Microsoft just released a huge new update for Windows 10 — here's what's new
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.AP
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On Tuesday, Microsoft released a big free upgrade to Windows 10 that brings new features to the operating system.
Officially dubbed the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update, the new software won't change your Windows 10 experience very much. Instead, the update brings a whole bunch of smaller and behind-the-scenes tweaks for PCs and tablets that include a few new settings, features, and apps.
Here's a quick rundown of the Fall Creators Update highlights:
The update's headline feature is support for Microsoft-certified virtual-reality headsets.
Tuesday marks the release date not just for the Fall Creators Update, but also for those new headsets. They range from $299 all the way up to Samsung's premium $499 model.
When you plug one of the new headsets into a computer running the update and put it on, you'll be taken to the Cliff House, Microsoft's new VR interface.
Microsoft is also following in Snapchat's and Facebook's footsteps, adding augmented-reality stickers.
With the update, you can now use the Paint 3D app to create AR stickers and place them — virtually — in the real world.
You can now pin the contact information for your favorite people to the task bar.
You can pin your friends to the task bar using Windows 10's new People app. The task bar will display thumbnail versions of their profile pictures.
If you click on a picture, you can quickly send that friend a message using email or Skype. You can also send the person a file by just dragging it to the friend's image.
Another nifty feature frees up space by allowing you to store seldom-used files in Microsoft's cloud.
Called OneDrive Files-on-Demand, the feature essentially gives you more hard-drive space. Through it, you upload files to the cloud and access them as you need them, provided you have internet access. The feature is similar to one offered by Dropbox and another built into Apple's macOS.
The Photos app can now automatically create video slideshows from photo albums.
Microsoft calls the feature Remix. You activate it by pushing the Remix button in the Photos app while selecting an album. The feature allows you to set the mood of the video by choosing matching theme music.
Microsoft has also made it way easier to find emojis.
To access the new emoji menu, you just press the Windows button plus the period key or semicolon key. Microsoft has added new emojis, including zombies and dinosaurs, and given others a face-lift.
Windows 10 can now relay Android phone notifications to your PC.
You have to install Microsoft's Cortana app on your phone to activate the feature, which can also let you know when you have an incoming call.
Windows 10 works better — and has new features for — stylus users.
Text input is smoother and faster in Windows 10 thanks to the update, and you can now use a stylus to advance slides in a PowerPoint presentation. If you lose your stylus, Windows 10 can help you find it.
The update adds some handy browser updates, including the ability to pin websites to the task bar.
One feature allows you to go to a website from your desktop with one click. Another allows you to annotate e-books you're reading in Microsoft's Edge browser by just drawing right on your screen with a stylus.
Among the other changes in the Fall Creators Update are tweaks for developers and security upgrades.
The update offers lots of little changes all over the operating system. Among them are expanded support for Linux and additional protections against ransomware like "WannaCry."
Microsoft also unveiled the Surface Book 2, a premium laptop designed to show off what Windows can do.
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