What to Disable in Windows 10 Update 1903
I. Introduction
Windows 10 update 1903, also known as the May 2019 Update, brought several new features, improvements, and security updates to the operating system. However, some of these new features may not be useful to all users and can even slow down your system. Therefore, it is important to know what features can be disabled to optimize the performance of your PC and improve productivity.
II. Review of New Features in Windows 10 Update 1903
A. Dark Mode
Windows 10 added a new system-wide dark mode in the May 2019 Update. This enables users to change the color scheme of the operating system from white to black, and reduces eye strain when working in low light conditions.
B. Sandbox
The Sandbox feature allows users to run potentially suspicious applications in a secure virtual environment. This protects your system from malware and viruses that can cause damage.
C. Password-less Login
With the Windows Hello feature, users can use biometric authentication such as fingerprint or facial recognition to access their devices without the need for a password.
D. Other Standout Features
Other standout features include the ability to pause updates, improvements to the search function, and enhancements to the Start menu.
III. Features that Can be Disabled
A. Cortana
1. Explanation of Cortana
Cortana is a voice assistant that can help users perform various tasks such as setting reminders, playing music, and searching the web.
2. Reasons to Disable
Cortana can consume a lot of system resources and impact the performance of your PC. Additionally, some users may not find Cortana useful or may have concerns about privacy.
3. How to Disable
To disable Cortana, right-click on the Taskbar and select Cortana > Hidden or Show Cortana icon.
B. Timeline
1. Explanation of Timeline
The Timeline feature allows users to view their recent activities across multiple devices, such as apps opened, documents edited, and websites visited.
2. Reasons to Disable
Some users may find the Timeline distracting or may have concerns about privacy.
3. How to Disable
To disable Timeline, open the Settings app, select Privacy > Activity history and then uncheck the boxes under Store my activity history on this device and Send my activity history to Microsoft.
C. Focus Assist
1. Explanation of Focus Assist
Focus Assist allows users to block distractions such as notifications, sounds, and alerts when working or playing games.
2. Reasons to Disable
Some users may find Focus Assist unnecessary or may not want to miss important notifications.
3. How to Disable
To disable Focus Assist, open the Settings app and select Focus Assist. Then, select Off under the Automatic rules section.
D. Connected User Experiences and Telemetry
1. Explanation of Connected User Experiences and Telemetry
Connected User Experiences and Telemetry allows Microsoft to collect data on how users interact with Windows 10 to improve the overall experience.
2. Reasons to Disable
Some users may have concerns about privacy or may not want to share their data with Microsoft.
3. How to Disable
To disable Connected User Experiences and Telemetry, open the Settings app and select Privacy > Feedback & diagnostics. Then, select Basic or Off under the Diagnostic data section.
IV. Recommended Settings
A. Turning off Background Apps
To turn off background apps, open the Settings app and select Privacy > Background apps. Then, toggle the switches to off for apps that you don’t need running in the background.
B. Disabling Notifications
To disable notifications, open the Settings app and select System > Notifications & actions. Then, toggle off the switches for the apps that you don’t want to receive notifications from.
C. Managing Startup Programs
To manage startup programs, open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc. Then, select the Startup tab and disable programs that you don’t need on startup.
D. Optimizing Performance
To optimize the performance of your PC, you can use the built-in Windows 10 Disk Cleanup tool to free up space, update drivers, and use third-party software such as CCleaner to remove temporary files and optimize system settings.
V. Conclusion
Windows 10 update 1903 brought several new features and improvements to the operating system. However, not all of these features may be useful to everyone, and some can even slow down your system. By disabling certain features and optimizing your PC settings, you can improve its overall performance and productivity.
FAQ
1. Can I change the color scheme of Windows 10 without using dark mode?
Yes, you can change the color scheme of Windows 10 by going to Settings > Personalization > Colors, and selecting your preferred color.
2. Can I enable Cortana again after disabling it?
Yes, you can enable Cortana again by following the same steps and selecting Show Cortana icon or Show Cortana.
3. Should I disable all of the features mentioned in the article?
No, you should only disable the features that you don’t find useful or that are impacting the performance of your PC. It’s important to strike a balance between optimizing your PC and still having access to the features that you need.