Microsoft’s Windows 10 Anniversary Update came out this week. The biggest feature update ever released for Windows 10 is one of only two upgrades Microsoft has made to the operating system since its release in the summer of 2015. Windows 10 is Microsoft’s chance to put Windows on a solid and modern footing. A foundation on which to build new apps, services, and experiences to compete with Apple, Google, Amazon, and more.
Microsoft has focused heavily on improving the Pen and Cortana experiences with Windows 10. These are the highlights of the upgrade anyway. However, there are dozens of minor changes scattered throughout the upgrade. Some fix problems from the release of Windows 10. Others are really nice additions that make Windows 10 feel more cohesive.
No matter how small the feature, Must Be Mobile cataloged and collected. Here are 15 quick tips for a better Windows 10 Anniversary Update experience. These tips are all about the new features added with the Free Windows 10 Anniversary Update.
Always Open Cortana
The Windows 10 Anniversary Update allows users to set Cortana to always listen so they can issue commands while their computer is asleep. For example, you can order your favorite artists to play from the middle of the room.
Click the Ask Me Anything field on the Taskbar. Then select the Settings cog. From there, enable always listening. Whenever your PC is on, whether you’re logged out or not, you can have it issue most commands to it. Some will require you to sign in.
Anniversary Update Tips: Check Windows Store Update History
Windows Store apps continue to update in the background for Windows 10, but a history is available in the Store app.
Open it, click on your avatar next to the search bar and select . The list details which apps were updated and when. You also have the version numbers in case something goes wrong with them.
Anniversary Update Tips: Access Folders by Startup
Microsoft has added quick links to access the most used folders directly from the Start experience. Go ahead and tap or click the Start button. They’re on the left edge of the start.
You can choose which folders appear on Start from the Settings app under Personalization under Start. Click or tap on it.
Anniversary Update Tips: Receive Messages From Your Phone
Install the app on your Android device from: Google Play store To receive battery alerts and notifications directly on your Windows PC from your phone.
Anniversary Update Tips: Remove Extra Lock Screen Photo
For some reason, Microsoft had two backgrounds for PCs before users even logged in. Now, when you flip the right switch, there’s only one picture there.
Scroll to , and then click . Flip the switch that activates the lock screen background on the home screen.
Anniversary Update Tips: Reset Broken Windows Store Apps
Don’t bother uninstalling and reinstalling Windows Store apps. Instead, reset them from the Apps & Features menu.
Go to the app, then select . Next, tap and click on it. Tap or click the required app and select .
Anniversary Update Tips: Turn Your PC Into A Wireless Dongle
Small gadgets like the Google Chromecast allow you to display your smartphone’s screen across the entire room. Windows 10 also allows this, thanks to the new application. Look for Connect in the list of installed apps on your device.
Anniversary Update Tips: Check Your Calendar from the Taskbar Clock
Any appointment in your Outlook Calendar app for the day will appear in the calendar clock in the Taskbar. Click or tap on it to see your upcoming appointments.
Anniversary Update Tips: Pin Apps to Taskbar for Notification Badges
If you pin apps downloaded from the Windows Store to the Taskbar, you’ll get notifications when there’s something new in them. This feature is especially useful for mail and messaging apps.
You can turn off badges from the app and below.
Anniversary Update Tips: Hide Taskbar in Tablet Mode
The Windows 10 Anniversary Update takes some small steps to bridge the gap between Tablet Mode and Windows 8’s touch interface. You can now have apps automatically take over the entire screen in Tablet Mode.
You can turn this feature on from the app, below and below.
Anniversary Update Tips: Reply to Messages Directly from the Action Center
When a new message appears from Skype or Twitter, do not rush to reply within the app. Instead, click the down arrow and reply directly from the Action Center.
Anniversary Update Tips: Add Taskbar to all Monitors
Going back to the options under it, there is an option to set the Taskbar to appear on a specific monitor or all monitors. Take advantage of this in your multi-monitor setups.
Anniversary Update Tips: Block Ads and Add Features to Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge, like other popular browsers, finally supports Extensions. Via the Windows Store, you can use these extensions to add functionality to Edge that Microsoft has yet to acquire. Amazon and Pocket extensions are already available. AdBlock allows users to block annoying ads.
Anniversary Update Tips: Look for App Icons in Action Center Button
Receive a notification but don’t want to open the Action Center? Every time you hear a notification sound, look for the Action Center button on the far right of the Taskbar. The icon for this app will appear there.
Anniversary Update Tips: Only Buy What Your Device Can Run From the Windows Store
With more Xbox games coming to the Windows Store, Microsoft had to do a better job of letting users know when and if their PC could handle a game they were about to buy. The new Requirements area on every app and game page in the Windows Store does just that. Look for the checkmarks next to the requirements your device meets.