Microsoft on Wednesday began making its Windows 10 May 2020 update, version 2004, available to users after a over a month of testing with Windows Insiders.
There are dozens of new features that IT professions will enjoy, including enhanced cybersecurity features, easier deployment and setups, virtualization features, new updates to virtual assistant Cortana and dozens of other improvements.
Here are some that stand out to us:
- Passwordless sign in with face, fingerprint or PIN via Windows Hello, which is now supported as Fast Identity Online 2 (FIDO) authenticator across all major browsers. Windows Hello for Business now has Hybrid Azure Active Directory support and phone number sign-in, and FIDO2 security key support is expanded to Azure Active Directory hybrid environments.
- Windows Defender System Guard now enables a higher level of System Management Mode (SMM) Firmware Protection that allows the OS to detect a higher level of SMM compliance. This enables devices to be more resilient against exploits and vulnerabilities.
- Improvements in Windows Setup that include reduced offline time during feature updates, improved controls for reserved storage, improved diagnostics and new recovery options.
- SetupDiag, a command-line tool that can help diagnose why a Windows 10 update failed, is now automatically installed.
- Cortana updates and improvements including a new chat-based UI, productivity features and tightened security measures that require users to be logged in with work or school accounts before using Cortana.
- Graphics and display features like a new tablet experience for convertible PCs and the ability to use a display for a specialized purpose.
- The cloud-connected Desktop Analytics service integrated with Configuration Manager that provides data-driven insights on Windows endpoints within your organization.
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Many of the new features can help the world adjust to the coronavirus pandemic which has forced many workers into their home offices as businesses close, General Manager of Windows marketing Aaron Woodman wrote in a Tuesday blog post.
Since the beginning of this year, we have seen the world significantly change all around us. People, families and businesses are adjusting to new ways of working, learning and connecting. For many, our dining rooms have become home offices, our living rooms have turned into classrooms, and our kitchens social gathering spots and breakrooms. Amidst these changes, our needs to connect with one another and be productive from anywhere have never been more critical.
More than ever people are turning to Windows PCs to support fundamental human experiences. Students and professionals are using Office and Microsoft Teams for remote learning and collaboration, and whether they are down the street or across the world friends and families are celebrating accomplishments and holidays on Skype, even playing games together online to have fun.
As the world and people’s routines change, it is important that we focus on meeting the over a billion people around the world relying on Windows where they are now. That next step comes today with the release of the Windows 10 May 2020 Update. The May 2020 Update comes with feature improvements that will help save you time and maybe even be a source of fun.
For information on how to get the update, visit Microsoft’s official site.
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