Windows 10 Version 1909 (November 2019 Update): Features & Overview

A Look Back: Windows 10 Version 1909 (November 2019 Update)

Microsoft released Windows 10 version 1909, also known by its codename 19H2 and commonly referred to as the November 2019 Update, on November 12, 2019. This update was notable for being a smaller, service pack-style release, focusing on performance improvements, enterprise features, and quality enhancements rather than a large set of new user-facing functionalities.

At the time of its release, users could typically obtain this update via Windows Update by navigating to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and checking for updates. For users running the May 2019 Update (version 1903), version 1909 installed quickly like a monthly cumulative update.

Key Changes Introduced in Windows 10 Version 1909

While a minor update, version 1909 brought several refinements. Here's a summary of the notable changes:

Notification Management Enhancements

Windows 10 version 1909 introduced more granular control over system and app notifications:

• A new "Manage notifications" button was added directly to the top of the Action Center for quicker access to settings.
• When a notification toast appeared, users could click a settings (gear) icon on the notification itself to go directly to that specific app's notification settings or turn off all notifications for that app.
• The main "Notifications & actions" settings page offered options to mute all notifications globally and provided clearer visuals for managing notification senders.
• Notification settings were sorted by "most recent" by default, making it easier to find and configure apps that recently sent notifications.

Calendar Quick-Creation from Taskbar

The Calendar flyout accessible from the taskbar received an update allowing for quicker event creation:

• Users could click on a date in the taskbar calendar flyout and directly create an event by typing in a text box, without needing to open the full Calendar application.
• Options to set event names, times, and locations were available directly in this quick-create interface.

File Explorer Search Improvements

The search bar within File Explorer was updated to be powered by Windows Search, integrating online content:

• Search results in File Explorer could now include files stored in the user's OneDrive account online, in addition to local files.
• As users typed into the search box, a dropdown would show suggested files and a history of recent searches.

Other Notable Changes in Version 1909

• Start Menu Navigation Pane:** When hovering over items like "Settings," "Power," or "Documents" in the Start Menu's left navigation pane, the pane would automatically expand to show the text labels for those icons, improving discoverability.
• Third-Party Digital Assistants on Lock Screen:** The update enabled the ability for third-party voice assistants (like Alexa) to be activated and used above the lock screen.
• Narrator and Assistive Technologies:** Improvements were made for Narrator and other assistive technologies to better read and interact with content, including detecting the state of the FN key on keyboards.
• Performance and Power Efficiency:** General improvements were made for PCs with certain processors to enhance battery life and power efficiency.
• Favored Core Optimization:** For CPUs with a "favored core" architecture (like some Intel processors), Windows 10 version 1909 included changes to distribute work more effectively to these faster cores, potentially improving performance for demanding tasks.
• Enterprise Features:** Various enhancements for IT professionals, including updates to Windows Sandbox and Windows Defender Credential Guard.

Current Status of Windows 10 Updates

It's important to note that Windows 10 version 1909 has reached the end of service for Home, Pro, Pro Education, and Pro for Workstations editions as of May 10, 2022 (Enterprise and Education editions received longer support). Microsoft recommends users update to the latest version of Windows 10 or consider upgrading to Windows 11 for continued security updates and new features.

To get the latest official Windows 10 installation media, users can visit the official Microsoft Windows 10 Download page and use the Media Creation Tool.