Since Microsoft switched to biannual updates for Windows 10, excitement has always built as we approach May and November each year.
The widespread popularity of the operating system means hundreds of millions of people are eligible for a new release.
The May 2020 update might not be the most interesting in terms of new features, but there are still plenty of worthwhile additions. Here are four reasons why it’s worth updating your device.
Speeding up your PC
Many software updates promise improvements to performance, but this could be one that really delivers.
The May 2020 update will tweak the search function, meaning it now no longer causes high disk usage when indexing your files.
This should in no way affect the functionality of the feature, but could have a big impact on the speed of your device. As Windows Latest reports, reducing this disk usage does make your device run much quicker than previously.
The improvements are said to be more noticeable if your device still has a hard drive as opposed to SSD, but you’ll benefit either. Read more in our SSD vs HDD comparison.
Bug fixes
Despite Windows 10 remaining extremely popular, it has been hit with a number of annoying bugs. In March, many users reported internet connection dropouts when using a VPN. Just a few weeks later, an error meant Windows Defender was no longer able to scan for viruses, potentially leaving devices open to threats.
These are far from isolated incidents, with users regularly reporting problems when using Windows 10 in recent months.
Fortunately, it looks like preventing future bugs is a top priority on the next update. According to Windows Latest, Microsoft looks set to delay the May update until it is as secure as possible. The company discovered a ‘zero day exploit’ which it wants to patch before rolling out to consumers.
It will still arrive before the end of the month, with 28 May mooted as a potential updated release date. Although we might have longer to wait, this attention to detail is encouraging and suggests stability will be a top priority for Microsoft moving forward.
Cortana overhaul
Cortana was detached from the search menu in the May 2019 update, but it looks like Microsoft will take this one step further a year later.
While it’s still built-in to the operating system, Cortana will now be standalone app that users must open themselves to start using.
Microsoft revealed back in October that it no longer considers its virtual assistant as a direct competitor to Alexa and Google Assistant.
Cortana has proven significantly less popular than both, due in part to Amazon and Google being available on so many smart speakers and mobile devices. We’re glad to see it will take more of a back seat on the next version.
Be set for the major updates coming
While the May update is relatively modest, bigger changes are coming. Microsoft has already teased the new-look Windows 10 Start Menu, while the icon packs are also set for a redesign in the coming months.
There are expected to be plenty more changes in November, and updating this May will ensure your device is receiving the regular security updates that improve its stability.
However, despite much promise, the Windows 10 May update has so far failed to deliver.
Want to know more? Here’s everything you need to know about the Windows 10 May 2020 update.
Author: Anyron Copeman, Senior Staff Writer
As the resident expert on Windows, Senior Staff Writer Anyron’s main focus is PCs and laptops. Much of the rest of his time is split between smartphones, tablets and audio, with a particular focus on Android devices.