепленные в панели задач сайты, автоматические параметры включения и отключения режима планшета для устройств-трансформеров (в этом контексте может пригодиться: Что делать, если вместо рабочего стола плитки в Windows 10).
И еще раз вернусь к пункту про открытие новых «Параметров» при переходе в пункт «Система» панели управления. Если вы ранее использовали этот пункт для доступа к настройкам файла подкачки, защиты системы и других дополнительных параметров, открыть их можно путем нажатия Win+R и ввода sysdm.cpl или же через раздел «Сопутствующие параметры» внизу открывающегося окна параметров.
Windows 10 20H2 (October 2020 Update) release date is on October 20, 2020, and this will be the second semi-annual update available for compatible devices, but it won’t include anything significant. Instead, it’ll only include some new features and changes to complement the May 2020 Update.
According to the software giant, version 20H2 is now being offered to testers in the Release Preview Channel for seekers with devices enrolled in the Windows Insider Program who choose to download and install the feature update through Windows Update. Everyone else can get is starting October 20.
Once the update is available to everyone, if the device is already running the Windows 10 May 2020 Update (version 2004), then it’ll receive the new version as an optional cumulative update through Windows Update, and the installation experience will be similar to those updates available every month.
This is possible since version 2004 and 20H2 share a common core file system and the features have already been deployed in an inactive state, and the system only needs the “enablement package” that activates the new version with a quick reboot without reinstallation.
However, if the computer is using an older release, such as the November 2019 Update, the process to upgrade won’t change and full reinstallation to version 2004 will be required before version 20H2 becomes available through Windows Update.
As always, Microsoft will use a gradual and controlled rollout, meaning that it’ll take some time for every device to receive the update, and only devices known to have a good upgrade experience will initially be offered version 20H2. Also, the company will continue to place temporary blocks on devices that may encounter problems. It has also been rumored that users may even receive a more detailed notification explaining a clearer reason of the temporary block, which may allow users to troubleshoot and resolve the issue to receive the new version.
On the Windows 10 20H2 release date, you’ll also be able to install the new version using the Media Creation Tool and Update Assistant. However, the upgrade process using these tools will remain the same, no matter the version you’re currently using.
Windows 10 20H2 is an optional install
Microsoft will make the new version available as an optional update, which means that it won’t download and install automatically until you manually start the process from the Windows Update settings. However, if the device is running a version of the Windows 10 nearing the end of service, then eventually version 20H2 will install automatically.
Windows 10 20H2 new features
As for new features and changes, the Windows 10 October 2020 Update is a minor update that introduces a new Start menu design that removes the solid color backplates behind the icon in the apps list and applies a partially transparent background to the tiles, which matches the menu color scheme that should help to make easier to scan and find apps.
For new accounts connected using an Microsoft account, there will be a new personalized taskbar experience that will pin apps tailored to your preferences.
Starting with this new version, the Chromium version of Microsoft Edge comes built into the operating system, and open tabs now show in the “Alt + Tab” experience.
Notifications are little less intrusive, you can now change the refresh rate from the Display settings, and the About page includes new options to make it easier to copy the device information to the clipboard.
You can check all the new changes shipping with Windows 10 20H2 in this guide.
Windows 10 October 2020 Update Version 20H2 is already available to Windows Insiders Release Preview Channel. If you are a Windows Insider, you can download and install Windows 10 October 2020 Update from the Release Preview ring.
The exact Insider Preview build is 19042.508 (KB4571756). While this may not be the exact build of the stable version as Microsoft plans to continue improving features and stability until its final release, it will be closer to this number.
In this article, we will discuss the possible release date of Windows 10 October 2020 Update and the expected new features included in this feature update.
Table of Contents
Windows 10 October 2020 Update Release Date
Although it is not publicly available, Microsoft has announced that the 20H2 update is available to download as an optional feature for Windows Insider users. Here is a complete guide on how you can join the Insider Programs and download the 20H2 version.
The release date for Windows 10 October 2020 Update (Version 20H2) is 20th October 2020.
Download Windows 10 October 2020 Update ISO from here.
How do we guess this exact date? Let’s discuss further.
You can find the Windows 10 release information for all versions here.
The last date of servicing Windows 10 Version 1507 LTSB branch is 13th October 2020. This is exactly when a new version of Windows 10 should be released.
Windows 10 20H2 Technical Specifications
- Codename: Windows 10 20H2 (20H2 means this update is released in the second half of 2020)
- Version: 2009 (means this version is available on the 9th month (September) of 2020)
- Build: 19042.572
- Release date: Mid October 2020 (20th October 2020)
- Kernel: WinNT 10.0
- Architecture: ARM64, x64, x86
- Languages: Available in 35+ languages
- SKU: Education, Enterprise, Home, Pro (The N, KN, and Chinese editions are also included).
- Price: This update is free for all users who are already using Windows 10.
Windows 10 October 2020 Update seems to be a very small update. If you install it from Insider Preview, it will take just 15 to 20 minutes to download, install and upgrade your system.
What’s new in Windows 10 20H2?
Microsoft has designed the v20H2 with the user’s convenience and ease in their minds. Windows 10 20H2 adds a more seasoned look to its display and general ambiance.
Microsoft has a history of releasing one feature update and one service pack a year. The 20H2 update is a service pack-style update which enables some hidden features in v2004, and introduces a few new ones as well. This service pack is relatively smaller in size than a feature update, which is usually released in the first half of a year, such as v2004 and v1903.
Let’s go through some of the new features that you will get in the upcoming Windows version.
Redesigned Start Menu
The Start Menu is redesigned to catch the user’s eye. It has been made to complement the theme of the computer by removing the solid colors in the background and highlighting the icon itself. The Start Menu in general has been made slightly transparent to look more appealing.
Personalized Taskbar
Microsoft has worked to make the Windows 10 20H2 user experience the best of its kind. The Taskbar is now automated to pin programs and applications most used by its users. For example, if a user frequently connects their phone to their computer, it will pin the Phone app to the Taskbar.
Improved Notification Management
Windows 10 came with a Focus Assist feature that let’s users customize their notification prompts in the Notification Tray. However, the Focus Assist had its own notifications which were a distraction. With the 20H2 update, the Focus Assist notifications are turned off by default.
Moreover, an “X” button has been added to the popup notifications that will dismiss the notification, as opposed to the previous arrow button which only moved the notification into the tray.
Advanced refresh rate settings
People with monitors that support various refresh rates can now easily switch between their preferred settings directly through the Windows settings. A new category has been introduced as the Refresh Rate in the Advanced Display Settings from where the users can choose their preferred setting.
New Chromium Edge
Windows 10 20H2 now comes with a new Chromium based Microsoft Edge browser which is set to become the default browser. The legacy Edge browser has been removed.
Moreover, the Alt + Tab shortcut keys can now be a big time-saver for the people who enjoy multitasking. After installing the update, you can now navigate to Settings -> System -> Multitasking to customize how your Alt + Tab shortcut keys behave. You can choose between any one of the following options:
- Open windows and all tabs on Edge
- Open windows and 5 most recent tabs on Edge
- Open windows and 3 most recent tabs on Edge
- Open windows only
Enhanced tablet experience
With the new update, users will go directly into tablet mode with a touch-sensitive device and no attached keyboard. This will remove the notification the users used to receive from which they were able to select the desired mode.
Other changes to the interface have also been made, such as more space between the tiles to eliminate accidental touches, etc.
Installing the 20H2 update
Since this update is more of a service pack update and does not require OS reinstallation, it is less risky to get an upgrade early. If you are running Windows 10 Version 2004, you can easily upgrade to 20H2 using Windows Update (when it’s available).
Windows 10 20H2 update is marked as optional by Microsoft. You will need to go to Windows Update and install it manually. Otherwise, Microsoft won’t force it upon you. But it is always recommended to keep your system up to date with the latest security patches and bug fixes to be safe.
These are some of the key features of Windows 10 20H2 among other performance changes.
Microsoft начала распространять обновление Windows 10 20H2
Как и ожидалось, Microsoft выпустила обновление Windows 10 20H2. Это второе из крупнейших обновлений, запланированных на этот год. Первое под номером 2004 вышло весной.
Второе обновление не имеет собственного номера по причине того, что каких-то важных функций оно не несет. Впрочем, новшества все же есть. Так, Windows 10 20H2 — это первая версия операционной системы с браузером Edge на базе Chromium. В Microsoft называют новый Edge «браузером с повышенной производительностью и улучшенной безопасностью». По факту же Edge на движке Chromium вышел давно и уже даже устанавливался в систему небольшими апдейтами в прошлом.
Второе новшество Windows 10 20H2 — подретушированное меню Пуск. Microsoft считает, что «однородный, частично прозрачный фон для плиток отлично подходит для отображения переработанных значков приложений, таких как Калькулятор, Почта и Календарь». Пользователи также могут переключаться между светлой и темной темой оформления меню, а также выбирать акцентирующий цвет. Обновленное меню Пуск появилось еще в Windows 10 Insider Preview 20161, мы о нем уже подробно писали.
Так как количество компьютеров с Windows 10 велико, а серверы, ответственные за распространение обновления, не всемогущи, автоматический апдейт будет осуществляться постепенно. Тем не менее, его можно инициировать вручную — через Центр обновления Windows.
The Windows 10 October 2020 Update is out now, and much earlier than anticipated. The latest major update to Windows 10 was rumored to come out in November 2020.
But, perhaps to make up for the delays that the Windows 10 May 2020 Update was plagued with, it instead rolled out on October 21, and is available now for download.
You may not want to get too excited yet, however. While the Windows 10 October 2020 Update was also long rumored to be little more than a bug patch with the introduction of few, if any, major new features, this new upgrade isn’t a huge overhaul of the operating system.
Although the major focus remains on implementing fixes to the last major update, it does come with some welcome new features. The Windows 10 October 2020 brings with it the full integration of the Chromium-based Microsoft Edge browser into the OS. It also comes with the inclusion of Microsoft Edge tabs into the OS’s Alt-Tab menu, a brand new Start menu, better support for high refresh rate gaming monitors, an improved Taskbar, and app logos in Windows 10 notifications.
So, while this isn’t one of the most exciting updates Microsoft has released, it’s certainly worth taking a look. Here’s everything you need to know about the Windows 10 October 2020.
Cut to the chase
- What is it? Windows 10 October 2020 Update is the latest major version of Windows 10
- When is it out? Windows 10 October 2020 Update is out now
- How much does it cost? Windows 10 October 2020 Update is free for all users
Windows 10 20H2 Update release date
The Windows 10 October 2020 Update, the last major update to Windows 10 that we’ll see in 2020, is out now and available for download, bringing in a few improvements to the operating system earlier than we initially anticipated.
Although the Windows 10 May 2020 Update saw a minor delay related to an incompatibility issue with the Windows Mixed Reality platform, this one luckily didn’t suffer the same setback.
Windows 10 20H2 Update name
Microsoft is sticking with the existing naming convention for their updates, officially christening this last major update of 2020 “Windows 10 October 2020 Update.”
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Windows 10 20H2 Update features
Much like the Windows 10 November 2019 Update, Windows 10 October 2020 Update is expected to fix and service the last major update released in May without adding all that many new features, something that is usually reserved for the first half of the year.
Still, that doesn’t mean it’s all bug fixes for the rest of the year. There are some new improvements that are going to roll out with the October 2020 Update that are worth noting.
Windows 10 20H2 Update fully integrates the Chromium-based Microsoft Edge into Windows 10
Microsoft’s switch to Chromium for their new Microsoft Edge browser was definitely a welcome change, giving users access to a huge library of apps for the popular and extensible open-source browser.
Currently, Windows 10 uses the old, non-Chromium version of Microsoft Edge by default, forcing you to download this updated version of Edge separately. Windows 10 October 2020 Update is finally replacing this old version of Edge with the new one by integrating it into the OS itself.
One of the more noticeable changes to see in Windows 10 October 2020 Update is the theme-aware Start Menu. This may not be the drastic redesign that some people were hoping for, but it will streamline the look of the Start Menu depending on the light or dark Windows theme you are using.
Also included in this updated Start Menu is the addition of partial transparent backgrounds to the app tiles of the menu. Basically, this new update drops solid colors for more transparent effects that makes it blend in better to your desktop Theme, while also making it easier to find the apps you’re looking for.
Windows 10 October 2020 Update brings in some Alt + Tab changes
The Alt + Ta is one of the most-used keyboard shortcuts, allowing users to switch between open apps using an on-screen menu. With the October 2020 Update, you’ll also be able to scroll through open Edge tabs as well, pretty handy for multitaskers whose daily workload involves having 20 or more tabs open.
Windows 10 20H2 Update improves the tablet experience of Windows 10 2-in-1s
Windows 10 October 2020 Update also improves the overall experience of Windows 10 on 2-in-1 laptops like the Acer Spin 5, including better spacing of the desktop icons and automatically switching to the tablet experience when you undock the screen on detachable 2-in-1s.
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John (He/Him) is the Components Editor here at TechRadar and he is also a programmer, gamer, activist, and Brooklyn College alum currently living in Brooklyn, NY.
Named by the CTA as a CES 2020 Media Trailblazer for his science and technology reporting, John specializes in all areas of computer science, including industry news, hardware reviews, PC gaming, as well as general science writing and the social impact of the tech industry.
You can find him online on Bluesky @johnloeffler.bsky.social