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Top 10 Anniversary Update features to know about

5 min. read

Updated onOctober 10, 2022

updated onOctober 10, 2022

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Microsoft is boasting that its Anniversary Update is the best version of Windows ever, promising itsnew featureswill impress every users. Since not everyone had the chance to test out thenew Windows 10version, we’ll quickly list the most important features that come with the Anniversary Update for your reference

Here are the best Anniversary Update features

1. The new Windows 10 Refresh Tool

The Anniversary Update makes it easier for users toclean install Windows 10. There is no need to perform complex actions such as configuring your BIOS. All you have to do is download the RefreshWindowsTool.exe and follow the on-screen indications.

Thanks to the newWindows 10 Refresh Tool, it takes less time to clean install Windows 10, and all users with basic tech skills can perform the action.

For a step-by-step guide on how to use the Windows 10 Refresh Tool, check outour fix article.

2. You can now reactivate Windows 10 after changing your hardware

You can now link your Windows 10 digital license to your Microsoft Account. Thanks to this new feature, you can easily reactivate Windows 10after having upgraded your hardware.

If the message “Windows is not activated” is displayed on the screen, then the troubleshooting option allowing you to quickly reactivate your Windows 10 will be visible.

3. Windows Defender Limited Periodic Scanning

Up until recently, Microsoft didn’t allow Windows users to run two antivirus programs at the same time. Most users choose to run 3rd party product instead such asNortoninstead of running Microsoft’s nativeWindows Defender.

However, while 3rd-party antiviruses cannot fully protect your system, Microsoft can’t force users to run Windows Defender either. Therefore, the tech giant found some middle-ground: It now allows users to run 3rd-party antivirus programs together with Windows Defender.

The newLimited Periodic Scanning featureis actually only available for devices running 3rd-party antivirus programs. It periodically scans your computer and removes any threats that remained undetected by your full-time antivirus.

4. The Network Reset feature

You can now reset your network adapters with just a couple of clicks. This method allows you to fix the most commonWi-Fi or Ethernet issuespreventing you from connecting to the Internet.

5. Windows 10 Mobile Hotspot

Thanks to this new feature, you can now turn your Windows 10 PC into a mobile hotspot and share your internet connection with other devices.

6. More control over app battery usage

Battery lifeis very important, especially when you are on the go. Unfortunately, Microsoft’s devices have a long history of battery issues. The Surface devices have beenplagued by battery issues, and the battery drain problems on various Lumia models area never-ending saga.

The Anniversary Update helps users better manage the app battery usage by restricting apps fromrunning in the background. Also, the feature will turn off the apps you’re not using ifhigh battery drainis detected.

Go toSettings>System>Battery >clickBattery usage by app > customize the feature

7. Active hours update

Many Windows users complained the OS installed updates when they were using their computers, giving them no time to save the files they were working on. Fortunately, Microsoft heard your complaints. Now, Windows 10 lets you select the time you’re actively using your machine to avoid any conflict.

8. Dark Mode

Dark themes are useful if you’re using your laptop or tablet during the night. Thanks to the Anniversary Update, you no longer need to change the Registry toenable Dark Mode. You canactivate this modewith a few clicks instead.

9. Windows 10 now syncs phone notifications to your PC

Cortana is now a better assistant and can pushnotifications from your phone to your PC. There are no limitations regarding the phone platform you’re using:Android, iPhone, and Windows Phone notifications will all appear on your Windows 10 PC.

10. Microsoft Edge extensions

Using Edge extensions is easier now. You can simplydownload the extensionsyou want from the Microsoft Store and use them in your browser. Edge extensions are only available for Windows 10 PC; Microsoft already announced extensions wouldn’t come toWindows 10 Mobileanytime soon.

What are your favorite Windows 10 features?

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low#

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app#

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities#

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount#

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier#

Top 10 Anniversary Update features to know about#

Here are the best Anniversary Update features#

1. The new Windows 10 Refresh Tool#

2. You can now reactivate Windows 10 after changing your hardware#

3. Windows Defender Limited Periodic Scanning#

4. The Network Reset feature#

5. Windows 10 Mobile Hotspot#

6. More control over app battery usage#

7. Active hours update#

8. Dark Mode#

9. Windows 10 now syncs phone notifications to your PC#

10. Microsoft Edge extensions#