On May 10, 2020, Microsoft released new updates on Windows 10, the version, called Windows 10 2004, followed similar yymm naming syntax as its forerunners. The Windows 10 2004 version includes numerous features like revamped Network Status page, a new Cortana experience, and even an integrated GPU card temperature to the Task Manager.
Yet, we are most thrilled about the array of security features the Windows 10 2004 version has. The technology brand released these new security features to ensure the protection of its users going forward. If you are interested in the security updates for Windows 10 in 2020, keep on reading.
Windows 10 security baselines
Security baselines are elementary operating systems setups that system administrators can use over different computers, scattered in different locations to ensure that no key security feature is disabled. So, this new Windows 10 upgrade by Microsoft simplifies the work system admins would have to do.
Operating system cloud recovery option
Moving on, we have this new Windows 10 feature which, if selected by users, will tell Windows to download cloud files Microsoft servers need to reinstall.
This process doesn’t require any extra disk space to store Windows backup copy. It is fast, simple, and seamless.
To understand the importance of this security feature, we need to take you back to the recovery process users followed in the past.
Previously, if a user wanted to reset their PC, they could only do so locally. Users would click on the ‘Reset this PC’ option, and Windows would build a new Windows installation from the existing Windows files.
While this feature is much needed, Microsoft recommends that only users with a fast internet connection should use it.
It is also important to know that this feature will remove previously installed apps from your PC and has a ‘Remove everything’ option that could completely wipe out users’ data.
Windows 10 sandbox (improved)
Next, we have the Windows sandbox security feature introduced on all Windows versions with the release of v1903.
This feature lets:
- Windows users run a virtual machine operating on a stripped-down version of Windows 10.
- Users run apps that may be harmful to a PC in a virtual environment, thus protecting the PC from damage.
While very useful, this feature needed several iterations to be made on it to be on the same level as other sandboxing software. Thankfully, in recent Windows 10 news, Microsoft released an improved version that;
- Allows users to use CTRL+ALT+[breat] to enter and exit full-screen mode.
- Lets users configure audio input right from their configuration files.
- Supports various configuration files, enabling users to configure certain aspects of the Windows feature.
- Allows users to activate the ‘Ease of access’ dialog with Shift+Alt+[print screen].
These added functionalities are set to make the sandbox feature easy to use and automate.
Improvement of System Guard
The system guard feature on previous versions on Windows 10 functioned by checking if the PC firmware was tamper-free and loaded securely.
The improved version of system guard measures more parameters than the previous but doesn’t run effectively on all devices. It also requires modern hardware to function.
Secured-core technology compatibility
Secured-core is a feature in Windows 10 computers that allows users to install additional protection to counter attacks on the PC’s hardware, firmware, and even the computer’s internal components.
This feature, while extremely useful, wasn’t compatible with some Microsoft devices. But, with the new Windows 10 release, devices that run on AMD’s latest chipsets are now compatible with Microsoft’s secured-core technology.
Support for WPA3 and WiFi 6
Another of Windows 10 security features is its support for the latest WiFi version (WiFi 6) and WPA. WPA is a protocol for WiFi connection authentication. The importance of this feature is in the protocols it supports. WiFi 6 and WPA protocols help protect user PCs from attacks like DragonBlood, KRACK, etc.
So, because of the new support in Windows 10 2004 version, users can now connect securely to their WiFi networks.
FIDO2 support
In previous versions of the Windows 10 news update, FIDO2 security keys were an incorporated support feature added to it.
FIDO2 security keys act as a form of passwordless authentication for users.So, it came as no surprise that the new Windows 10 2004 version, Microsoft expanded the FIDO2 support to include devices like hybrid Azure Active Directory (Azure AD)-joined.
This is extremely important for users as it allows them to take essential steps in creating a passwordless environment for themselves.
A passwordless environment eliminates the need for passwords and instead has users sign in using PIN or biometrics (face or fingerprint). Users can access this feature from Settings > Accounts > Sign-in page.
Windows ‘hello’ feature expanded
The ‘Hello’ function on Windows 10 helps users login to their PCs using biometrics, or PIN code. But, when users boot in safe mode, this feature is inaccessible.
So, the Windows 10 version 2004 update addresses these limitations. Users can also use the ‘Hello’ feature as an option to passwords (passwordless methods).
How to get the Windows 10 version 2004
Microsoft ensures that users can freely access updates made on Windows 10 in 2020. To get the Windows 10 version 2004 update on your PC, simply:
- Click on Settings > Update and Security > Windows Update
- Click on Check For Updates.
- If your system is suitable to update, it will begin downloading and installing updates.
Conclusion
The security updates in the Windows 10 version 2004 are numerous, useful, and set to make users feel safe and secure.
A lot of writing service reviews and custom writing reviews platforms such as Best Writers Online and Online Writers Rating have tested and written reviews on the new update. But, if you are interested in testing new versions of Windows 10 updates, you can become a Windows 10 insider.
Being a Windows 10 insider will give you access before the official release of new Windows 10 updates to presurvey features and functionalities. Also, it is free to beta test Windows 10 new updates.
Image Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/dcmot/22817126521
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