Windows 10 Archives | Windows Experience Blog https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/tag/windows-10/ Thu, 02 Oct 2025 02:05:51 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.4 https://blogs.windows.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/06/cropped-browser-icon-logo-32x32.jpg Windows 10 Archives | Windows Experience Blog https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/tag/windows-10/ 32 32 Stay secure with Windows 11, Copilot+ PCs and Windows 365 before support ends for Windows 10 https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2025/06/24/stay-secure-with-windows-11-copilot-pcs-and-windows-365-before-support-ends-for-windows-10/ Tue, 24 Jun 2025 17:00:34 +0000 https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/?p=179753 When we launched Windows in 1985, we set out to revolutionize computing—guided by the belief that technology should be accessible, intuitive and powerful for everyone. Nearly 40 years later, that same vision continues to drive us forward. Today, Wi

The post Stay secure with Windows 11, Copilot+ PCs and Windows 365 before support ends for Windows 10 appeared first on Windows Experience Blog.

]]> CES in January, as the Windows ecosystem came together to unveil breakthrough technologies and introduce new Windows 11 and Copilot+ PCs. And that momentum is only growing, as new silicon technology, thoughtful hardware designs and on-device AI experiences give people more of a reason to upgrade their Windows PC. With AI becoming a more natural and helpful part of everyday life, 2025 continues to emerge as the year of the Windows 11 PC refresh. From enhanced productivity and streamlined IT workflows to AI-driven innovation, these advancements are redefining what people expect from their devices—not just for today, but for the future. Whether you’re using a Copilot+ PC or Windows 365 in the cloud, we want you to experience the best of Windows 11, starting with security at the core. We also recognize that transitions to new PCs take careful planning. With Windows 10 support coming to an end in October, we’re here to provide information and resources to help you choose the path that works best for you—whether that’s exploring the next generation of Windows, staying on your current PC with the Extended Security Program (ESU) or moving to a cloud-based solution.

Four people in an office working on laptop devices.Support for Windows 10 ends in October—Here’s what you need to know

As technology evolves, phasing out older operating systems and upgrading to newer versions is a natural part of the lifecycle—one that helps ensure you have the latest security features and innovations. Windows 10 launched in July 2015, and after nearly a decade, support will end on Oct. 14, 2025. Here’s what that means:
  • Microsoft will no longer provide security and feature updates and technical support for Windows 10 PCs. While these devices will continue to function, they will no longer receive regular security updates, making them more vulnerable to cyber threats, such as malware and viruses.
  • Companies and organizations that operate Windows 10 may find it challenging to maintain regulatory compliance with unsupported software.
  • Applications running on Windows 10 may no longer be supported, as the platform is no longer receiving feature updates. As a result, some apps may experience decreased functionality.
  • Microsoft 365 Appsi running on personal and commercial Windows 10 PCs will continue receiving security updates until Oct. 10, 2028, and feature updates through August 2026.ii These updates are intended to help ease customers’ transition to Windows 11 and will be delivered through standard update channels. These updates do not include technical support.
  • Microsoft will continue to provide Security Intelligence Updates for Microsoft Defender Antivirus on Windows 10 through October 2028.
If you’re using Windows 10 today, checking if your PC can upgrade to Windows 11 is simple. Just click the Start button, then go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. You can also use the PC Health Check app to see if your device meets the Windows 11 system requirements, or check with your organization’s IT team for support. We understand that your PC holds what’s important to you, from years of valuable files to cherished photos, and the personal settings that make it yours. To help make your move to a Windows 11 PC as simple and secure as possible, we recommend using Windows Backup—built right into Windows 10. It’s an easy way to help you safely and securely transfer your data, personal files, and most settings and applications, so everything’s ready for you the moment you sign in.

A woman sitting on a couch while working at a laptop computer.Explore what’s next with Windows 11

Security is at the heart of Windows 11. As part of Microsoft’s Secure Future Initiative (SFI), we’re constantly improving Windows security to help keep you protected—whether you’re using a personal laptop or managing a fleet of devices at work. Windows 11 is secure by design and by default, with layers of defense enabled on day one to enhance your protection without the need to first configure settings. Windows 11 builds on the familiar Windows experience you know and trust, while also offering a more modern and secure computing experience. It delivers faster performance, simpler navigation and the latest features and experiences. It’s not just a device designed for today, it’s built for tomorrow.
  • Security first. Windows 11 is the most secure operating system we’ve ever built, and offers advanced security like TPM 2.0, virtualization-based security and Smart App Control—all enabled by default. New Windows 11 PCs have seen a reported 62% drop in security incidents and a 3x reported reduction in firmware attacksiii.
  • Faster and more efficient. Windows 11 continues to improve Windows update fundamentals, delivering faster monthly updates and smaller feature update downloads. This results in quicker response time when in sleep mode, faster web browsing and overall improved performance. Moreover, upgrading to a new PC with Windows 11 can significantly enhance speed and experience. In fact, Windows 11 PCs are up to 2.3x faster than Windows 10 PCsiv.
  • Familiar yet modern user experience. Windows 11 maintains familiar user experiences from Windows 10 but introduces a more modern and streamlined UI design with better multitasking features, like Snap Layouts and multiple desktops. Key elements like the Start menu and taskbar offer a cleaner look on Windows 11, while keeping navigation intuitive and user-friendly.
  • Built-in accessibility features. Windows 11 has new and improved accessibility features, building on the tools from Windows 10. New to Windows 11, Focus Sessions help users needing fewer distractions stay focused, live captions can transcribe audio from any app or in-person conversations through the mic, and Voice Access lets you control your device and dictate text using your voice—compared to basic speech recognition on Windows 10. Windows 11 also has improved contrast themes, better screen magnification and more natural Narrator voices.
  • Copilot on Windows 11. As Copilot becomes more optimized for Windows, it stands out as your go-to AI companion—ready when you need it. With Copilot Vision on Windowsv, Copilot acts as a second set of eyes, analyzing content on your screen in real time, and talking to you about it. And with the new Highlights feature, Copilot doesn’t just tell you what to do, it can show you.
  • Exclusive AI experiences at your fingertips. Windows 11 Copilot+ PCs unlock exclusive AI-powered experiences. Features such as Recall (preview), Click to Do (preview) and improved Windows search, help you be more efficient and find information effortlessly, while enhanced experiences such as Cocreator in Paint and Restyle in Photos help you tap into new creative possibilities with built-in securityvi.
  • Designed for any work environment and every employee. Windows 11 offers features that enhance multitasking and enable an estimated 50% faster workflows compared to Windows 10. Employees benefit from AI at their fingertips, faster performance and security enabled by default – with an estimated 250% return on investmentvii.
  • More choice, more flexibility, more performance. Whether for personal use, frontline workers or everyone in between, an extensive portfolio of Windows 11 and Copilot+ PCs from partners—like Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Samsung and Surface—is designed to fit your needs.

Extended Security Updates welcome page.Windows 10 Extended Security Updates: A bridge to your Windows 11 experience 

We understand that moving to a new PC can take time, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. The Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program is designed to help keep your Windows 10 PC protected after support ends on Oct. 14, 2025. ESU delivers monthly critical and important security updates to help you stay secure during the transition. However, it’s not meant to be a long-term solution—it doesn’t include new features, non-security updates, design change requests or technical support. As we shared last October, for the first time ever, you can enroll your personal Windows 10 PC in the ESU program and receive critical and important monthly security updates for one year after support ends in October. Today, we’re introducing additional free enrollment options and the simple steps to get started. Extended Security Updates for Windows 10:
  • For individuals: An enrollment wizard will be available through notifications and in Settings, making it easy to enroll in ESU directly from your personal Windows 10 PC. Through the enrollment wizard, you’ll be able to choose from three options:
    • Use Windows Backup to sync your settings to the cloud—at no additional cost..
    • Redeem 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points—at no additional cost..
    • Pay $30 USD (local pricing may vary).
Once you select an option and follow the on-screen steps, your PC will automatically be enrolled. ESU coverage for personal devices runs from Oct. 15, 2025, through Oct. 13, 2026. Starting today, the enrollment wizard is available in the Windows Insider Program and will begin rolling out as an option to Windows 10 customers in July, with broad availability expected by mid-Augustviii. Update: The Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for personal devices, including enrollment options and timing, may vary by region, such as the European Economic Area (EEA)xi. To learn more visit https://microsoft.com/windows/extended-security-updates.
  • For commercial organizations: Organizations can subscribe to ESU for $61 USD per device to receive monthly critical and important security updates for one year. The subscription can be renewed annually for up to three years, with the cost increasing each yearix. Enrollment is available today through the Microsoft Volume Licensing Program and will be offered by Cloud Service Providers starting Sept. 1.
  • For cloud and virtual environments: Windows 10 devices accessing Windows 11 Cloud PCs through Windows 365 or Virtual Machines are entitled to ESU at no additional cost and will automatically receive security updates with no extra steps required.
Learn more here: Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for Windows 10 | Microsoft Learn.

Woman working at a computer station in a warehouse.Move to Windows 11 in the cloud with Windows 365

Windows 365 gives organizations another way to move to Windows 11 without needing to replace every device right away. It’s a cost-effective and more sustainable alternative, while still providing enhanced security and operational efficiency. This cloud-based solution delivers a secure Windows 11 experience to any device through a Cloud PC, so your team can work from almost anywhere. To help make the transition easier, new customers can get 20% off on any Windows 365 plan for the first 12 months. Visit Windows 365 today to learn about this offerx.

Four people in an office working on various devices.

Windows ecosystem: A choice for everyone

Every person and organization has different needs, whether that’s a portable device to stay connected on the go or a more powerful PC built for productivity and different workloads. Working closely with our trusted partners, there are a range of choices to support how you live, work and create. Here are a few Copilot+ PCs and Windows 11 devices from trusted partners like Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Samsung and Surface—with options designed for mobility, performance, security and AI-powered experiences.
  • Acer: Stay connected everywhere with the TravelMate P6 14 AI, a Copilot+ PC and high-performance business laptop built for mobile work and life.
  • ASUS: The ASUS Zenbook A14 Copilot+ PC delivers exclusive AI experiences and multi-working-day battery life in a sleek, minimalist design, while the ASUS ExpertBook P5 is an AI powerhouse in an aluminum body and sleek design for modern and mobile professionals.
  • Dell: Unleash your creativity with the Dell 16 Plus Laptop, featuring a large screen and Intel Arc graphics—ideal for students and creators. Or tackle work from anywhere on the Dell Pro 14 Premium, the lightest and quietest 14" Copilot+ PC in the Dell Pro family.
  • HP: The HP OmniBook X Flip 16 inch 2-in-1 Laptop combines speed and performance for creative work and entertainment, while the HP EliteBook 8 G1i 14 inch delivers enterprise-grade security, AI-powered experiences and a portable design—perfect for IT professionals.
  • Lenovo: Create without limits with the super thin and light Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition, offering exclusive Copilot+ PC experiences, or boost productivity with Lenovo’s new portfolio of 14ʺ and 15ʺ ThinkPad X9 Series laptops, designed for the tech-savvy professionals.
  • Samsung: The Galaxy Book5 Pro, a Copilot+ PC, is a powerful Windows 11 laptop built for multitasking, creative work and running your favorite apps—perfect for work and play. The Galaxy Book4 Edge is an ultra-thin, Copilot+ PC made for life on the go, with a brilliant display and long-lasting battery.
  • Surface Copilot+ PCs combine powerful performance, all-day battery life and breakthrough AI experiences in sleek designs with the all-new 13-inch Surface Laptop and the 12-inch Surface Pro with a flexible 2-in-1 design and a built-in kickstand. For organizations, Surface for Business Copilot+ PCs offer added efficiency with the latest Intel Core Ultra processors (Series 2).
This summer is a good time to explore your options. Retailers like Microsoft Store, Amazon, Best Buy, Costco and more are offering deals now through September. When you’re ready to purchase, trade-in and recycling programs are available through our many trusted partners, including Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Samsung and global retailers like Best Buy, Boulanger, Costco, Currys, Elkjøp, Fnac, Harvey Norman, JB Hi-Fi, MediaMarkt & SATURN, officeworks, Sharaf DG and Walmart. For business customers, similar programs are offered through resellers like Bechtle, CDW, ComputaCenter, Connection, SHI and more. You can also explore Microsoft Store’s online trade-in program or find a convenient local recycling option near you.

Four people in an office working together at computer devices.Moving forward to Windows 11—Together 

Windows is a part of your everyday life, and we want to help keep that experience smooth, secure and up to date. If you’re unsure where to start, the first step is to check if your Windows 10 PC is eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 11. If it is, you can follow a few simple steps to install the upgrade—don’t forget to use Windows Backup to easily save your files and settings before making the switch. If your PC isn’t eligible or if you need more time—there are options. No matter where you are in your journey—whether it’s staying on your current PC with ESU, upgrading to Windows 11 or moving to Windows 365—we’re here to support you every step of the way. Learn more about how to get ahead of Windows 10 end of support and take the next steps: How to prepare for Windows 10 end of support by moving to Windows 11 today | Windows Experience Blog Editor’s note – Oct. 1, 2025 –  An endnote has been added to clarify regional availability. Editor’s note – Sept. 25, 2025 – The section ‘Windows 10 Extended Security Updates: A bridge to your Windows 11 experience’ has been updated to clarify that enrollment options and timing for the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for personal devices may vary by region. Editor's note – June 30, 2025 – In the first paragraph, the number of monthly active devices running Windows was updated. Endnotes i This includes Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise, Microsoft 365 Apps for business, and the Microsoft 365 desktop apps included in other commercial and consumer suites such as Microsoft 365 E3, Microsoft 365 Business Standard, and Microsoft 365 Family.  ii The final feature update will ship in August 2026 for customers on Current Channel, including all consumer customers. Customers on the Monthly and Semi-Annual Enterprise Channels will receive their final feature updates later - in October 2026 and January 2027, respectively.  iii Windows 11 Survey Report. Techaisle LLC, September 2024. Commissioned by Microsoft. Windows 11 results are in comparison with Windows 10 devices. iv Based on Geekbench 6 Multi-Core benchmark. See aka.ms/w11claims.  v Available in the US and coming to more non-European countries soon.  vi Copilot+ PC experiences vary by device and market and may require updates continuing to roll out through 2025; timing varies. See aka.ms/copilotpluspcs   vii Microsoft-commissioned study delivered by Forrester Consulting: “The Total Economic Impact™ of Windows 11 Pro Devices”, December 2022. Note, quantified benefits reflect results over three years combined into a single composite organization that generates $1 billion in annual revenue, has 2,000 employees, refreshes hardware on a four-year cycle and migrates the entirety of its workforce to Windows 11 devices.  viii Retail availability starts with the July 2025 non-security preview update via controlled feature rollout. To be among the first to experience new features, navigate to Settings > Windows Update, and turn on “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available”.   ix Markets do not include Russia, Belarus, Cuba, Iran, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Sudan, and Syria.  x This offer runs from May 1 to Oct. 31, 2025, and is for customers not currently subscribing to Windows 365. Transactions must be processed through Microsoft’s operations center before 11:00 PM Pacific Time on October 31, 2025. This offer is non-transferable and cannot be combined with any other offer or discount on Windows 365. This offer is available only once per customer. The discount price will be in effect for the duration of the purchase commitment. Purchases made prior to the effective date of the offer are not eligible. Taxes, if any, are the sole responsibility of the recipient. Microsoft reserves the right to discontinue this promotion, and to modify these policies and the promotion’s terms and conditions at any time.   xi Countries subject to EEA restrictions: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, French Guiana, Germany, Greece, Guadeloupe, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Martinique, Mayotte, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Reunion, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland..  ]]> How to get the Windows 10 2022 Update https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2022/10/18/how-to-get-the-windows-10-2022-update/ Tue, 18 Oct 2022 17:00:19 +0000 https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/?p=177717 We know the important role your PC plays every day for hybrid work, learning, entertainment and gaming, and we are committed to supporting our customers using Windows 10. Today, we are announcing the availability of the Windows 10 2022 Update (also k

The post How to get the Windows 10 2022 Update appeared first on Windows Experience Blog.

]]> A scoped and streamlined update Windows 10, version 22H2 is a scoped release focused on quality improvements to the overall Windows experience in existing feature areas such as quality, productivity and security. We will deliver the 2022 Update using servicing technology (like that used for the monthly update process) to meet our customers’ needs based on feedback. For consumer or commercial users with devices running version 20H2 or later, the 2022 Update will have a fast installation experience. Home and Pro editions of the 2022 Update will receive 18 months of servicing, and Enterprise and Education editions will have 30 months of servicing. More information can be found on the Microsoft Lifecycle Policy site and we will continue to support at least one version of Windows 10 through Oct. 14, 2025.

How to get the Windows 10 2022 Update

The 2022 Update is available to users with devices running Windows 10, version 20H2 or later who are interested in the latest features and are ready to install this release on their device. If you would like to install the new release, open your Windows Update settings (Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update) and select Check for updates. Eligible devices may also be offered the option to choose to upgrade to Windows 11. If the update appears, you can simply select Download and install to get started. Once the download is complete and the feature update is ready to install, we’ll notify you so that you can pick a convenient time to finish the installation and reboot your device, ensuring that the update does not disrupt your activities. To learn more about the status of the 2022 Update rollout, known issues and new information, visit Windows release health.

Information for commercial customers

We recommend that commercial organizations begin targeted deployments to validate that their apps, devices and infrastructure work as expected with the new release. Version 22H2 is now available through Windows Server Update Services (including Configuration Manager), Windows Update for Business and the Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC)[1]. You can find more information on IT tools to support version 22H2 in the Windows IT Pro Blog.

Staying protected and productive

I have consistently noted that being on the latest version of Windows provides you with the latest features, security improvements and control. We recommend that you update your devices to the latest version of Windows 10 or upgrade eligible devices to Windows 11. As a reminder, all editions of Windows 10, version 21H1 will reach the end of servicing on Dec. 13, 2022, and we will start initiating updates to the 2022 Update for these devices later this month[2]. Enterprise and Education editions of Windows 10, version 20H2 will reach end of servicing on May 9, 2023. After these dates, devices running versions 20H2 and 21H1 will no longer receive monthly security and quality updates containing protections from the latest security threats. We will closely monitor both the Windows 10 2022 Update and the Windows 11 upgrade experiences and share timely information on their rollout status and known issues (open and resolved) across both feature and monthly updates via the Windows release health hub and @WindowsUpdate. Please continue to tell us about your experience by providing comments or suggestions via Feedback Hub. Note: [1] It may take a day for downloads to be fully available in the Volume Licensing Service Center across all products, markets and languages. [2] Devices running Home and Pro (non-domain joined) editions of Windows 10, version 21H1 Editor’s note: Oct. 18, 2022 – The paragraph above about the scope of the update was changed following initial publication.]]> How to get the Windows 10 November 2021 Update https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2021/11/16/how-to-get-the-windows-10-november-2021-update/ Tue, 16 Nov 2021 18:04:06 +0000 https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/?p=176473 Today marks the beginning of the Windows 10 November 2021 Update availability. We continue to listen to customer feedback to adapt Windows to meet your needs as part of our ongoing support for Windows 10, and have scoped the How to get the Windows 10 November 2021 Update appeared first on Windows Experience Blog.

]]> November 2021 Update to focus on productivity, management and security. Today, I’m sharing how we will deliver the November 2021 Update, how to get it, details on the revised Windows 10 update release cadence including the new Windows 10 Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) edition, and some positive news on the pace of the Windows 11 rollout.

Our approach to update availability and rollout

Hybrid and remote environments for working, learning and playing have become the new normal, and we understand how important and central your PC is to your life. As a result, we are taking the same measured approach to the rollout of the November 2021 Update as we have with previous releases, to help enable a smooth update. We will be throttling up availability over the coming weeks to ensure a reliable download experience for all, so the update may not be offered to you right away. In these cases, we will not offer the feature update until we are confident that you will have a good update experience.

How to get the Windows 10 November 2021 Update

The November 2021 Update is available initially to users with select devices running Windows 10, version 2004 or later who are interested in the latest features and are ready to install this release on their device. If you would like to install the new release, open your Windows Update settings (Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update) and select Check for updates. Eligible devices may also be offered the option to choose the Windows 11 upgrade. If the update appears, you can simply select Download and install to get started. Once the download is complete and the feature update is ready to install, we’ll notify you so that you can pick a convenient time to finish the installation and reboot your device, ensuring that the update does not disrupt your activities. Devices running Windows 10, version 2004 or later will have a faster overall update experience with the November 2021 update, because the update will install like a monthly update. For more information on how to get the November 2021 Update, watch this video. To learn more about the status of the November 2021 Update rollout, known issues and new information, visit Windows release health.

Release cadence and support

We will transition to a new Windows 10 release cadence to align with the Windows 11 cadence, targeting annual feature update releases. We are now renaming the servicing option for releases to the General Availability Channel starting with the November 2021 Update (Note: this replaces the previous “Semi-Annual Channel” term for the servicing option). The next Windows 10 feature update is slated for the second half of 2022. We will continue to support at least one version of Windows 10 through Oct. 14, 2025. As a second half (H2) of the calendar year release, Home and Pro editions of the November 2021 Update will receive 18 months of servicing and support, and Enterprise and Education editions will receive 30 months of servicing and support beginning today.

Information for commercial customers

We recommend that commercial organizations begin targeted deployments to validate that their apps, devices and infrastructure work as expected with the new release. Windows 10, version 21H2 is now available through Windows Server Update Services (including Configuration Manager), Windows Update for Business and the Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC)[1]. You can find more information on IT tools to support Windows 10, version 21H2 in the Windows IT Pro Blog. Today also marks the availability of Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021, which provides customers with access to an option for their special-purpose devices and environments, such as manufacturing or healthcare systems, or other uses which require longer term device update stability. This new client LTSC edition is supported for five years (Note: the new Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2021 edition is also available today and has a 10-year support lifecycle).

Staying protected and productive

I have often previously noted that being on the latest version of Windows provides you with the latest features, security improvements and control. We recommend that you update your devices to the latest version of Windows 10 or upgrade eligible devices to Windows 11. Today, based on the positive rollout update experience and user feedback we have seen to date, we are advancing the pace of the rollout faster than we previously anticipated, and are now making the Windows 11 upgrade more broadly available to eligible Windows 10 devices[2]. As a reminder, all editions of Windows 10, version 2004 will reach end of servicing on Dec. 14, 2021, and Enterprise and Education editions of Windows 10, version 1909 will reach end of servicing on May 10, 2022. After these dates, devices running versions 1909 and 2004 will no longer receive monthly security and quality updates containing protections from the latest security threats. We will closely monitor both the Windows 10 November 2021 Update and the Windows 11 upgrade experiences and share timely information on their rollout status and known issues (open and resolved) across both feature and monthly updates via the Windows release health hub and @WindowsUpdate. Please continue to tell us about your experience by providing comments or suggestions via Feedback Hub. Note: [1] It may take a day for downloads to be fully available in the Volume Licensing Service Center across all products, markets and languages. [2] Eligible Windows 10 devices must be on version 2004 or later, and have installed the Sept. 14, 2021, security update or later, to upgrade directly to Windows 11.]]> How to get the Windows 10 May 2021 Update https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2021/05/18/how-to-get-the-windows-10-may-2021-update/ Tue, 18 May 2021 17:13:45 +0000 https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/?p=175674 Today marks the beginning of Windows 10, version 21H1 availability. As I noted when we first announced the May 2021 Updat

The post How to get the Windows 10 May 2021 Update appeared first on Windows Experience Blog.

]]> the May 2021 Update in February, we grounded this update on the needs expressed by you, our customers, over the past year of continued remote work, learning and play. The May 2021 Update is purposely scoped to deliver important features that improve security, remote access and quality—and engineered to provide a fast update experience. We have released and evaluated preview builds through the Windows Insider Program over the past months and, based on the feedback gathered from our Insider community, we are now ready to begin a phased rollout. My post today shares details on our measured rollout approach, how you can get the update and some overall information on Windows.

Our approach to update availability and rollout

In the current environment, we know that you continue to rely on your PCs more than ever. As a result, we are initially taking a measured seeker-based approach to the rollout of the May 2021 Update. We are throttling availability up over the coming weeks to ensure a reliable download experience for all, so the update may not be offered to you right away. Additionally, some devices might have a compatibility issue for which a safeguard hold is in place. In these cases, we will not offer the update until we are confident that you will have a good update experience.

How to get the Windows 10 May 2021 Update

The May 2021 Update is available initially to select devices running Windows 10, version 2004 or later who are interested in experiencing the latest feature updates and are ready to install this release on their device. If you would like to install the new release, open your Windows Update settings (Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update) and select Check for updates. If the update appears, you can simply select Download and install to get started. Once the download is complete and the update is ready to install, we’ll notify you so that you can pick the right time to finish the installation and reboot your device, ensuring that the update does not disrupt your activities. Devices running either Windows 10, version 2004 or version 20H2 will have a fast overall update experience because the update will install like a monthly update. For more information on how to get the May 2021 Update, watch this video.  To learn more about the status of the May 2021 Update rollout, safeguard holds and which holds may be applied to your device, visit Windows release health.

Information for commercial customers

As a first half (H1) of the calendar year release, all editions of the May 2021 Update (version 21H1) will receive 18 months of servicing and support beginning today. We recommend that commercial organizations begin targeted deployments to validate that their apps, devices and infrastructure work as expected with the new release. The May 2021 Update is now available through Windows Server Update Services (including Configuration Manager), Windows Update for Business and the Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC)[i].  You can find more information on IT tools to support Windows 10, version 21H1.

Our customer first focus

Over the last year, we have shipped three important updates for Windows 10. More importantly, we continue to listen closely to customer feedback to ensure we evolve and adapt Windows to meet your needs today and in the future. In this context, we’ve continued to see fundamental changes in customer needs since we last shared our priorities for Windows in May of 2020. Following a year-long exploration and engaging in conversations with customers, we realized that the technology of Windows 10X could be useful in more ways and serve more customers than we originally imagined. We concluded that the 10X technology shouldn’t just be confined to a subset of customers. Instead of bringing a product called Windows 10X to market in 2021 like we originally intended, we are leveraging learnings from our journey thus far and accelerating the integration of key foundational 10X technology into other parts of Windows and products at the company. In fact, some of this is already reflected in the core of Windows in Windows Insider preview builds, for example the new app container technology we’re integrating into products like Microsoft Defender Application Guard, an enhanced Voice Typing experience, and a modernized touch keyboard with optimized key sizing, sounds, colors and animations. Our teams continue to invest in areas where the 10X technology will help meet our customer needs as well as evaluate technology experiences both in software and hardware that will be useful to our customers in the future. This shift in thinking is an incredible example of the company’s value of a growth mindset at work and exemplifies our customer-first focus. As with each release, we will closely monitor the May 2021 Update experience and share timely information on the current rollout status and known issues (open and resolved) across both feature and monthly updates via the Windows release health hub and @WindowsUpdate. Please continue to tell us about your experience by providing comments or suggestions via Feedback Hub. [i] It may take a day for downloads to be fully available in the Volume Licensing Service Center across all products, markets and languages.  ]]> Personalized content at a glance: Introducing news and interests on the Windows 10 taskbar https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2021/04/22/personalized-content-at-a-glance-introducing-news-and-interests-on-the-windows-10-taskbar/ Thu, 22 Apr 2021 16:00:23 +0000 https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/?p=175571 As people spend more time on their Windows PCs, working, learning, connecting and creating, we’re making it easier to access personalized content that is available at a glance and updated throughout the day.  News and interests on the Wind

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]]> As people spend more time on their Windows PCs, working, learning, connecting and creating, we’re making it easier to access personalized content that is available at a glance and updated throughout the day.  News and interests on the Windows taskbar will begin rolling out to customers over the next several weeks. We are taking a phased and measured approach and broad availability will occur in the coming months. It should be easy to catch up on the things we care about. Yet, we’re often stuck juggling devices, jumping between websites and looking across sources before finally getting what we’re looking for: relevant and high-quality content. News and interests on the Windows taskbar simplifies this process with a convenient and personalized experience centered around you. https://youtu.be/fGtBLD-ORqQ

News and interests on the taskbar is the fastest way to stay up to date on your Windows 10 PC

Stay in your flow and make the most of your time with at a glance updates

How much time do you spend trying to stay current with the latest information? For me and many others, the answer is a lot. What starts as a quick escape can often turn into a prolonged process. I might start the day by checking the weather before taking a quick look at some local news or breaking headlines. Of course, I need to then check yesterday’s Seattle Mariners score or their upcoming schedule. Many of these things change throughout the day, so eventually I check again… and again. Sound familiar? Showing news and interests on the taskbar with content just for you. Clicking a story opens a streamlined reading experience so you can save time and stay focused Effortlessly staying up to date begins with weather updates on your Windows taskbar – something that many of you have asked for! You’ll now see an icon and text representing current weather conditions in your area. To see more details at a glance, simply hover over the weather icon to see additional details on the weather. You will also see concise, “snackable” information on news, sports, stocks and traffic. Without opening apps or switching devices, you can quickly get a pulse on what’s happening around you. Click on a story to open a streamlined reading experience so you can save time and stay focused. If you see something you’re interested in, but don’t have time to read through it, you can save it for later or share it.

Personalize your experience and tailor the content to your interests

Showing news and interests on the taskbar with different content examples, based on your interests You can adjust which information cards are included in your experience and how weather updates are displayed. The weather can be shown as an icon with text or as an icon only if you want to save taskbar space. You can also adjust which information cards – weather, finance, sports, traffic – are included, ensuring you are just seeing content you care about. Of course, if you are not interested in any of this information you can simply turn off the icon. The “My interests” page enables you to follow topics you’re interested in and tune your feed with publishers and articles that pique your interest You can further personalize the content that is displayed by managing your interests. Using the interest manager, you can directly indicate the topics you’re interested in, or choose the content sources from our content ecosystem that you’d like to follow.  Once you are done, you will see changes reflected within news and interests.

Built with invaluable input from Windows Insiders

News and interests on the Windows taskbar will begin rolling out to customers over the next several weeks. We are taking a phased and measured approach and broad availability will occur in the coming months. On behalf of the Microsoft team, I’d like to extend a heart-felt thank you to our Windows Insiders who have provided feedback to help improve the experience. The team is listening, and will be looking forward to hearing additional feedback. To share your thoughts with the team, when you have a chance to try it out, drop us a line in the Feedback Hub. For IT pros looking to learn more about news and interests group configuration, check out the IT Pro blog. For more information about the experience, refer to the Support page.]]> Introducing the next feature update to Windows 10, version 21H1 https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2021/02/17/introducing-the-next-feature-update-to-windows-10-version-21h1/ Wed, 17 Feb 2021 22:03:37 +0000 https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/?p=175347 Today, we are introducing the next feature update to Windows 10, version 21H1. As people continue to rely on Windows more than ever to work, learn and have fun, we understand the importance of providing the best possible update experience to help peo

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]]> Fast and focused Based on feedback and learnings during the past year of extensive remote work, learning and play, version 21H1 will be delivered with servicing technology (like that used for the monthly update process and how 20H2 was delivered).  Windows 10, version 21H1 will have a scoped set of features improving security, remote access and quality. The features we are releasing in this update are focused on the core experiences that customers have told us they’re relying on most right now. So, we optimized this release to support our customers’ most pressing needs. New features include multicamera support for Windows Hello and security related performance improvements.
  • Windows Hello multicamera support to set the default as the external camera when both external and internal Windows Hello cameras are present.
  • Windows Defender Application Guard performance improvements including optimizing document opening scenario times.
  • Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) Group Policy Service (GPSVC) updating performance improvement to support remote work scenarios.
Customers running either Windows 10, version 2004 or version 20H2 who choose to update to the new release will have a fast installation experience because the update will install like a monthly update.  For consumer or commercial users coming from versions of Windows 10 earlier than the May 2020 Update (version 2004), the process of updating to the new release will be the same as it has been and will work in a similar manner to previous Windows 10 feature updates, using the same tools and processes. As this Windows 10 release is targeted for the first half of 2021, all Windows 10 editions of version 21H1 will receive 18 months of servicing.

Next steps

Our multilayered approach to the development and launch of feature updates continues and includes fully leveraging the Windows Insider Program to obtain user feedback and data insights on quality. We will begin releasing 21H1 builds to Windows Insiders in the Beta channel today to those Insiders who seek to opt in, and new features will be offered in future Windows Insider Preview Builds as they are ready.  Broad availability of Windows 10, version 21H1 will begin later in the first half of this calendar year, and we will provide more information on the release and how to get it as we get closer to the launch of this next feature update. We look forward to hearing your feedback. Editor’s note – Feb. 17, 2021 – The bullet point on Windows Hello multicamera support was updated for clarity.]]> Latest Sea of Thieves content update, Season One, now available for Windows 10 and Xbox players https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2021/01/28/latest-sea-of-thieves-content-update-season-one-now-available-for-windows-10-and-xbox-players/ Thu, 28 Jan 2021 19:22:02 +0000 https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/?p=175329 Sea of Thieves enters a new era with the arrival of Seasons, its latest content update. New Voyages, Events, rewards and ways to play are all packed into Season One, available as a free

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]]> Sea of Thieves enters a new era with the arrival of Seasons, its latest content update. New Voyages, Events, rewards and ways to play are all packed into Season One, available as a free download for all players on Windows 10 PC, Steam, with Xbox Game Pass and across Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. Seasons are designed to run for around three months. Making your way up through the 100 levels in Season One will unlock a reward each time, from gold and Doubloons to cosmetics and even Ancient Coins to spend on goods in the Pirate Emporium. Get all the details on Xbox Wire.]]> How to get the Windows 10 October 2020 Update https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2020/10/20/how-to-get-the-windows-10-october-2020-update/ Tue, 20 Oct 2020 17:00:04 +0000 https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/?p=174953 With organizations moving and adapting from remote to hybrid work scenarios, and essential workers continuing to support us all, it is more important than ever that we continue to provide you with the tools you need to remain protected and productive

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]]> Windows Insider Program. We then released a preview build to commercial customers in the Beta and Release Preview Channels for pre-release validation in August. We have continued to make improvements based on the feedback received through these programs and I am pleased to announce that we are beginning the availability of the October 2020 Update. Today's post offers details on our measured and phased roll out approach, how you can get the update, and information to enable commercial organizations to begin targeted deployments.

Approach on update availability and rollout

In this work, learn and connect from home environment where people are relying on their PCs more than ever before, we are taking a measured seeker-based rollout approach to the October 2020 Update. We are throttling availability over the coming weeks to ensure a reliable download experience, so the update may not be offered to you right away. Additionally, some devices might have a compatibility issue for which a safeguard hold is in place, so we will not offer the update until we are confident that you will have a good update experience.

How to get the Windows 10 October 2020 Update

Beginning today, the October 2020 Update is available initially for users of select devices running Windows 10, version 1903 or later who are interested in experiencing the latest feature updates and are ready to install this release on their device. If you would like to install the new release, open your Windows Update settings (Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update) and select Check for updates. If the update appears, and you are running Windows 10, version 1903 or later, you can simply select Download and install to get started. Once the download is complete and the update is ready to install, we’ll notify you so that you can pick the right time to finish the installation and reboot your device, ensuring that the update does not disrupt your activities. People running the May 2020 Update will have a faster overall update experience because the update will install like a monthly update, just as it was for devices moving to Windows 10, version 1909 from version 1903. For more information on how to get the October 2020 Update, watch this video. To learn more about the status of the update availability and rollout, safeguard holds, and which holds may be applied to your device, visit the Windows release health dashboard.

Information for commercial customers

As a second half (H2) of the calendar year release, Enterprise and Education editions of Windows 10, version 20H2 will receive 30 months of servicing and support beginning today. We recommend that commercial organizations begin targeted deployments to validate that their apps, devices and infrastructure work as expected with the new release and innovations therein. To support this effort, Windows 10, version 20H2 is now available through Windows Server Update Services (including Configuration Manager), Windows Update for Business and the Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC)1. For more information about deployment options and the latest features for commercial customers, see ‘What’s new for IT pros in Windows 10, version 20H2.’  If you are curious about Windows Server, version 20H2, which was also released today, please refer to Windows Server documentation.

The tools you need to do more and stay secure

Our commitment remains on helping you remain protected and productive, both professionally and personally. The Windows 10 October 2020 Update offers an improved experience for tablet users and those seeking to personalize their taskbars, notifications and other settings. It is also the first Windows 10 release to include the new Microsoft Edge, built on Chromium, enabling you to create profiles for work, life and everything in between so that you can easily sync and switch profiles across devices. For a full recap of these and other improvements, see What’s new in the Windows 10 October 2020 Update. As with each release, we will closely monitor the October 2020 Update experience and share timely information on the current rollout status and known issues (open and resolved) across both feature and monthly updates via the Windows release health dashboard and @WindowsUpdate. Please continue to tell us about your experience by providing comments or suggestions via Feedback Hub. Note: 1 It may take a day for downloads to be fully available in the Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC) across all products, markets and languages.]]> Microsoft Expressive Pixels: a platform for creativity, inclusion and innovation https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2020/09/03/microsoft-expressive-pixels-a-platform-for-creativity-inclusion-and-innovation/ Thu, 03 Sep 2020 16:00:30 +0000 https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/?p=174688 You’re sitting at your PC, at home, working remotely. You’ve got a partner who is doing the same.

Without requiring you to even turn around, an LED display visible to anyone near you lights up an emoji: a stop sign.

Now your household knows you

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]]> Expressive Pixels, a Windows 10 authoring platform focused on animated visualizations now available for free in the Microsoft Store. In addition to the app, it has a common set of maker firmware source code that enables users with an LED display device to communicate using visuals or emoji. Taken altogether, it can expand non-verbal communication, drive creative applications for developers to use via open source APIs and lower the barrier to entry for aspiring programmers, designers and researchers. Expressive Pixels also acts as a springboard for amateur makers or more computer savvy programmers, allowing them to build new creations without having to figure out how to consume and program animations and images on small devices, by providing a library that does the animation. https://youtu.be/qTP_vLQSP9E No matter where you are working, learning or connecting, Expressive Pixels delivers an animated way to personalize your space and augment your presence, in the same way pictures and knickknacks do. “We focus so much on basic day to day functions, but if you look at what makes us human, there are emotions. We want to express and connect with each other,” says Bernice You, a general manager of strategy and projects in Small, Medium & Corporate Business at Microsoft who is on the Expressive Pixels project team and also instrumental in the release of the Eyes First games in 2019, which incorporate Windows 10 Eye Control, a key accessibility feature for people with speech and mobility disabilities. “Being productive is great, but we want to be humans too. It’s quite an untouched space.” The Expressive Pixels project incorporates years of a deep and meaningful collaboration between the Enable Group at Microsoft and people with severe speech and mobility disabilities to try to understand their perspectives, needs and problems as they pertain to communication, creative expression, identity, and human connection with a focus on augmenting traditional AAC devices with novel experiences that serve as proxies for non-verbal communication, personal and creative expression, social cues and device status.“This can be both a serious thing and a fun and creative way of saying something about yourself,” says Harish Kulkarni, an engineering manager on the AI frameworks team within Microsoft’s Cloud and AI group, who was also part of the Enable team for several years and a guiding force in integrating Eye Control in Windows 10. Along the way to this release, the team unlocked all kinds of serendipitous innovation, consistently tackling obstacles with an open and fresh perspective inspired by the value the technology could bring to people. When they realized they needed a form factor that could easily be seen across a room and in a variety of lighting conditions, they turned to user-friendly LED displays, which are available off the shelf through third party producers such as Sparkfun, Adafruit and SiliconSquared Displays (the latter a custom-made an all-in-one device conceived and engineered to address resolution, connectivity, storage and animation abilities, made by the Expressive Pixel team’s sole engineer, Gavin Jancke). But you can also use Expressive Pixels without an LED display or other device, simply inserting animated GIFs into emails. Then came another hurdle: developing software that would make it easy to render animations on the displays. Again, Jancke took up the challenge and engineered the firmware. Together the firmware plus the authoring app combine to form a platform that can be run on a multitude of devices. With the firmware, makers can use specific aspects or expand on it. Creators can share their original animations in a Cloud Gallery in the app. Jancke’s been instrumental in developing these pivotal elements for Expressive Pixels – and all in his spare time, away from his day job.Communication is not just what your text says or what you're speaking. There's a whole lot of nonverbal communication happening, including knowing when it’s your turn to speak.The prototyping and evolution of a custom display device.“Generally when I get involved in something, I make a royal meal out of it,” jokes Jancke, a general manager of engineering within Microsoft Research. But reflecting more seriously, he adds, “My passion is serving underserved populations or communities, to give them capabilities that are out of their reach because of their technical ability, but within my technical ability.” Jancke is a jack of all trades who gained new skills – including electrical engineering – over the three years he invested in the project. Along the way he created a new device category with a higher resolution display of RGB LEDs than had previously been available. He also figured out how to untether the experience for maximum mobility, incorporating Bluetooth technology and different mechanisms to trigger animations such as with switched or MIDI music signals. “What’s really interesting is the unintended consequences of pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, learning something new,” he says. “You gain surprising insights and abilities.” The road to the release of Expressive Pixels began more than five years ago with the Enable Group’s interest in improving AAC (Augmentative and Alternate Communication) devices, which are usually cost prohibitive because they’re part of the medical market.Principle design researcher Ann Paradiso led the efforts, guided by a desire to apply her energy in service to others. She had worked on Jancke’s team in Microsoft Research before moving over to the Enable Group, so it was natural for him to help her as this project gained momentum. Early on, they worked with former NFL player Steve Gleason, who helped inspire and drive development of the research that would lead to their project, after he was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). Even though he’s considered adept in using eye tracking technology, he still had trouble communicating to others when he had technical problems, as his eyes were focused on his screen and not on the person who was trying to converse with him. “If you spend any amount of time with anybody using a speech device with their eyes only, you’ll notice that the pace of the conversation slows down drastically from conversational speech. AAC users frequently see a 12-25 fold decrease in word rate, even with improvements in prediction and eye gaze accuracy,” Paradiso says. “So what we see a lot is a pattern where conversation partners either don't learn to sit with the extra silence or they are unable to see that a response is being composed, so the conversation moves on and the person with the speech-related disability gets left behind.” That led to user-centered research alongside people with ALS (PALS) and their families. Paradiso and her collaborators met regularly with them, accompanying them on clinical appointments and observing their interactions with neurologists, speech pathologists, physical therapists and more. The team would go to PALS’ homes and invite them into the team’s labs at Microsoft. The trust and relationships that came from this enabled the team to really get to know the whole ecosystem around disabilities, their support systems, families, equipment, what worked, what didn’t.One of the things we realized pretty quickly was that there could be high value in optimizing LED displays for emoji-based communication.“Emojis are already ubiquitous in digital communication platforms, including text-based messaging, email and social media. They require fewer 'clicks' to express intent, add context, or set tone. A single emoji can dramatically alter or enhance the interpretation of a message. We think they can be leveraged as a supplemental expressive proxy for people who may not have access to speech or the muscles that drive facial expression," Paradiso says. “Our PALS collaborators have been some of the funniest, most thoughtful and creative people I’ve known, but their expressive range can be limited by the constraints of disability as well as today’s speech devices and their underlying technologies. We know that people want to express a lot more with their AAC devices than basic transactional communication. We wanted to create something that would help people stay more actively engaged in conversations, be visible in low light and from a distance, and provide another avenue for unique expression, playfulness and connection.” The team looked at different types of secondary displays, but they kept coming back to LED displays, for several reasons: they're low-cost, they work reasonably well and “they have kind of a cool factor.” The team’s collaborators in PALS also made it clear they didn't want to use anything that could have unintended negative social consequences for the users. “Watching somebody living with ALS and being able to empower them to do something that they previously had given up all hope of being able to do is enough to inspire you to want to do more,” says Dwayne Lamb, a developer who specializes in User Experience and User Interface creation who joined the Enable Group in early 2017. “Most of the time when you're trying to communicate with somebody who can only use their eyes to communicate, they’re using their eyes to type into a keyboard on a device right in front of them, and although it's not socially good etiquette, you commonly find yourself kind of looking over their shoulder to try and see what they're typing.” Expressive Pixels evolved in part from wanting to solve that problem. [caption id="attachment_174697" align="aligncenter" width="2252"]Face emoji Emoji in the Expressive Pixels app[/caption] And with Expressive Pixels, it’s possible to create animations on displays of many sizes, up to 64 x 64 pixels, says Christopher O’Dowd, who helped fill the hardware gaps on the project. He points out that LED displays are ubiquitous at Maker Faires, on houses during the holidays, etc. LED displays are so versatile, you often even find them on fabric (face masks, caps and backpacks, for instance) or banners. One early way the team incorporated LED displays was through hands-free music, an award-winning SXSW project. There, they used a custom midi-enabled, music synced LED array as a supplemental visualization to an eye controlled, physical drum rig designed for one of their collaborators, a Seattle area musician living with ALS. The project, which won the 2018 SXSW Interactive Innovation Award: Music and Audio Innovation, features a suite of novel eye-controlled applications for music performance, collaboration and composition. “How does someone without access to speech or movement compose or perform music, command a stage, or connect with a live audience? What about collaborating with other musicians in rehearsed or improvisational scenarios? How can we lower the barriers to making school music programs more inclusive without ‘othering’ or minimizing the students with disabilities? These were some of our foundational questions,” Paradiso recalled. “We wanted to adapt our technology and designs to align with a person’s creative goals and real-life scenarios, rather than the way around.” Lamb came up with the idea to add Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) capability, with the core idea to send out different signals to different instruments – an idea that would transfer to Expressive Pixels. https://youtu.be/7VshX3V9ivQ“Every time we worked toward a different goal, we’d push the platform further,” Paradiso says. The Expressive Pixels platform is open to a broad range of creators. In addition to the maker community, students can design for others and learn JavaScript through Microsoft MakeCode. Generally MakeCode devices have just a very small handful of LEDs, Jancke says, so bringing true display capability opens up a large range of new abilities for students to create, experiment and program with using something like the SiliconSquared Displays attached to a MakeCode gadget. “Expressive Pixels provides an easy way for students to integrate animations produced from the authoring app into their MakeCode programing and hardware creations with minimal fuss,” Jancke says. The app itself would know what animations are stored on the device, so different commands would trigger the specific response on it. Through this and other Enable projects, Paradiso found herself rediscovering her passion for the company, after nearly 20 years with it. “To see so many people coming together, many on their personal time, to work on behalf of something bigger than us individually is inspired and aligned with our company’s values and mission, and that makes me happy and hopeful for a more inclusive, creative future for everyone,” Paradiso says. Go to the Expressive Pixels site to find out more.]]> Microsoft and Samsung expand partnership, empowering you across work and play https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2020/08/05/microsoft-and-samsung-expand-partnership-empowering-you-across-work-and-play/ Wed, 05 Aug 2020 15:00:58 +0000 https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/?p=174434 Today, we are excited to share the latest innovations in our partnership with Samsung, bringing together Samsung’s new devices for productivity with the best apps and services across Microsoft 365, Windows 10 and Xbox to help you across work and play. We know technology is more important today than ever before. While life has changed […]

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]]> Samsung phone next to open PC laptop with a blue keyboard We know technology is more important today than ever before. While life has changed for everyone, some important things remain the same. People need to connect. They need to work. They need to play and enjoy life. Together, Microsoft and Samsung are addressing these needs, creating experiences and devices that are easier to use than ever before while providing greater flexibility and access to the tools you need from any place at any time. Since we announced our long-term partnership last year, we have been working closely to co-engineer experiences that help you move seamlessly between your devices and your life. Today, we share new integrations that will make this even easier. Seamless connection between PC and Phone We all rely on a variety of devices everyday across our work and personal lives, which often leads to disconnected experiences. A phone buzzing while you are in your work flow on your PC is the last thing you need, especially with the constant stream of interruptions we are facing while trying to work in new conditions. Microsoft’s Your Phone app and Link to Windows integration on select Samsung devices, enables you to stay in the flow by allowing you to take calls, check notifications, see photos and messages, all from your Windows 10 PC. Now, on your Samsung Galaxy Note20, you can access and interact with your favorite mobile apps directly on your Windows 10 PC through the Your Phone app [1]. GIF shows Samsung phone connecting to PC apps When you launch an app, it opens in a separate window, allowing you to multi-task and saving you the time and hassle of sign-in or set up. You can also pin your phone’s Android apps to your Windows 10 taskbar or Start menu for quick and easy access, making things like checking out your social feed or ordering your lunch while you wrap up a conference call even easier, without ever picking up your phone. GIF shows Your Phone app, showing mobile apps on PC screen Samsung Galaxy Note20 users can now access a single mobile app on their PC [2], with the power and convenience of running multiple apps side by side available later this year. Whether you are working on a document, keeping up on your social media feed or simply staying connected with family and friends, everything is accessible in one place, so your flow is never broken. Productivity wherever you are We are also making it seamless to transition between your Galaxy Note20 and Microsoft 365 apps with instant access to your most important notes across your devices. Coming soon, notes from Samsung Notes can automatically sync with your OneNote feed in Outlook on the web or OneNote as an image. You can quickly jot down your notes from a meeting or grocery list with your S Pen on Galaxy Note20 and have instant access to the content in your productivity apps like Outlook and OneNote. GIF shows M365 Samsung Notes, sharing a sketch of a bridge from a phone to an email on the PC laptop You will also be able to sync Samsung Reminders from your Galaxy Note20 to your Windows 10 PC across Microsoft To Do, Outlook and Microsoft Teams experiences, so you can view and edit from anywhere, keeping your reminders aligned across your phone, PC and apps. GIF shows Samsung Reminders opening up on the phone from Tasks on the PC laptop For the past year, Outlook has served as the app for personal productivity on new Samsung phones. We’re excited to announce today that we’re extending this integration to include Samsung Galaxy watches, including the new Galaxy Watch3. As the native email app on your most important devices across the Samsung ecosystem, Outlook will help you stay organized and productive. Custom optimization for S Pen will also be available on Galaxy Note20, making it easy to write or ink on photographs from your gallery. And Outlook brings Play My Emails to Android devices [3], offering a voice forward, hands-free way to listen and respond to what’s new in your inbox so you can get time back in your day. With OneDrive on Samsung Galaxy phones, you have your important files, documents and photos at your fingertips across devices. You can set your phone’s camera roll to automatically sync to OneDrive with Gallery, so your photos and videos are protected and always accessible. And with OneDrive Personal Vault you can store and protect important files with peace of mind behind an extra layer of identity verification. You can keep digital copies of your passport, ID cards, insurance, taxes and other sensitive files in OneDrive and access them securely on your device wherever you are [4]. Xbox Game Pass in your hands Today, we also announced Xbox is partnering with Samsung to make gaming more accessible to players around the world, via the cloud. With cloud gaming (beta) as part of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Microsoft’s gaming subscription service, members can play Xbox games on their Xbox console, PC and Android devices using an Xbox controller. Mobile players can play over 100 high-quality Xbox games directly on their Galaxy phone or tablet. Game screenshot shown on PC display and phone, along with a white Xbox controller, with game covers in the background Beginning Sept. 15, you’ll be able to experience the best of Xbox Game Pass by downloading the app from the Samsung Galaxy Store, giving you the freedom to access expansion packs, downloadable content and more. Whether it’s racing through the beautiful English countryside in Forza Horizon 4 on a new Galaxy Note20 during a lunch break, or fighting alongside your pet llama in Minecraft Dungeons on a Tab S7 at home once the workday ends, Galaxy devices provide the best way to pick up and play games directly from the cloud. Customers who pre-order the new Galaxy Note20 have the option to select the Gaming Bundle at purchase, which includes three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Additionally, Samsung is including the all-new Power A MOGA XP5-X Plus Bluetooth Controller with an attachable phone clip with the Gaming Bundle to ensure those Galaxy Note20 customers enjoy a great cloud gaming experience. Pre-orders begin today and cloud gaming as part of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate goes live in 22 markets in North America, Europe and South Korea beginning Sept. 15. With Xbox Game Pass on your Samsung Galaxy, your Xbox games are always in your pocket. We are excited to continue working together with Samsung to create new experiences that enable your devices to work together seamlessly across work and play to help you stay in your flow – whatever that may be. [1] Users must link their Galaxy device to their Windows PC through ‘Link to Windows’ on phone and Your Phone app on PC, follow the set-up prompts, including being signed into same Microsoft account. Link to Windows is preloaded on select Galaxy devices. Your Phone requires latest Windows 10 Update on the PC. Galaxy device must be on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the PC. Some mobile apps may restrict content to be shared on other screens or may require a touch screen to be able to interact with them. Ability to run multiple apps simultaneously will start rolling out in November 2020. [2] Beginning 8/21 with retail availability of Samsung Galaxy Note20. [3] U.S only. [4] OneDrive Basic 5 GB free accounts and 100 GB plans can store a maximum of 3 files in Personal Vault. A Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscription is required to store more than 3 files in Personal Vault. Today, we are excited to share the latest innovations in our partnership with Samsung, bringing together Samsung’s new devices for productivity with the best apps and services across Microsoft 365, Windows 10 and Xbox to help you across work and play. We know technology is more important today than ever before. While life has changed for everyone, some important things remain the same. People need to connect. They need to work. They need to play and enjoy life. Together, Microsoft and Samsung are addressing these needs, creating experiences and devices that are easier to use than ever before while providing greater flexibility and access to the tools you need from any place at any time. Since we announced our long-term partnership last year, we have been working closely to co-engineer experiences that help you move seamlessly between your devices and your life. Today, we share new integrations that will make this even easier. Seamless connection between PC and Phone We all rely on a variety of devices everyday across our work and personal lives, which often leads to disconnected experiences. A phone buzzing while you are in your work flow on your PC is the last thing you need, especially with the constant stream of interruptions we are facing while trying to work in new conditions. Microsoft’s Your Phone app and Link to Windows integration on select Samsung devices, enables you to stay in the flow by allowing you to take calls, check notifications, see photos and messages, all from your Windows 10 PC. Now, on your Samsung Galaxy Note20, you can access and interact with your favorite mobile apps directly on your Windows 10 PC through the Your Phone app [1]. GIF shows Samsung phone connecting to PC apps When you launch an app, it opens in a separate window, allowing you to multi-task and saving you the time and hassle of sign-in or set up. You can also pin your phone’s Android apps to your Windows 10 taskbar or Start menu for quick and easy access, making things like checking out your social feed or ordering your lunch while you wrap up a conference call even easier, without ever picking up your phone. GIF shows Your Phone app, showing mobile apps on PC screen Samsung Galaxy Note20 users can now access a single mobile app on their PC [2], with the power and convenience of running multiple apps side by side available later this year. Whether you are working on a document, keeping up on your social media feed or simply staying connected with family and friends, everything is accessible in one place, so your flow is never broken. Productivity wherever you are We are also making it seamless to transition between your Galaxy Note20 and Microsoft 365 apps with instant access to your most important notes across your devices. Coming soon, notes from Samsung Notes can automatically sync with your OneNote feed in Outlook on the web or OneNote as an image. You can quickly jot down your notes from a meeting or grocery list with your S Pen on Galaxy Note20 and have instant access to the content in your productivity apps like Outlook and OneNote. GIF shows M365 Samsung Notes, sharing a sketch of a bridge from a phone to an email on the PC laptop You will also be able to sync Samsung Reminders from your Galaxy Note20 to your Windows 10 PC across Microsoft To Do, Outlook and Microsoft Teams experiences, so you can view and edit from anywhere, keeping your reminders aligned across your phone, PC and apps. GIF shows Samsung Reminders opening up on the phone from Tasks on the PC laptop For the past year, Outlook has served as the app for personal productivity on new Samsung phones. We’re excited to announce today that we’re extending this integration to include Samsung Galaxy watches, including the new Galaxy Watch3. As the native email app on your most important devices across the Samsung ecosystem, Outlook will help you stay organized and productive. Custom optimization for S Pen will also be available on Galaxy Note20, making it easy to write or ink on photographs from your gallery. And Outlook brings Play My Emails to Android devices [3], offering a voice forward, hands-free way to listen and respond to what’s new in your inbox so you can get time back in your day. With OneDrive on Samsung Galaxy phones, you have your important files, documents and photos at your fingertips across devices. You can set your phone’s camera roll to automatically sync to OneDrive with Gallery, so your photos and videos are protected and always accessible. And with OneDrive Personal Vault you can store and protect important files with peace of mind behind an extra layer of identity verification. You can keep digital copies of your passport, ID cards, insurance, taxes and other sensitive files in OneDrive and access them securely on your device wherever you are [4]. Xbox Game Pass in your hands Today, we also announced Xbox is partnering with Samsung to make gaming more accessible to players around the world, via the cloud. With cloud gaming (beta) as part of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Microsoft’s gaming subscription service, members can play Xbox games on their Xbox console, PC and Android devices using an Xbox controller. Mobile players can play over 100 high-quality Xbox games directly on their Galaxy phone or tablet. Game screenshot shown on PC display and phone, along with a white Xbox controller, with game covers in the background Beginning Sept. 15, you’ll be able to experience the best of Xbox Game Pass by downloading the app from the Samsung Galaxy Store, giving you the freedom to access expansion packs, downloadable content and more. Whether it’s racing through the beautiful English countryside in Forza Horizon 4 on a new Galaxy Note20 during a lunch break, or fighting alongside your pet llama in Minecraft Dungeons on a Tab S7 at home once the workday ends, Galaxy devices provide the best way to pick up and play games directly from the cloud. Customers who pre-order the new Galaxy Note20 have the option to select the Gaming Bundle at purchase, which includes three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Additionally, Samsung is including the all-new Power A MOGA XP5-X Plus Bluetooth Controller with an attachable phone clip with the Gaming Bundle to ensure those Galaxy Note20 customers enjoy a great cloud gaming experience. Pre-orders begin today and cloud gaming as part of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate goes live in 22 markets in North America, Europe and South Korea beginning Sept. 15. With Xbox Game Pass on your Samsung Galaxy, your Xbox games are always in your pocket. We are excited to continue working together with Samsung to create new experiences that enable your devices to work together seamlessly across work and play to help you stay in your flow – whatever that may be. [1] Users must link their Galaxy device to their Windows PC through ‘Link to Windows’ on phone and Your Phone app on PC, follow the set-up prompts, including being signed into same Microsoft account. Link to Windows is preloaded on select Galaxy devices. Your Phone requires latest Windows 10 Update on the PC. Galaxy device must be on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the PC. Some mobile apps may restrict content to be shared on other screens or may require a touch screen to be able to interact with them. Ability to run multiple apps simultaneously will start rolling out in November 2020. [2] Beginning 8/21 with retail availability of Samsung Galaxy Note20. [3] U.S only. [4] OneDrive Basic 5 GB free accounts and 100 GB plans can store a maximum of 3 files in Personal Vault. A Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscription is required to store more than 3 files in Personal Vault. ]]>