Microsoft's first blockbuster Windows 10 update is now available for PC and tablets

The monumental new update brings visual tweaks and performance fixes

Microsoft has rolled out its first major update to Windows 10.

The blockbuster operating system update brings performance fixes, visual tweaks, new functionality for virtual assistant Cortana and IT-level Windows 10 management tools to your PC.

The news comes hours after Apple CEO Tim Cook slammed Microsoft's first in-house laptop, the Surface Book.

Windows 10 users can download the latest update – dubbed Threshold 2 in the months before its official release – from Windows Update now.

 

One of the most noticeable visual changes to the Microsoft OS is the addition of coloured title bars to all desktop apps.

Skype functionality is also now baked directly into new dedicated messaging and video call apps (which Microsoft was scheduled to release earlier this summer).

Both new Skype apps are available in the Windows Store and offer simple access to instant messaging, audio and video calls – without having to install the full Skype software.

Microsoft has labelled this latest update its "next milestone" for Windows 10, which rolled out earlier this summer.

 

Amongst the new additions, Windows 10 users are now able to install apps to external storage devices. 

 

Sponsored tiles – dubbed suggested apps – are now included by default in the Start Menu

Microsoft claims to have made a number of improvements to the stability of the operating system

Microsoft has also made some tweaks to the tablet mode, which should improve the accuracy of swiping down on a fullscreen app to close it.

Unfortunately the US firm has also included advertisements – dubbed Suggested Apps – into your Start Menu tiles.

Thankfully, this can be disabled by navigating to Settings > Personalisation > Start and then toggle off Occasionally Show Suggestions In Start.

Microsoft has also added a useful Find My Device feature, which helps you to track down your laptop and tablet using GPS should it ever get lost or stolen.

The update comes days after Microsoft announced the final date PC manufacturers will be able to sell new computers running Windows 7 or Windows 8.1. 

Microsoft is keen to migrate customers to Windows 10, which offers a slew of new functionality – and some controversial data collection policies.

 



Microsoft Edge supports Chromecast video as well as the ability to syncs favourites and settings



The latest Windows 10 update should not come as any surprise since Microsoft has been testing beta versions of many of the new features and functionality on thousands of Window Insiders for months.

Executive Vice President of the Windows and Devices Group Terry Myerson posted on the Redmond firm's official blog.

"With this update, there are improvements in all aspects of the platform and experience, including thousands of partners updating their device drivers and applications for great Windows 10 compatibility," he wrote.

"But most importantly, with this free update we have reached the point in the platform’s maturity where we can confidently recommend Windows 10 deployment to whole organisations."

 

Microsoft has made improvements to the operating system's tablet mode

Microsoft's digital assistant Cortana gets an upgrade in the latest version of Windows 10, too.

Cortana now syncs with your Microsoft Account. She can also understand handwritten instructions penned into the search field your Surface Pen.

Microsoft's failed Edge browser also gets a bit of a bump.

There's still no browser extensions, but Microsoft has added the ability to syncs favourites, settings and your reading list. There's also a handy new tab preview feature, too.

 

Hopefully the latest update will fix a number of known issues with Windows 10.

Users have reported frustratingly slow boot-up speeds, trouble with wifi connections, privacy concerns and issues with child safety features following the jump to Windows 10.

Windows 10 is currently a free operating system upgrade to customers running genuine versions of Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1.

If you have managed to get your version of Windows 10 up and running smoothly – NewsNewsBlog.blogspot.com has rounded up SEVEN top tips to master your new operating system.

And if you are feeling negative towards the new operating system, here are the WORST features Microsoft included in Windows 10.