Windows 10: the 3 best new features to try right now

The latest Windows 10 ($ 158 at Amazon) The October 2020 update rolled out to desktops, laptops, and two-in-ones over the past month. Once you’ve updated your device, you’ll find some important new features that will help you get the most out of your device. (Learn to download the Windows 10 October 2020 update here. If you still haven’t upgraded from Windows 7 ($ 26 at Amazon), you may be able use this trick to download Windows 10 for free, as well).

Upgrading as soon as the update is available will make your computing life easier and more secure. And at this point, as many of us are spending more time at home on our computers working or playing, every little thing that can improve your experience is a win in our book.

Here are three of the best new features in Windows 10 October 2020 Update (also known as version 20H2) and how to use them.

Read more: The best antivirus protection of 2020 for Windows 10

1. Microsoft Edge browser brings privacy improvements

Windows 10 version 20H2 is the first to come with the revamped Microsoft Edge browser installed by default. The browser is now based on Chromium, Google’s open-source base for the Chrome browser, which makes it compatible with more websites than the old version.

There are also other advantages. The new Edge browser includes a privacy feature that attempts to block sites that follow you online – similar to Mozilla’s Firefox browser. And a feature called Collections makes it easier for you to collect information from different websites when doing research.

How to use the new Edge browser privacy settings: You’ll use the new Edge browser the same way you use any other browser. Navigate to the logo on your taskbar or from the Start menu – it appears as a circular wave that breaks into blue, green, and aqua, similar to the old blue Internet Explorer “e” icon.

To configure your privacy features, go to Settings> Privacy & Services. You’ll see three options for Track Prevention: Basic (allows most trackers), Balanced (blocks trackers from sites you haven’t visited – Microsoft recommends this one), and Strict (blocks most trackers from all sites).

To check your privacy settings on the fly, when using the browser, click the lock icon to the left of the search bar. A box will appear to notify you if your connection is secure, with options to verify the site certificate, cookies used, and site permissions. You can also turn tracking prevention on or off and manage settings for all the sites you visit. If it’s enabled, you’ll see the number of trackers the browser has blocked.

How to use the collections feature of the Edge browser: Once you’ve navigated to a page you want to save, click on the icon that looks like a “+“in a box, to the right of the search bar. This will open the Collections panel to the right of your screen. Click on Start a new collection, and rename it as you wish. You can click Add current page to save the web page you are on. You can also click and drag an image from the page into the collection, select and drag text, and add your own notes. To export your collection to Word or Excel, click on the three dots share and more icon at the top of the collection.

Read more: Here is the best way to set up your new PC or laptop

2. Customize your new Start menu

The classic Windows Start menu is refreshed in the October 2020 Update. The new version features a more streamlined design and replaces the solid-colored backplates behind the logos on your app list with partially transparent backgrounds , so that the icons stand out more. Colors will also change depending on whether you are using light or dark mode.

How to customize the new Start menu: If you want to add an accent color so that your tiles match your desktop theme, you can go to Settings> Personalization> Color and enable accent color on Start, taskbar, and action center.

Learn more about TechRepublic: 20 Pro Tips to Make Windows 10 Work the Way You Want (Free PDF)

3. Open all your tabs at once

With the update, you’ll be able to open all of your tabs in Edge with a single command, instead of just activating it in every browser window. This makes it easier to have a full view of every window you have open, instead of just one. You can also configure it to show only your last three or five tabs, or turn it off completely. However, this only works with the Edge browser, at least for now.

How to customize your tabs: To open all tabs in Edge at once, tap Alt + Tab. To configure your tab settings or turn off the feature, go to Settings> System> Multitasking. You’ll see a drop-down menu with options for what Alt + Tab can do.

Want more? Discover our overview of the best Windows 10 tips and tricks, and Six Simple Security Changes Every Windows 10 User Should Make.