Microsoft made available the Windows 10 version 1809 (October 2018 Update) on October 2, and alongside the big features and enhancements, the second semi-annual update also packs several hidden features and small changes. Also, check out the absolute best features coming this fall to Windows 10.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at the best and more interesting hidden features built into the Windows 10 October 2018 Update.
- 1. Typing insights
- 2. SwiftKey
- 3. Print Screen mapping
- 4. Windows HD Color
- 5. Adjust video based on lighting
- 6. Locally available cloud content
- 7. Windows Update reboot logic
- 8. Microsoft Edge media autoplay control
- 9. Microsoft Edge Web Authentication
- 10. Microsoft Edge dictionary
1. Typing insights
Windows 10 includes features that leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to help type more efficiently, such as auto correcting your spelling mistakes, prediction of the next word you would type, and word suggestions. Starting with version 1809, the Settings app introduces a new “Typing insights” option in the Typing page that lets you view stats of these features. Of course, if this isn’t something you like, you can always disable typing insights using the toggle switch.
2. SwiftKey
In this new release, Microsoft is bringing its SwiftKey intelligence available on iPhone and Android to Windows 10.
SwiftKey is a technology that learns your typing style to provide more accurate autocorrections and predictions. Starting with the October 2018 Update, the technology is available on the desktop when using the touch keyboard to help you improve accuracy while typing.
3. Print Screen mapping
On Windows 10 version 1809, Microsoft is making Screen Sketch as the new default app to take screenshots on the desktop. Although you can simply open Screen Sketch or use the Screen snip button in Action Center to quickly take a screenshot of an app or game, there’s a new hidden feature in the Settings app that lets you configure the “Print Screen” key on the keyboard to open the screen snipping experience much faster.
4. Windows HD Color
If you have a high dynamic range (HDR) capable display, the October 2018 Update now includes a new Windows HD Color under the Display settings that surface supported HD features and options to enable them from a unified interface and without extra steps.
5. Adjust video based on lighting
Another hidden feature included in the Windows 10 version 1809 is a new option that improves the visibility of video playback when you’re in a very bright environment. The feature is called “Adjust video based on lighting,” and it uses the built-in light sensor to detect the ambient light to adjust the video automatically. You can turn on this feature on Settings > Apps > Video playback, and turning on the Adjust video based on lighting toggle switch.
6. Locally available cloud content
Storage sense on Windows 10 helps you to free up space automatically, and in version 1809, there’s a new hidden feature that makes unused OneDrive content available only online to free up additional space automatically.
The ability to free up space used by OneDrive has been available for quite a while, but this new option makes it easier to automate the process.
7. Windows Update reboot logic
Perhaps one of the most annoying things about Windows 10 are updates that usually restart your computer in the least preferable time. On version 1809, if you have an update pending, Windows 10 will use an updated “reboot logic” to be more “adaptive and proactive.”
Using Machine Learning, Microsoft has trained a “predictive model” to accurately predict when is the right time to restart the device to avoid rebooting the system in situations, for example, when you step out of the office to get a coffee.
8. Microsoft Edge media autoplay control
Microsoft Edge is also getting a few nifty features in the sixth major refresh of Windows 10. One of these new features is the ability to choose if web videos should play automatically in the web browser.
On the advanced settings for Microsoft Edge, you’ll find a hidden Media autoplay drop-down menu with options to control the behavior of media playback globally.
If you only want to limit autoplay in a particular website, you can control permissions on a per-site basis under the “Website permission” section of the “Website Identification” pane.
9. Microsoft Edge web authentication
Beginning with the Windows 10 October 2018 Update, Microsoft Edge now includes support for Web Authentication, which allows users to sign in to websites using face recognition, fingerprint, PIN, or portable FIDO2 devices. This means that users no longer have to remember strong passwords to sign in to a service.
On supported sites, during checkout, for example, Windows Hello will recognize the action and prompt to confirm the authentication to submit the order without using a password.
You can watch the video below that showcases a live demo of this new implementation. Also, you can find out more about this new technology at the Windows blog.
10. Microsoft Edge dictionary
Another hidden feature that you’ll find on Windows 10 version 1809 is a new dictionary support for Microsoft Edge Reading View, Books, and PDF reader.
Starting with this release, while viewing a web page using Reading View, reading a book, or working with a PDF document, you’ll find a new dictionary function to look up definitions for key words when reading. Simply select a single word to see the definition appear above your selection.
You can choose to read the word aloud to hear the pronunciation or expand to see the definition. And you can enable or disable, or decide in which types of content definitions should appear under the “General” tab of the Microsoft Edge settings.
These are the ten best hidden features you’ll find with version 1809 for Windows 10. Which feature do you find the most useful? Tell us in the comments.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].