windows 10

The new Windows 10 November update has been released, leaving many Windows users wondering whether they should install it or not. Windows 10 updates can be a pain. Typically coming out every six months, they are large files that require long reboots after installation. Until recently, Windows installed updates when it decided they were necessary, not when it was convenient for the user. (We can now schedule or pause updates, but this was not always the case.)

Additionally, some updates introduce inconvenient problems like moving or removing settings or applications, but others like the infamous October 2018 update can literally hobble your PC. Labeled “the worst version of Windows ever,” this update introduced a data-destroying error, installed applications that would not work, summoned the Blue Screen of Death for many HP computers, and pushed the wrong drivers for audio and brightness on many users’ computers. For these reasons, users are sometimes wary of installing these updates.

However, Microsoft’s November update, named Windows version 1909, is a small update that installs quickly and only requires a short reboot. Chris Hoffman of How-To Geek even compared the update to Microsoft’s old service packs, and having installed the update myself, I can confirm that the update installed quickly in the background as I worked, and afterward, my computer rebooted just as quickly as it ever does.

A Small, Focused Microsoft Update

Unlike major updates in the past, the Windows 10 November update is very focused. Instead of introducing major new capabilities, the update focuses on optimizing existing features, fixing bugs, and improving system stability.

The few changes Microsoft have made are welcome. One example is a change to File Explorer that enables users to search for files on their PC as well as files stored in OneDrive. Similarly, users can now create calendar events from the taskbar rather than having to open the Calendar app to add events. These simple tweaks enhance the functionality of the taskbar in significant ways for heavy Windows users.

Another nice change is that Windows now allows users to use third-party voice assistants on the lock screen. We’ve already had the ability to use Microsoft’s Cortana on the lock screen, but now Amazon’s Alexa and Google’s Google Assistant can be integrated to work from the lock screen as well.

One feature that’s likely to go over well with many users is the new notifications management settings. Users can now customize the notifications they receive from apps, including turning the notification sound on or off and choosing which type of notification to receive from individual apps. These settings can be accessed through the settings menu, or users can click on the notification when it comes up in the notification pane and change the settings right there in the notification itself.

Other system tweaks in the Windows 10 November update include improved battery life for some computers and improved CPU resources for certain processors. Computers with digital inking should see lower latency, leading to a smoother drawing experience. The exact changes your system will experience will, of course, depend on your system itself.

Problems With The Windows 10 November Update

Even though version 1909 is pretty solid, it’s not perfect. Some users are reporting issues with File Explorer after installing this update. This isn’t entirely surprising since the November update introduced new functions for the search bar, including the ability to right-click on a file in the search bar to see its location. Some users are experiencing an extreme lag when typing into the search bar, or the search bar freezes when they click on a file. For other users, right-clicking on a file in the search bar will cause File Explorer to crash.

Windows has yet to comment on the problem, although experts expect Microsoft to release a fix soon since they focused so much of the November update on enhancing File Explorer. For now, the simple solution is to uninstall the update and return to the Windows 1903 update, which fixes the problem.

How To Get The Windows 10 November 2019 Update

For many users, the Windows 10 November update has to be manually installed. To do this, click Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. The update may show up when you reach this screen, but if not, click “Check for updates” and the file should appear with a button to begin installation. Microsoft offers a guide to installation with links to solutions for common installation problems. WindowsCentral.com also has a detailed guide to correcting any installation problems, claiming that most issues are related to outdated drivers.

The next major Windows update, known as Windows version 2004, is due out in April or May 2020 and is expected to be a much bigger update. Stay tuned to TracSoft for more information on this update as it becomes available.

Managing updates is an important part of caring for your business’ computer network. If you’re worried about the risks to your system from installing new updates, contact TracSoft to learn about our OS and patch management services. We rigorously test all updates for stability and compatibility with your network before installation, protecting your network from crippling issues. Trust TracSoft and make your workday run smoothly.