The major spring update for Windows 10 (build 1903) is currently in the final test loop with insiders. If no more serious bugs are found, it is expected that its rollout can begin as planned at the end of next month. Microsoft is already reassuring users in advance that there will not be another back and forth similar to the last fall update, which was withdrawn after a few days due to data loss for some users. To ensure this, the feedback cycle and quality control have been optimized, especially with regard to rare but serious errors. The new build brings numerous changes and innovations, some of which are also very interesting for companies.

This starts with a new update system. Here, Microsoft was faced with the problem that, on the one hand, the fastest possible updates are called for in terms of security, but at the same time this poses considerable difficulties for many administrators. As a first step towards solving these problems, Microsoft is separating the security updates from the semi-annual function updates with the new build. This separation is even reflected in the update menu, where there are now two different areas. This means that even those who have not yet installed the latest version will remain well protected in future. Only when the support cycle of the installed build is coming to an end will the system prompt you to upgrade and then initiate it automatically. This makes it much easier for administrators to thoroughly test new versions and only then introduce them without having to compromise on security.

Users and administrators now also have more control over individual updates. For example, they can choose whether updates found should be installed immediately or postponed up to five times for a maximum of seven days each time, i.e. up to 35 days in total. This pause option for updates prevents the frequent problem of them being installed at an inconvenient time for the user, when they don't want to risk anything because important work steps are in progress. According to Microsoft, the detection of suitable times for the automatic installation of updates has also been improved once again.

Cortana's new friend Alexa

Updates should be much easier to plan and control in future.

© Microsoft

The spring update also brings another change with regard to the minimum requirements. Instead of the previous minimum of 16 GB, Windows 10 now requires 32 GB of free storage space. This is partly due to the fact that Windows 10 is getting bigger and bigger. The 32-bit version could already just about fit on 16 GB, while the 64-bit version already required a good 20 GB. The fact that Microsoft is not only slightly increasing the requirements, but doubling them, is also due to the introduction of so-called "reserved storage". This reserved local storage space is intended to ensure that there is always enough free storage space available to download and install all updates. The cache and temporary files can also make partial use of this storage space. According to the information available so far, however, the reserved memory is only activated for new installations.

The next update for Windows 10 also promises significant improvements to the digital assistant functions. In order to increase usability, Microsoft has decided to add Amazon's competitor Alexa as a colleague to its own digital assistant Cortana. Each of the two can now be used to call up the other when required for a task. Specifically, Cortana can be instructed to place orders with Alexa, for example. Or, conversely, instruct Alexa to set an appointment in Cortana's calendar. The fact that Microsoft is opening up to the market-dominating competition here is a clever move from which both the company itself and users can benefit.

In addition, the update also further advances the separation of Cortana and search. For example, there are now separate pages with different settings for the two tools. These make it possible, for example, to conveniently extend the local search, which is normally limited to the usual user folders, and the associated indexing to all folders. If desired, individual drives and files can also be excluded in order to increase the search speed.

More power for users

The quick accesses in the Info Center should then also be easier to customize.

© Microsoft

One point of criticism that users often make about Windows - and other operating systems - is the pre-installed apps. This is why Microsoft's announcement that it would be significantly loosening the reins on Windows 10 caused some positive reactions in advance. After the update, many of these previously mandatory companions such as 3D Viewer, Movies & TV, Groove Music, Calendar, Mail, Paint 3D, Voice Recorder, Sticky Notes and the calculator can be uninstalled just like other programs. This works both directly via the context menu of the corresponding Start menu entry and via the system settings. There are also new sorting functions in the Start menu that offer greater customization options. For new installations and new accounts, this should lead to a better organized single-column tile area right from the start.

With the spring update, Windows 10 users will also have even more individual control over the notification assistant introduced in the fall. For example, this can now also be set so that no information is displayed when using applications in full-screen mode without having to define corresponding priority rules. This is an important step to avoid being distracted by message windows, especially when working. However, Microsoft has not implemented the wish expressed by some users to include a simple switch to completely turn Windows notifications on and off in the Info Center in addition to the step-by-step click-through modes.

Instead, the proposal to expand the dark mode, which is easy on the eyes and battery, has been incorporated. In addition to setting light and dark for applications, Windows mode can now also be used to adjust important system areas such as the Start menu and Info Center. If you don't want to go to the dark side, you can now also set your system to a lighter mode.

Secuirty improvements

Microsoft is also making security improvements with the update, particularly with regard to logins. Anyone using a Microsoft account with a stored mobile phone number can now have a code for the login sent to them via SMS instead of entering a password. Administrators can look forward to easier management of login configurations, which have also been expanded to include an option for the use of security keys. The sandbox, which allows potentially dangerous files to be executed in a secure area, is available for all users from the Pro version upwards. Windows Defender will be expanded to include tamper protection. This is intended to prevent unauthorized and dangerous changes being made to security-relevant functions, including Defender itself. In line with the latest findings, the company has removed its security recommendations on the use of automatically expiring passwords. Although the function is still available, security experts also advise against it, as it has been observed that forcing users to regularly reassign passwords leads to significantly weaker passwords in practice.

Build 1903 also gives users more control in the Info Center. There, the quick access icons can now be directly reordered, removed from the view and new ones added. Right-click to open a menu with the editing function. Previously, you had to take a detour via the settings. At least on mobile devices, the brightness of the screen can once again be adjusted smoothly and conveniently using the slider. The Sticky Notes app can now synchronize data via the Microsoft account and make it available on other devices. An info window that displays all current entries also provides a better overview. The app now also supports dark mode.

Other new features in build 1903 include new icons in the taskbar, which indicate the loss of an internet connection or a connected microphone, for example.