Windows 10 x64 May 2019 Update, version 1903 — codenamed 19H1 — is the seventh major refresh of the OS (after its original release), and it’s the first semi-annual update of 2019. This new update delivers a new set of features and enhancements to improve performance, security, and it’ll help users be more productive.
Starting with version 1903, Windows 10 x64 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. 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.
Starting with the Windows 10 x64 May 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. In the taskbar, more specifically in the notification area, Windows 10 x64 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.
There’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.
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. 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.
Light theme
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. The new color scheme is available in Settings > Personalization > Colors and selecting the Light option under “Choose your color” drop-down menu.
On Windows 10 x64 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.
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.
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.
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.