Windows 10 is putting out its bi-yearly update this month and some of the features (especially the last one on our list) are going to be some of the most useful we’ve seen yet. Oftentimes updates to Windows 10 are simply more streamlined ways to use apps and features we already have, but this time expect to see some things that, depending on what kind of smartphone you use, could drastically overhaul the way you attain and transfer files and information.
not so fast! Do not install the Windows 10 October update
read why it's dangerous ►Here’s what’s new in the Windows 10 October update
Cloud clipboard
The first announced tweak to catch our eye was the cloud clipboard, which lets you copy multiple text samples or photos to your clipboard via ctrl+x or ctrl+c. Pressing Win+V (which used to do nothing) will now bring up a window where you can see everything you’ve copied. Did you accidentally forget to paste what you last copied? No problem! Just scroll down the clipboard until you find it!
Anything you copy can now also be synced with any other devices using Windows 10, which means transferring saved URLs or pictures will be as simple as it honestly should have been from the start.
Task Manager now displays power usage
For Windows users looking to max out their computer’s performance while minimizing programs that are taxing for your system, you can now easily check a program’s power usage by simply opening up your Task Manager (ctrl+shift+Esc).
There’s a new column on the far right labeled power usage that shows just how much focus your PC is giving to any given program or app.
Better screenshot tools
After a plethora of updates for Windows 10, we’re finallygetting a revamped screenshot mechanic. Instead of opening up the Snipping Tool all you need do now is press Win+Shift+S to open a screen-cap tool.
From this window, you’ll be able to take a full screenshot of your monitor, crop your usual rectangular camera, or even (our favorite) sketch out a free-form screenshot of any shape you like! This new tool is aptly referred to as ‘snip and sketch.’
App Mirroring
But all of these new features are just the tip of the iceberg: The biggest implementation is that you can now go back and forth between your smartphone and your PC with your clips, pictures, texts, and several apps. The new ‘your phone’ app allows for Android users to text from their PC as long as they have Microsoft’s mobile companion app. All of these features work for both iOS and Android, but Android gets one additional tool that stands out.
Microsoft is bringing mobile devices even closer. Control your entire phone from your desktop 😱 pic.twitter.com/ixlnq2hegu
— Owen Williams ⚡ (@ow) October 2, 2018
With the new update users can even use the new desktop app to copy/paste and drag and drop both text and pictures from your phone directly to your computer:
Microsoft is appropriately dubbing this feature ‘app mirroring,‘ a phrase we expect to be hearing a lot in the coming months. Mirroring starts with Android photos and texting, but iOS hasn’t been left in the dust: iPhones can transfer web pages, though it has not been verified whether iPhone will be getting any further features from this app. Microsoft is planning for more mirroring support for Android, however, though they have not yet confirmed specific dates.
Sometimes you can’t stop for a text. Now you don’t have to. Get Your Phone app and text right from your PC. Available now in the #Windows10 October 2018 Update. #MicrosoftEvent pic.twitter.com/JCXP3cJ3Zl
— Windows (@Windows) October 2, 2018
Can’t wait until next week for the update? You don’t have to. Follow the instructions on Microsoft’s website right here and download it here and now.