Windows 10 November 2019 Update - Here is everything you need to know - OUT NOW!

[GoodBytes]

A new version of Windows 10 is coming, yup it is that time of the year. Named Windows 10 November 2019, this update is more in line of the old Service Pack that older versions of Windows had, where they were not focused on features, but rather bug fixing, optimization and polish. As a result, it is not going to be an intresting one if you were seeking new features, but I think many can agree it is a welcomed one.

 

The new version was codename 19H2, and it will bring Windows 10 to version 1909

 

Delivery of Update

If you check Windows Update, you should see the following:

(if you don't, then be patient as it is being released in waves as always)

 

 

This is the new changes to Windows Updates, where you can choose when you want to update to a new version. So if you prefer to just wait and still get security and driver updates for your current version, you can. You are not forced to upgrade (until your current version support expires). 

 

 

New Update Process in Action

In the last update of Windows 10, Microsoft did improvements to the Windows Update when it comes to new version releases. With this update we will see it in action. What is expected, is that the update will download and install much faster. And if I am not mistaken, it should now offer you the option to install this new version update when you want (up to a certain amount of time, which if I recall correctly, it was until your current version is supported), and not be mixed with security updates.

 

 

What's new?

As I mentioned, really nothing to get excited about.

• Your AI assistant of choice on your lock screen. Beside the fact that you can change Cortana with another AI assistant (when and if there is a choice), now it can be active on your lock screen if you want to. So, if Amazon wants, they can bring Alexa on your lock screen if you want.
   
• You can now create events to your calendar directly from the Windows date and time panel. It will communicate with the Windows Calendar app, and add the event where you specified it, without stating the app.
  
   
• You have a "Manage Notifications" link at the top right corner of the Action Center to more easily manage them.
• The Start menu will now auto-expand and collapse the left most columns when you hover on items, revealing what each item does (Power button, documents, pictures, etc.)
• File Explorer search is now powered by Windows Search system. This gives us a new an updated UI that brings in local and cloud-based files, and not just local ones.
• Support for the Office and Emoji keyboard keys that Microsoft is introducing later (replaces the RIGHT Windows key, and menu key that no one uses. Right Windows key remains). Emo key does the same as Win+[.] on your keyboard, and the Office key should allow you to quickly launch the Office apps (example: Office+W to open Word, and allows for new keyboard shortcuts in Office as it is already cluttered as it is. We will see once more info is revealed, let alone a keyboard with it.

 

What has been improved?

• Expect a possible boost in performance if you have a CPU that favors number of cores.
• Expect an improvement in battery life for select mobile processors.
• Ability for OEMs and hardware maker to reduce the latency for pen supported devices if they need or want to.
• Ability for enterprises who chooses to have Windows 10 in S Mode devices, to supplement teh device with traditional Win32 (desktop) apps from Microsoft Intune.

 

 

Notes:

Please notes that I excluded the build-in apps of Windows unless it is specific to this version as normally Windows built-in apps are updated through the Windows Store and you may already have new features/changes already, or they are coming soon after this update. I invite you to check them out yourself, and discover.

 

If you are interested in the new Edge using Chromium now, this is apart from Windows now. A public preview will be announced soon. It is believed that a version will be made for Windows 7, 8, 10, OSX and Linux, like Chromium. Stay tune on the Tech News section for the news of when it goes live and more details.

 

 

 

Update/Download Update
As usual,

• Make sure your drivers are fully updated before checking for updates. This include things like: memory card reader and sound card, graphics card.
• Make sure all your installed games are fully updated. In the last update (May 2019 Update), if you don't have it, there was a problem with select anti-cheat systems used by games, no longer being compatible with the OS due to security fixes.
• If you use any security software, make sure they are all fully updated. 

 

 

What's After?

It is expected that the next version of Windows 10 will be feature focused. Although unclear if this feature will come to this version of Windows 10 via an update of the "Your Phone" app later or needs the coming up version of Windows 10, but Android users will be bale to answer and perform phones calls from their PC using their PC mic/speaker/headphones setup without lifting their phone. Already you can see your phone (Android only) notifications from your phone on your PC (you can pick which app you want notification to be sent to your PC or not to eliminate duplicated notifications, say from Skype or E-mail app), and see your phone pictures.

 

What was Before?

Spoiler

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2019/11/12/how-to-get-the-windows-10-november-2019-update/#zoh4Iybi3KpLFQB5.97

[circeseye]

please dont be buggy, please dont be buggy, please dont be buggy, please dont be buggy

[Princess Luna]

Thanks Goodie! Always very lovely threads on our favourite OS :3

 

That said, I'm sad there's no mention on dark mode being extended to the Task Manager yet

[aisle9]

Whelp, time to make sure all of my devices have updates paused for the next 3 months.

[Demonking]

I hope I get the update last in case something broken with it.

[Murasaki]

51 minutes ago, GoodBytes said:

Microosft

thats new

[porina]

I look forward to having my settings reset. Again.

 

35 minutes ago, GoodBytes said:

Support for the Office and Emoji keyboard keys that Microosft is introducing later (replaces the left Windows key, and menu key that no one uses. Right Windows key remains). Emo key does the same as Win+[.] on your keyboard, and the Office key should allow you to quickly launch the Office apps (example: Office+W to open Word, and allows for new keyboard shortcuts in Office as it is already cluttered as it is. We will see once more info is revealed, let alone a keyboard with it.

What right Windows key? Seriously. The keyboard I'm using right now at work is a Dell. Only has a left Windows key. The Microsoft Wireless Comfort 5050 I have under my desk also only has the left Windows key. On the right of alt-gr is a button that looks like task switcher, then the presumably menu key? Didn't know it had a name, I just thought of it as the right click key. Wait, on another system behind me is a Microsoft Wired Keyboard 600, and that does have a right Windows key. It does exist! Makes me wonder, if we were to poll, what do people really use? I might do that in the peripheral forum later.

 

Question this raises is if MS is trying yet another variation on keyboard layout, as opposed to any industry agreed standard. As a gamer and power user, I just prefer the standard layout before the Windows key was even added. It has caused (gaming) deaths when you accidentally hit it and leave games, so gaming keyboards often allow you to disable it, or I just pull off the cap if not.

 

I stopped personally buying MS keyboards as nothing is where I expect it to be any more. The last one I owned and used was the big white one with the split halves for comfort. Forgot its exact name but think it was part of the comfort curve series. It died to spilt drink. The modern replacement I bought was far more streamlined and keys were too close together. Probably still collecting dust in a forgotten corner of my house somewhere. It was unusable if you were used to a standard layout.

 

IMO I'm not a fan of more recent office targeted keyboards in general (not limited to MS). They seem to be deprecating the F keys and at best they're smaller than standard keys, and worse they're replaced by other functions.

[Rohith_Kumar_Sp]

i want the phone integration update ASAP really. i really wish i could just reply to messages via pc somehow connected to wifi - yes i know you can do those with first party phone apps

[NinJake]

52 minutes ago, GoodBytes said:

File Explorer search is now powered by Windows Search system. This gives us a new an updated UI that brings in local and cloud-based files, and not just local ones.

Hopefully there's a way to keep it as a local search. Not a fan of windows "online search".

 

55 minutes ago, GoodBytes said:

Expect a possible boost in performance if you have a CPU that favors number of cores.

Expect nothing, but will take a boost as a bonus.

 

The real question is what applications will this break at the workplace

[bcredeur97]

1 hour ago, GoodBytes said:

Support for the Office and Emoji keyboard keys that Microsoft is introducing later (replaces the left Windows key, and menu key that no one uses. Right Windows key remains). Emo key does the same as Win+[.] on your keyboard, and the Office key should allow you to quickly launch the Office apps (example: Office+W to open Word, and allows for new keyboard shortcuts in Office as it is already cluttered as it is. We will see once more info is revealed, let alone a keyboard with it.

What if my Keyboard doesn't have a right windows key? Like every computer in our offices with a Dell OEM keyboard? lol

will my only windows key (the left one) now be useless?

[GoodBytes]

5 minutes ago, bcredeur97 said:

What if my Keyboard doesn't have a right windows key? Like every computer in our offices with a Dell OEM keyboard? lol

will my only windows key (the left one) now be useless?

It is a different key identification code. Your keyboard will act like before. This is just another key coded added to the list of special keys: Mail, Calculator, Search, Media controls ones, Sleep, browser back and forward keys and so on.

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/inputdev/virtual-key-codes?redirectedfrom=MSDN

 

[DrMacintosh]

1 hour ago, Princess Luna said:

Always very lovely threads on our favorite OS :3

 

[Bananasplit_00]

1 hour ago, GoodBytes said:

File Explorer search is now powered by Windows Search system.

So they swapped the working search for the one that sometimes works? Yikes...

 

1 hour ago, GoodBytes said:

replaces the left Windows key, and menu key that no one uses. Right Windows key remains).

So they are replacing the windows key that's in a good position for some random garbage instead of the one that's not always there and never touched?

 

 

Uuuh yah no thanks

[HarryNyquist]

1 hour ago, GoodBytes said:

You can now create events to your calendar directly from the Windows date and time panel. It will communicate with the Windows Calendar app, and add the event where you specified it, without stating the app.

Oh boy, now I can add an event to a calendar that's such a joke no one actually uses it

[rcmaehl]

Taking bets on what's broken by this update.

 

 

[Ekin]

2 hours ago, GoodBytes said:

Support for the Office and Emoji keyboard keys that Microsoft is introducing later (replaces the left Windows key, and menu key that no one uses. Right Windows key remains).

 

Are you sure the left Windows key gets replaced and not the right one? 

I am a heavy user of the left Windows key and can only find pictures where the right one got replaced.

Spoiler

https://www.theverge.com/2019/10/11/20909475/microsoft-office-key-emoji-key-keyboards

 

 

BTW Great post as always!

[jiyeon]

3 hours ago, GoodBytes said:

Expect an improvement in battery life for select mobile processors.

Is there an upcoming list or article of which ones? Would be nice for my laptop which is running Manjaro Linux at the moment since Manjaro is beginning to become more apparent that it's not a friendly OS to use for me.

[Ashleyyyy]

3 hours ago, Princess Luna said:

That said, I'm sad there's no mention on dark mode being extended to the Task Manager yet

how about the entire OS? like you know, all other major desktop OS's.... 

[Ashleyyyy]

as long as it doesn't mess up my one windows machine i use day to day i'm good. i use it on my Mac too, but in a VM... so i can just roll that back if i have to. 

[SaviorSix]

Will it fix my lock screen image? It always goes to the default when I turn my computer on, then goes to the lock screen I set after I log in.

[GoodBytes]

54 minutes ago, Ekin said:

 

Are you sure the left Windows key gets replaced and not the right one? 

I am a heavy user of the left Windows key and can only find pictures where the right one got replaced.

  Reveal hidden contents

 

https://www.theverge.com/2019/10/11/20909475/microsoft-office-key-emoji-key-keyboards

 

 

BTW Great post as always!

Oops I meant right. Sorry. Thanks.

I think I wanted to say that the left one remains, but screwed up in my edits. Thanks!

[Zando_]

"Expect a possible boost in performance if you have a CPU that favors number of cores."

Would hexacores fall under this as well? Or are you talking much higher core count CPUs?

[samcool55]

Oh boy how exciting another bugpack.

Didn't they just announced like a few weeks ago 1903 is finally stable enough to be installed on critical systems or something?

[GoodBytes]

8 minutes ago, Zando Bob said:

"Expect a possible boost in performance if you have a CPU that favors number of cores."

Would hexacores fall under this as well? Or are you talking much higher core count CPUs?

Microsoft was vague, and I only have a quad core on my setup with a super old GPU, making y system not game-able, so I never looked into it.

 

[Zando_]

1 minute ago, GoodBytes said:

Microsoft was vague, and I only have a quad core on my setup with a super old GPU, making y system not game-able, so I never looked into it.

 

 Would there be a reliable way to test? I can make sure to install 1904 on the rig I plan to build this weekend, if there's a test I can run then I can repeat it after I update to 1909. CPU will be a 10c/20t 1.70Ghz (it has no turbo) Xeon, if there's a performance increase for high core count CPUs I should notice it.