This week on Pureinfotech: Windows 10 version 1903 has reached the end of support, and as a result, Microsoft now is planning to start upgrading devices automatically to the next supported release (version 1909) in the coming weeks and months. If you are still on this release, it is recommended to upgrade manually to version 1909 or make the leap to version 20H2.
In other Windows 10 news, build 20277 became available in the FE_RELEASE branch as an automatic update for testers, and at the same time, the company also released Windows 10 build 21277 in the RS_PRERELAESE branch, but as an optional update that you must download manually. As for the changes, build 20277 includes only a few fixes, while build 21277 ships with the new x64 emulator for ARM-based devices and a small set of features.
In the last Patch Tuesday of the year, Windows 10 20H2 and version 2004 received the update KB4592438 to address a couple of issues. A similar update, but with additional changes, also became available for version 1909, 1903, and older versions.
Surface Laptop Go and Surface Book 3 picked up a new firmware update to fix several problems, improve performance, and stability.
In case you missed it, you can also download the pick of the week theme: Vintage Motorcycle to refresh your desktop.
Tech tips roundup
This week, you also learned a bunch of tips to get the most out of Windows 10, including the steps to install PowerToys to tweak and enhance the usability of the operating system.
We looked into the steps to enable and manage sync settings across devices, and the instructions to start Windows 10 in Safe Mode to troubleshoot and fix problems.
You now know the steps to create and publish a survey using Microsoft Forms.
If you use Microsoft Edge, you can now control whether the browser can download update over metered connections.
Also, if Microsoft Defender Antivirus flags a file as malicious when you know it comes from a trusted source, you can use these steps to allow the blocked file on your device.
If you use Chrome, you can use these steps to enable Tab Search, a new feature that allows you to quickly find and switch between open tabs.
Finally, on Android, we looked at the steps to protect files using the Safe folder feature with the Files app.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows expert and the Editor-in-Chief who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He's also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 12 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows, software, and related technologies, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ & Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, and LinkedIn.