Windows 10 Feature Updates Discontinued by Microsoft Ahead of End of Support in 2025
As of my knowledge cutoff date of September 2021, Microsoft had not discontinued feature updates for Windows 10. However, Microsoft has announced that it will end support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, which means that after that date, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates, bug fixes, or technical support for Windows 10.
As Windows 10 approaches the end of its support lifecycle, Microsoft may start to wind down feature updates and focus more on security updates and bug fixes. This is because, after the end of support, any vulnerabilities or issues that are discovered in Windows 10 will not be patched by Microsoft, potentially leaving users vulnerable to security threats.
If you are a Windows 10 user, it’s important to stay up to date with Microsoft’s announcements about support and updates for the operating system, and consider upgrading to a newer version of Windows before the end of support in 2025.
Start Menu
The Start Menu in Windows 10 is a key feature that allows users to access their apps, files, and settings quickly and easily. The Start Menu in Windows 10 is designed to be customizable, so users can choose the apps and settings they want to see and access them with just a few clicks.
When you click on the Start Menu in Windows 10, you’ll see a list of frequently used apps on the left-hand side of the menu, along with shortcuts to File Explorer, Settings, and Power options. On the right-hand side of the menu, you’ll see a series of tiles that can display live information and notifications from your apps.
Users can customize the Start Menu by resizing the tiles, rearranging them, and adding or removing apps and shortcuts. You can also pin apps to the Start Menu for quick and easy access, and create groups of related apps to keep your Start Menu organized.
Overall, the Start Menu is a powerful feature in Windows 10 that makes it easy to find and access your apps, files, and settings, and customize your user experience to fit your needs.
Cortana
Cortana is a virtual assistant that is built into Windows 10. It uses natural language processing and machine learning to understand your voice commands and respond with helpful information or take actions on your behalf.
Cortana can help you with a wide range of tasks, such as setting reminders, sending emails, searching the web, and creating calendar events. You can interact with Cortana by typing in the search box on the taskbar, or by speaking to it using a microphone.
Cortana can also be personalized to your preferences, such as your favorite news sources, sports teams, and weather locations. This allows Cortana to provide you with relevant information and updates based on your interests.
In addition to its core features, Cortana can be integrated with other Microsoft products and services, such as Office 365, Skype, and OneDrive. This allows you to use Cortana to manage your work and personal life, and stay connected across all your devices.
Overall, Cortana is a powerful tool that can help you be more productive and stay organized, and it’s a key feature of the Windows 10 operating system.
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Task View
Task View is a feature in Windows 10 that allows users to switch between virtual desktops and manage their open windows more efficiently. With Task View, you can create multiple desktops, each with its own set of open windows and apps.
To access Task View, you can either click the Task View button on the taskbar (which looks like a rectangle with two smaller rectangles on either side), or press the Windows key + Tab.
Once you’re in Task View, you can create a new virtual desktop by clicking the “New desktop” button in the top left corner. You can then switch between your desktops by clicking on them, or by using the Windows key + Ctrl + left or right arrow keys.
Within each desktop, you can manage your open windows by clicking and dragging them between desktops, or by using the “Move to” option in the Task View menu. This allows you to keep your work organized and switch between tasks more efficiently.
Overall, Task View is a powerful feature in Windows 10 that can help you be more productive and manage your work more efficiently, particularly if you have a lot of open windows and apps
Action Center
The Action Center in Windows 10 is a central hub for all your notifications and important system settings. When you receive a notification, such as a new email or a system update, it will appear in the Action Center, along with a sound and/or visual alert.
To access the Action Center, you can click the notification icon in the bottom right corner of the taskbar (which looks like a speech bubble), or press the Windows key + A.
Once you’re in the Action Center, you can view all your notifications in one place, and take action on them as needed. For example, you can reply to an email or text message, dismiss a reminder, or update a system setting.
In addition to notifications, the Action Center also provides quick access to important system settings, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Airplane mode. This makes it easy to toggle these settings on or off without having to dig through menus or settings pages.
Overall, the Action Center is a powerful feature in Windows 10 that helps you stay on top of your notifications and manage your system settings more efficiently.
Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge is a web browser developed by Microsoft, and it is the default browser in Windows 10. Edge is designed to be fast, secure, and easy to use, and it includes a number of features that set it apart from other browsers.
One of the key features of Edge is its integration with Microsoft’s services and products, such as Bing, Cortana, and OneDrive. This allows users to quickly and easily search the web, manage their files, and get personalized recommendations and insights.
Another important feature of Edge is its support for extensions, which are small software programs that can add extra functionality to the browser. Edge supports a growing library of extensions, including popular ones like ad-blockers, password managers, and note-taking tools.
Edge also includes a number of built-in tools and features designed to enhance your browsing experience, such as Reading View, which removes distractions from web pages and makes them easier to read, and Web Notes, which allows you to annotate and highlight web pages.
Overall, Microsoft Edge is a powerful and versatile web browser that is designed to meet the needs of both casual and power users. With its fast performance, strong security features, and integration with Microsoft’s services, Edge is a strong choice for anyone looking for a high-quality web browsing experience.
Windows Hello
Windows Hello is a biometric authentication feature in Windows 10 that allows you to sign in to your device using facial recognition, fingerprint recognition, or a PIN code instead of a password. Windows Hello provides a fast and secure way to access your device and your data.
To use Windows Hello, you’ll need a compatible device with the necessary hardware, such as a webcam or fingerprint reader. Once you’ve set up Windows Hello, you can sign in to your device simply by looking at the camera, placing your finger on the reader, or entering your PIN code.
Windows Hello uses advanced algorithms and machine learning to recognize your face or fingerprint, and it is designed to be highly secure and resistant to spoofing or hacking. Your biometric data is stored securely on your device, and is never sent to Microsoft or shared with other apps or services.
In addition to device sign-in, Windows Hello can also be used to authenticate sign-ins to other apps and services, such as the Windows Store, OneDrive, and Office 365. This makes it easy to access your data and work across multiple devices without having to enter passwords or use other authentication methods.
Overall, Windows Hello is a powerful and convenient feature in Windows 10 that provides a fast, secure, and personalized sign-in experience. It’s a great option for anyone looking to enhance the security and convenience of their device.
