Windows 10's first blockbuster update of the year is almost finished

MICROSOFT has pushed out the final beta build for its next blockbuster update, the Windows 10 May 2020 Update, which will launch next month. There are a swathe of new features coming to your machine. Here are all the details you need to know ahead of the launch.

By Aaron Brown, Express Affiliate Development Editor with 10 years of experience writing about the latest developments in consumer technology, product reviews, and buying advice

Windows 10 Update Microsoft Upgrade UK Release Date May 2020

Microsoft has finished beta testing its May 2020 Update and the upgrade will hit your PC soon (Image: GETTY • MICROSOFT)

Microsoft is extremely close to finishing its first major blockbuster update for Windows 10. The Redmond-based firm rolls out two major upgrades to its desktop operating system, which now runs , one in spring and one in the autumn. Windows 10's May 2020 Update will roll out (as the name suggests) next month.

Ahead of the launch, has now pushed out the final beta build for the software update to those on the Windows Insider preview scheme. After months of tweaks, Microsoft is almost finished with the upgrade.

"We are now getting the Windows 10 May 2020 Update (20H1) ready for release and releasing Build 19041.207 to Windows Insiders in the Release Preview ring," the US technology company stated on the Windows Insider blog. "We believe that Build 19041.207 is the final build and we will continue to improve the overall experience of the May 2020 Update on customers’ PCs as part of our normal servicing cadence."

The next step in the roll out will see 50% of Windows Insiders in the Release ring receive the latest beta build automatically. However, if you can't wait – you can perform a manual update to get your hands on the May 2020 Update now.

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Windows 10 Update Microsoft Upgrade UK Release Date May 2020

Cortana is no longer tethered to the taskbar but can be resized and moved anywhere (Image: MICROSOFT)

So, what is included in the May 2020 update? What can you expect to see on your desktop PC or laptop when it launches next month?

Cortana sees some of the biggest changes in the May 2020 Update.

No longer cooped-up in the taskbar – like in the earliest versions of , Cortana can now be moved and resized like any other windowed application. And it's not just the way Cortana is accessed that has changed. Microsoft has also bestowed the chatty AI assistant with a number of other features.

With the upgraded Cortana, you're now able to ask the assistant to search your inbox by asking to "show me emails from [name]". You can also ask the assistant to send a message by asking: “Send an email to [name] letting them know I’m running late”

If you use Microsoft Teams, Cortana can also help you drop into a meeting with a simple “Join my meeting” command.

Here's what you should do after a Windows 10 upgrade

Unfortunately, it's not all shiny new features. Microsoft has dropped some features in order to streamline the chatty assistant, including Bing Instant Answers, jokes and other assistant conversations, as well as timer support.

Windows Search has also been improved. The system-wide search feature can now correct your spelling mistakes – so typos won't stop you from finding the right Word document or email. Not only that, but the Quick Search feature can also help you find information from the web like the latest weather forecast in a new user interface.

Microsoft has also boosted Virtual Desktops so they'll keep settings between reboots. You can also now rename individual desktops to make them easier to sort as you work. Microsoft has also added more options to the Settings panel. That means you won't have to dive into the Control Panel as frequently, something Microsoft is keen to transition away from as Windows 10 continues to evolve.

There are also a few other useful tweaks, including the ability to monitor the temperature of your graphics card from Task Manager, as well as a streamlined Swift Pair feature that makes it quicker to connect and disconnect Bluetooth devices like mice, keyboards, and headphones.

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