Microsoft on Monday began rolling out the Windows 10 April 2018 Update (version 1803) to eligible Windows 10 PCs and tablets. Users can expect the update to be made available across the globe over the course of the next few weeks. This essentially means that the feature update will not be available on all PCs immediately, but can be downloaded manually. The Redmond giant had announced the starting date of the Windows 10 April 2018 Update rollout on Friday. There are several new features that the April 2018 Update brings to Windows 10, from the much-anticipated Timeline feature, to the Focus Assist distraction-free mode, new Microsoft Edge features, improved Dictation capabilities, as well as new Cortana skills.
Right now, the new version is available for users who want to get it manually, and then on May 8, the company will start rolling out through Windows Update. Notably, some of the devices may take months before they get it the update automatically. Here is how to download and install the update.
Windows 10 April 2018 Update with Windows Update: To download and install version 1803 using Windows Update, go to Settings > Update and security > Check for updates. Once the update is downloaded, restart the PC.
Windows 10 April 2018 Update with Update Assistant: To install the latest version of Windows 10 manually using Update Assistant, download the Update Assistant from the Microsoft support website. Now, double-click the Windows10Upgrade.exe file to launch the tool. Click the Update Now button. If your PC is compatible, click the Next button to begin the upgrade. Further, restart the device. Once the Update Assistant tool is done downloading the necessary files to upgrade your device, the user will have to follow the on-screen directions to finish the out-of-box-experience (OOBE).
Windows 10 April 2018 Update with Media Creation Tool: You can perform an in-place upgrade or clean installation of Windows 10 with the new feature update manually using the Media Creation Tool. After version 1803 becomes available through this tool, download the Media Creation Tool from the Microsoft support website. Now, double-click the MediaCreationTool.exe file. Then, click the Accept button to agree to the terms and select the Upgrade this PC now option. Further, click on Accept > Next > Keep personal files and apps > Install. Notably, you can also use the Media Creation Tool to create a bootable media to go through the upgrade or clean install of Windows 10.
Read on for a more comprehensive list of changes that the Windows 10 April 2018 Update brings.
Timeline
Timeline lets users go back up to 30 days to find documents, photos, videos or other content. Part of the Task View interface, it can be accessed by using Windows + Tab, the Task View icon on the taskbar, or by swiping up four fingers on supported touchpads. Users can also sync activities from a variety of supported devices, letting you easily migrate your work between devices, while activity icons will show documents and webpages you opened in supported apps. You can turn of Activity History for local and connected PCs from Settings > Privacy > Activity History.
Focus Assist
Focus Assist is a new distraction-free mode for Windows 10. Arriving with the April 2018 Update, it lets users block distractions like social media and other notifications. Users can turn it on manually, or set it to turn on at fixed times during the day. Once Focus Assist is turned off, users will receive a summary of what all they missed, from notifications to emails to other updates.
Users will also be able to choose particular contacts whose calls and emails they want to still receive, despite Focus Assist being turned on, giving them Priority status. The Focus Assist feature was formerly called Quiet Hours, and to access all its settings, you need to visit: Settings > System > Focus Assist.
Microsoft Edge
The Redmond giant is bringing several changes to its browser, Microsoft Edge. Users can now click the audio icon to mute and unmute a tab that is playing sound. Users can also make books, PDFs, and Reading View as full-screen. There is also the option to securely autofill on web payment forms. address, payment and other information can be securely saved with the option to autofill on web payment forms. You can now clear out clutter from your printouts by printing web pages in a cleaner format with the new clutter-free printing option. Finally, anyone needing a little help with reading can use the new Grammar Tools button to enable comprehension aids. Grammar Tools can break the words on the page into syllables, as well as highlight different parts of speech such as nouns, verbs, and adjectives.
New Cortana Skills for Smart Home
Cortana now connects to more home automation services, making it possible to control the devices using voice commands from a PC. With the April 2018 Update and Cortana enabled on Windows 10 PC, users can now manage their smart homes right from PCs using just their voice. For instance, you can tap Cortana on your PC and say “Hey Cortana, set the living room thermostat to 72 degrees” to control your ecobee, Honeywell, Nest Learning thermostat, and more.
Dictation
Windows already has several dictation tools, but Microsoft is now creating a quick way to access the inbuilt- Windows 10 version with the April 2018 Update. You can access it with the Windows key + H keyboard shortcut, and it will let you dictate into any app. It is now easier to take a note or write a paper, with just your voice.
IT Management Tools
The April 2018 Update brings simplified IT management tools for enterprise customers. The company has announced some new capabilities and updates coming to Microsoft 365, including a modern desktop powered by Windows 10 and Office 365 ProPlus, solutions for Firstline workers, streamlined device management with lower costs, integrated administration experience, and built-in compliance. To begin to simplify your IT management, Microsoft says, you can plan for Windows 7 and Office 2010 EOL (January and October 2020, respectively) and upgrade to a modern desktop, enroll in Windows Analytics, activate Upgrade Readiness, onboard your devices, and upgrade to the latest version of Windows, plan and execute your first Windows AutoPilot deployment, get familiar with the new Microsoft 365 admin center experience, and start using the Security & Compliance Center and the Compliance Manager to track regulatory compliance and controls.
