Windows 10 version 1903, April 2019 Update (19H1)

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Windows 10 version 1903, April 2019 Update (19H1)
https://pureinfotech.com/windows-10-1903-19h1-april-2019-update-features/
Mauro Huculak

Windows 10 version 1903, April 2019 Update (19H1), will be the seventh major refresh that Microsoft is planning to release sometime in April time frame with new features and improvements. Also, it’ll be the first of two updates coming in 2019, and while we’re still weeks away from the final release, thanks to the previews available in the Windows Insider Program, we now have a clear picture of the changes that will be coming with the “April 2019 Update” (assuming the name will follow the scheme as we’ve been seeing in previous releases).
In this guide, we’ll highlight the new features and improvements planned for version 1903 as they appear in each test preview. (You can also check the best features and best hidden changes coming with the feature update as well as the in-place upgrade and clean installation process.)

Info: This guide gets updated and republished with features and improvements as they become available through the Windows Insider Program. However, depending on when you’re reading this guide, some features and changes may still missing. If this is the case, you can check this section with the latest updates.

• What’s new with desktop experience
• What’s new with Settings experience
• What’s new with input experience
• What’s new with system experience
• What’s new with built-in apps

What’s new with desktop experience

You can check out this walkthrough video with all the changes included in the most recent Windows 10 Insider Preview builds.

Starting with version 1903, Windows 10 is adding an acrylic effect, part of Fluent Design, to the sign-in background. The translucent texture helps you focus on the login task by moving the actionable controls up in the visual hierarchy while maintaining their accessibility.
Windows 10 version 1903 with acrylic effect on the Sign-in screenIf you don’t like the new experience, you can disable the acrylic effect on the Sign-in screen using the Group Policy Editor, on Administrative Templates > System > Logon > “Show clear logon background”. Alternatively, you can also disable the system transparency effects to remove the effect from the Sign-in screen.
Start menu

The Start menu is debuting with a new simplified default layout that will appear on new installations and new accounts, which according to the company, it has been simplified into a sleek one column design with reduced top-level tiles.
You can right-click on a group header or tile folder to find an option to unpin the group or folder.
Start menu with unpin option for group tiles and foldersWhen you hover over the navigation pane in the Start menu, after a short period it will now automatically expand.
You’ll find new icons for the “Sleep,” “Shut down,” and “Restart” options in the power menu, and new icons for the “Change account settings,” “Lock,” and “Sign-out” options in the profile menu.
Start menu tweaks with Windows 10 version 1903In addition, the Start menu will now appear on its own separate StartMenuExperienceHost.exe process to simplify debugging and insulating the experience from potential issues impacting other services.
StartMenuExpereinceHost.exe process on Windows 10 version 1903Search and Cortana

Starting with the Windows 10 April 2019 update, Microsoft is breaking Cortana and Search into two separate experiences in the taskbar. As a result, when you start a Search, you’ll notice an updated landing page with better spacing to show recent activities and most recent apps, adding light theme support with some subtle acrylic effect over all the search filter options.
Search with top apps on the April 2019 UpdateThen when clicking the Cortana button, you’ll access the experience directly into the voice assistant.
Cortana and Search two different features on Windows 10 version 1903In addition, in the Settings app, you’ll now find two pages, one to control the Cortana settings and another page to configure the Search experience.
Taskbar

In the taskbar, more specifically in the notification area, Windows 10 is also including a new “disconnected” icon when there’s not an internet connection on your device. This icon will appear when no connection to the internet is detected for Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or Cellular adapters.
Windows 10 taskbar disconnected network icon on version 1903There’s a new microphone icon in the notification area which appears when your microphone is in use, and hovering over the icon will also show which app is currently accessing the device. If you have multiple apps accessing the microphone, then you’ll only see the number of apps using the device. Also, if you now double-click the icon, it’ll open the Microphone settings page.
In addition, you’ll see an updated Windows Update icon in the notification area (and in the Start menu power button) with an orange indicator alerting you that a restart is pending.
Microphone icon in taskbarAction Center

Starting with this new version, Action Center adds a new slider to quickly adjust the brightness of the screen using any level, instead of the button that only allows you to select between four levels of brightness.
Action Center brightness slider on Windows 10 build 18277You can now rearrange, add, and remove buttons without having to open the Settings app. (If you need to add or remove buttons, right-click a button, select Edit, and then click the unpin button or click the Add button add more buttons.)
Also, Action Center now introduces a shadow effect to match the shadow seen along the borders of other taskbar flyouts.
File Explorer

The File Explorer experience is getting a new icon with a modern design similar to the design language Microsoft is using for its Office apps icons.
File Explorer new iconAs part of a continuous effort to improve File Explorer, you’ll now find a new default date format, which is called “friendly dates” that shows dates in a conversational format. For instance, “5 hours ago,” instead of “4/12/2019 1:15 PM.”
File Explorer with friendly datesThe new format simplifies the date modified column and provides consistency with other views that you see throughout the operating system, apps, and on the web.
The “Downloads” folder now shows the most recent downloaded files at the top to help users to find content faster as most people never specify a new name of internet files, and then they get lost in the folder.
Finally, File Explorer now allows you to rename a file using a dot at the beginning of the name (for example, “.gitignore”). (In the past, this action will result in an error.)
Clipboard

If you use the new clipboard experience on Windows 10, beginning with this new version, the interface is getting updates to optimize the design for text snippets making each entry smaller to see more content.
Clipboard interface for Windows 10 version 1903Light theme

Starting with Windows 10 version 1903, there’s a new system light theme that brings lighter colors for the Start menu, Action Center, taskbar, touch keyboard, and other elements that didn’t have a true light color scheme when switching from the dark to light system theme.
Windows 10 April 2019 Update with light modeThe new color scheme is available in Settings > Personalization > Colors and selecting the Light option under “Choose your color” drop-down menu.
Windows 10 April 2019 Update option to enable light modeUsing the drop-down menu, you’ll also find a Custom option, which allows you to continue to use a light theme without the new changes.
In addition, the April 2019 Update also introduces a new default desktop wallpaper, which you can use going to Settings > Personalization > Theme and selecting the Windows Light theme.
Printing

As part of this new version, the printing experience now supports the light theme. And you’ll notice that options now include icons, and drop-down menus now show a line of description.
Also, the name of the printer will now use a wrap instead of cutting off the name.
Windows 10 build 18282 printing optionsGame bar

On Windows 10 version 1903, the Game bar is getting a new gallery to view screenshots and videos without having to leave the game. And there’s an option to share content directly into Twitter.
Game bar with gallery for screenshots and videosSign-in experience

If you use a Microsoft account linked with your phone number, you can now use an SMS code to sign-in, and continue setting up your account without the need of a password. Once you’re in your Windows 10 account, you can use Windows Hello Face, Fingerprint, or a PIN as your primary method of authentication.
When you need to change your PIN, this new version is also updating the reset experience to align with the design you see on the Microsoft web services.
Microsoft account authentication experienceThe new changes are also available across the operating system, when an username and password is required, such as when creating a new account.
What’s new with Settings experience

In the update planned for April 2019, the Settings app is also getting a number of refinements. For instance, you’ll find a new way to finish the Windows setup and quickly access some of the most frequently used settings.
Inspired by the Microsoft account homepage, the Settings home page now has a header allowing you to take quick actions for things like signing in and managing your Microsoft account. It also gives you an “easy to glance” at system status, such as when updates are available.
Settings app with header information on Windows 10 April 2019 UpdateAdvanced scaling settings

Since the April 2018 Update, Windows 10 includes an option to automatically fix scaling for apps that may look blurry after your display settings change. However, it was an option that you needed to enable manually, but with the April 2019 update, the option is now enabled by default on Settings > System > Display > Advanced scaling settings page.
Notifications & actions

Starting with version 1903, the Notifications & actions page no longer includes the options to manage Quick actions buttons, because now it’s a task that you can perform with Action Center.
Notifications & actions settings on Windows 10 April 2019 UpdateFocus assist

In the Focus assist settings page, Windows 10 is adding a new automatic rule to let remove distractions while you’re working on anything in full screen. (The option is called “When I’m using an app in full screen mode.”)
Focus assist on Windows 10 April 2019 UpdatePower & Sleep

In the Power & Sleep page, you’ll now find a slider option to change your system power mode. (This is the same option that was previously available in the power flyout in the taskbar.)
Performance and Energy sliderStorage

The Storage settings page has been redesigned to see at glance how space is been utilized, instead of having to select each drive to see the same information, which wasn’t very intuitive for many users.
As a result of this change, you’ll no longer find the “Storage sense” section, but you can still access the settings to enable, disable, and configure the feature by clicking the Configure Storage Sense or run it nowlink under “Storage.”
Storage settings on Windows 10 version 1903Under the “More Storage settings” section, you’ll now find options to access the Optimize Drives settings to use defragmentation, and you’ll find another option to view storage usage on other drives.
Printers & Scanners

The Printers & Scanners settings page have been updated with a link, in the right pane, to open the troubleshooter in case you need to fix problems with your printer or scanner.
Typing

In this new version, the Typing page includes a new “Make my keyboard focus easier to see” link in the “More keyboard settings” section that takes you to the “Cursor & pointer” page.
Ethernet

Inside the properties page to manage Ethernet settings, you can now configure the static an IP address and DNS server preferences. (Although this is new to Windows 10 version 1903, you’ve been able to configure these settings for wireless adapters for a long time.)
Windows 10 Ethernet TCP/IP settingsIn addition, the corresponding Ethernet adapter name will now be listed in the sidebar under the “Ethernet” header, so you can easily differentiate Ethernet entries at a glance if there’s more than one adapter.
Colors

In the Colors page, the options to change your default app mode and enable or disable transparency have moved to the top of the page to make them easier to find.
Colors settings on Windows 10 version 1903In addition, turning off the “Transparency effects” toggle switch now disables the translucent acrylic effect in the Sign-in screen background.
Themes

The Themes page doesn’t introduce new settings, but it includes a new theme called “Windows (light),” which activates the new system light theme.
Themes settings with the April 2019 UpdateFonts

Starting with this major release, the Fonts page now has a drag and drop option to install a font family using a file.
Add Fonts options in the Settings appApps & features

The Apps & features page isn’t getting new settings, but the “Choose where to get apps” settings is once again changing the wording for each option to:

• Anywhere.
• Anywhere, but let me know if there’s a comparable app in the Microsoft Store.
• Anywhere, but warm me before installing an app that’s not from the Microsoft Store.
• The Microsoft Store only (recommended).

Apps & features settings changesAlso, starting with version 1903, Microsoft is making changes to allow you to uninstall even more inbox apps that you don’t use, including:

• 3D Viewer.
• Calculator.
• Calendar.
• Groove Music.
• Mail.
• Movies & TV.
• Paint 3D.
• Snip & Sketch.
• Sticky Notes.
• Voice Recorder.

Previously, you were only to able uninstall these:

• Microsoft Solitaire Collection.
• My Office.
• OneNote.
• Print 3D.
• Skype.
• Tips.
• Weather.

Sign-in options

On version 1903, Windows 10 is updating the Sign-in options settings page to make it easier for users to set up an authentication method, including Windows Hello Face, Windows Hello Fingerprint, password, and Picture Password. In addition, there’s a new option to set up a security key to authenticate with the operating system.


Sign-in options for Windows 10 version 1903Date & Time

In the Date & Time settings page, you’ll now find an option to manually synchronize the clock with the time server. This will help in scenarios where you think the clock might be out of sync, or if the time service has been disabled. Also, starting with version 1903, the Settings app will show the last time that the time was successfully synced, and the address of your current time server.
Date & Time settings with manual clock sync option on Windows 10 version 1903Language

In the Language settings page, when adding a new language, Windows 10 will offer separate options to install a language package and setting up the language as the Windows display language. In addition, you’ll see separate options for installing the “Speech recognition” and “Text-to-speech” features, when these features are available.
Language options on Windows 10 version 1903Also, there’s a new page that allows you to select the input method to always use as default, and access to adjust language bar options and input language hotkeys.
Input method default optionsSpeech

In the Speech settings page there’s a new section that shows the current voice packages installed, and you get an option to download additional voices in other languages without having to download language packs using the Narrator Settings and selecting the “Add voices” button.
Speech settings with voice controlsCursor & pointer

In the Cursor & pointer settings page, you’ll now find a new slider to change the size of the mouse pointer, and under the “Change pointer color” section, you can now change the pointer color using one of the suggested colors, or you can use the picker to create a custom color.
Cursor and pointer settings for Windows 10Color filters

In the Color filters, you won’t find new settings, but users now will get a warning about “Night light” affecting the color filter experience, and you’ll find a link to quickly disable “Night light.”
Color filters with Night light warningNarrator

In the Narrator page, under “Change how much content you hear,” there’s a new Hear advanced information about controls when navigating option that enables you to minimize the amount of content that you hear aloud when navigating the operating system, apps, and even tooltips. (If you must hear the content of a particular tooltip, you need to use the Narrator + 0 command.)
The page also includes a setting to exclude the Narrator Home from the Alt + Tab list, instead of minimizing the experience in the bottom-corner of the screen.
In the “Change what you hear when reading and interacting” section, you’ll now find five new verbosity levels to control the amount of information you hear. Additionally, it’s now possible to cycle through all the levels using the Narrator + V command.
Narrator will now alert you when you’re accidentally typing with Caps Lock turned on. The setting is enabled by default, and you can change this setting, under the “Change what you hear when typing” section and disabling the Change when you receive Caps Lock warnings while typing option.
Also, you can have the cursor follow the Narrator cursor enabling the Move my cursor as Narrator reads textoption.
Additional Narrator improvements

The April 2019 Update also includes a number of Narrator improvements. For example, in this new version, Narrator ships with an updated “Narrator Home” experience that includes quick access to all the information you need to know to get started.
Also, if you forget your PIN or password to access your account, Narrator will stay on the whole time while you reset it.
The experience has also been updated to use capitalization for all reading modes. (You can enable or disable this feature with the Narrator key + 4 command.)
As of the reading experience, Narrator now detects combo edits, and you’ll now hear them as Combo Edit, not just Edit.
The text-reading commands are now available to read an entire window, and you can have Narrator read groups of keyboard keys when pressed. You can independently select Hear letters, numbers, and punctuation as you type, Hear function keys as you type, Hear arrow, Tab, and other navigation keys as you type, Hear when toggle keys like Caps lock and Num lock are turned on or off, and Hear Shift, Alt, and other modifier keys as you type.
Sentence is now a new Narrator view and can be reached using the Caps + Page Up or Caps + Page Downkeyboard shortcut, and then, you can navigate with Caps + Left arrow for move by previous sentence and Caps + Right arrow for move by next sentence.
Character phonetic reading will no longer announce the phonetic information (“a Alpha,” “b Bravo,” “c Charlie”) automatically. If you need the phonetic information to disambiguate characters, you can issue the Narrator key + Comma twice quickly command to hear the phonetics.

The Read Current character phonetics adds Narrator + 5 twice command to render current character phonetics. Also, Narrator now announces the state of hardware buttons such as volume keys.
On the Windows 10 April 2019 Update, Narrator now includes “Read by Sentence,” which allows you to read next, current, and previous sentences with Narrator. The new feature is available with the keyboard and with touch.

• Caps + Ctrl + Period (.): Reads next sentence.
• Caps + Ctrl + Comma (,): Reads current sentence.
• Caps + Ctrl + M: Reads previous sentence.

It’s also possible to use “read by sentence” command with a braille display hitting the dots 2-3-4 or 2-3-4-7 in command input mode. The view options are now more consistent, and you’ll hear control information more consistently.
As part of the improvements for Narrator in the browser, in this new version, the experience ships with changes to enhance support with Google Chrome. When using Scan Mode, you can use the up and down arrows, and on a slider, the left and right arrows will decrease and increase the slider in scan mode. You can navigate using the tab keys. You can use the continuous reading commands, and you can navigate by headings and links.
In addition, the framework for UI Automation now includes support for translating IAccessible2 information while in Google Chrome.
On Microsoft Edge, Narrator will stop announcing non-selected cells in a table when the aria-selected isn’t set. Also, you’ll no longer hear when you leave and re-enter a table when reading a single table continuously or nested table.
Furthermore, the experience can now read the entire link aloud using the Narrator + 0 command. When viewing a website, the reading and navigation commands now stay in the page on supported web browsers, and when reading emails with Outlook or the Mail app.
Finally, BRLTTY version 5.6 is now available with USB support for Inceptor and Orbit 20 displays. In addition, the BrailleNote Touch is recognized when using USB. Baum displays can now use B9 and B10 interchangeably. Liblouis binaries and tables have been updated to version 3.7.0.