Windows 10 build 18917 (20H1) Start and Action center

Windows 10 build 18917 (20H1) Start and Action center hidden changes

Windows 10 seems like its getting some additionally Start menu and Action center improvements in the latest 20H1 preview.

In addition to the features and improvements available on Windows 10 build 18917, as part of the 20H1 development, it seems that Microsoft continues to be testing some other changes with a select number of participants of the Windows Insider Program.

Alongside the new Windows Subsystem for Linux version 2 and the improvements coming to Delivery Optimization, starting with build 18917, Windows 10 includes some Start menu and Action centers changes.

Start menu new search options

For instance, in the latest preview of the Windows 10 20H1 update, when opening the Start menu, you’ll notice a new list called “Start typing to search” with quick access to search for online results, apps, and documents, which should make it clear that users can simply start typing to search without the need to actually open the Search experience from the taskbar.

Start typing to search options on Windows 10 20H1
Start typing to search options on Windows 10 20H1

Also, the “Start typing to search” title sometimes changes to “Search for,” which is a different title aimed to lure users to select a search type from the list.

Action center new notifications options

As part of the Action center improvements, some users in Reddit are reporting that inside the Action center flyout, you can find a new “Manage notifications” option that opens the Notifications page in the Settings app.

Also, it appears that you’ll no longer need to open Action center to access the notification settings or disable notifications for apps individually, as a new gear button will allow you to control these settings from the toast notification.

Action center notification settings on Windows 10 20H1
Action center notification settings on Windows 10 20H1

Although these are welcome additions, they’re simply test features, and it’s unclear if they’ll ship in the final version.

Do you think that Microsoft should ship these changes with the Windows 10 20H1 update? Tell us in the comments.

About the author

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].