For many Windows problems, a clean install is the quickest solution. In case your hard disk fails completely and also you don't have a current backup image, it is the only solution. Accomplishing that task using the latest version of Windows 10 is easy, thanks to the Media Creation Tool and a pretty simple activation process. (For details, see How to set up, reinstall, upgrade and activate Windows 10.)

But after you've finished that clean install, you're left with the job of finding and updating any drivers and utility programs specific to that particular device.

The answer? Download a recovery image for your device from the OEM. That image is typically current and includes everything that you'd otherwise have to track down and install manually.

You're most likely to locate a recovery image when you're using a business PC (or high-end consumer device) from one from the top OEMs. Older devices, as well as low-priced consumer PCs, are less likely to qualify.

The optimum time to download a recovery image is when your PC is working properly. Produce a bootable device from that image, stash it inside a safe place, and you may return to work quickly in case of a serious hardware issue.

To use a recovery image, boot from the installation media, choose Troubleshoot in the Windows Recovery Environment, and then choose Get over A Drive. After a few initial prompts, the process is completely automatic.

Here's where to find the image you need from four major PC vendors. You will need an 8GB (or larger) Usb memory card and a serial number for the device you're working with:

Dell

Start only at that page: How to Download and Use the Dell OS Recovery Image in Microsoft Windows. Reading the instructions, download the Dell OS Recovery Tool (Windows only) and run it from a merchant account with administrative rights. Note that the Dell tool will also produce a recovery image for devices originally sold with older Windows versions or with Linux preinstalled.

HP

For HP business PCs sold with Windows 10 Professional (64-bit) or Windows 7 Professional, you will employ a Windows desktop utility called the HP Cloud Recovery Download Tool. Check the listing of supported devices first; in case your model is supported, download and run the Cloud Recovery Client, go into the serial number and model number, and follow the instructions to produce a bootable flash drive containing the recovery image.

For HP consumer PCs (2018 or later only), make use of the HP Cloud Recovery Tool. This app is available from the Microsoft Store (the listing is here now) and is able to detecting the serial number automatically. If you are developing a recovery image for any device apart from the one you're working with, you can enter that information manually.

Lenovo

Lenovo offers digital downloads for Windows 10 THINK systems and elected Ideapad and Desktop systems. For older devices (2014 and then) which were originally sold with Windows 8.1 Pro or Windows 10 Professional, Lenovo will ship bootable media within 4-5 business days (international ground service may take significantly longer). For detailed information, begin to see the Windows Recovery Media Systems Program.

If your system includes a Lenovo OneKey Recovery partition, you may be in a position to create a recovery image manually. For instructions, see How can I create Recovery Media, or order from Lenovo.

Microsoft

Recovery images for all Microsoft Surface products are available here: Download a recovery image for your Surface. Register having a Microsoft account, in case your system is registered with this account, or follow the links at the bottom of that page to enter one number and serial number.

Microsoft just released first 2019 build of Windows 10 19H1, just like before, it is really available for download for users with the Fast ring.

Windows 10 build 18309 doesn't bring just too many changes, though it does release the modern Windows Hello PIN reset experience to all or any versions of your operating system.

Previously, in Windows 10 build 18305, this new feature was just pushed onto the Home SKU, but between this new release, it is presented to everyone long lasting version they are usually running.

The revolutionary Windows Hello PIN reset experience conditional on a familiar appearance that resembles the model when logging into websites on the web. That way, users can reset their PINs more readily when trying to sign in to Windows 10.

"Narrator improvements"

Additionally, Microsoft just happens to be promoting its password-less push each Windows 10 versions, after previously making it available to the Home SKU exclusively.

"We're pushing forward on eliminating passwords and maintaining your accounts safe with another cool feature. With Build 18305, we announced support for fitting and logging into websites to Windows 10 getting a phone number account, and not having to create, or cope with the hassle of your passwords for Insiders in the Windows 10 Home edition. Today, that support is extending to every one Windows 10 editions!" Microsoft announces.

You'll also find several Narrator improvements, including options to add more voices, refined Narrator Home navigations, and far table reading in PowerPoint.

There are plenty of other general changes, improvements, and fixes, along with a bunch of known issues, and you can now find them fully in the box following your jump.

Windows 10 19H1 is projected that they are finalized in the year of this year. Much like Microsoft's typical roadmap, it ready in March for Windows insiders, although the public rollout should eliminate in April.

Four years after Windows 10's release, Microsoft's latest desktop OS has finally overtaken Windows 7, which Microsoft released during 2009 and will stop supporting batch that we get.

Net Market Share's December 2018 report reveals 39.22 percent within the machines by which it collects statistics use Windows 10, just prior to the 36.9 % that use Windows 7.

The cross-over happened within the month of December, though each version's share of Windows devices is actually close all through the entire year.

Fellow web analytics firm StatCounter reported Windows 10 overtaking Windows 7 last January. Each of those firms use different methodologies to count desktop marketshare as explained inside this piece by ZDNet's Ed Bott.

Another reliable source to compare and contrast desktop usage relates to the US government's analytics portal, which shows systems utilized to visit government websites.

It reports that 24.9 percent of visitors using Windows tend to be Windows 10, likened to 13.6 percent who use Windows 7. Windows 10's share of Windows consumers to .gov sites increased from 21 percent last February, while Windows 7's share has declined from 19.8 percent while in the period.

Microsoft at many point aimed for Windows 10 to be on one billion active devices by 2018, 4 seasons it would have released an essential new version been there not switched to Windows as providing service.

However, be sure you are was abandoned after it became clear it would not be achieved, to a degree due to the failure of Microsoft's Windows Phone and Nokia plans.

Microsoft's latest update on Windows 10 adoption was it to be running on just below 700 million machines, or slightly less of the 1.5 billion devices that run some sort of Windows.

Although consumer Windows products likely to be running Windows 10, recent upticks in adoption resemble coming from the enterprise. In October, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said more than half the enterprise device installed base was on Windows 10.

Meanwhile, seems Microsoft has followed its fastest-ever rollout associated with a new version of Windows 10 utilizing its slowest rollout. According to Windows-focused analytics firm AdDuplex, just 6.6 % of Windows 10 machines were with the Windows 10 October 2018 Update or version 1809 by December 28.

"October Update is exclusive throughout the background Windows 10 updates. While previous updates inevitably shoot up after a couple of weeks on the market, O18U stays lingering towards the zero axis to the chart," notes AdDuplex.

The 1809 update it goes without saying has been delayed by a data-destroying bug that prompted Microsoft to quit the update during the early October, only resuming its release in mid-November.

It consists of also been slowly releasing version 1809 to users who manually make an effort download it. As of December 17, Windows 10 1809 was "fully available" to users who decide to get the upgrade manually.

Email are probably the easiest ways that information can leak on the organization. Microsoft Office 365 has data loss prevention (DLP) policies definitely subscription levels that, if arranged properly, may also help prevent data leakage. Assuming you have an E3 or E5 license, you possibly can set policies and show tips reminding users that they can shouldn't be sending sensitive information.

If you already can tell your users make shouldn't be emailing information such as credit card numbers, social security numbers and also other sensitive identity information, the reality is that people will forget and email information regardless. By creating a DLP policy that proactively searches for this sensitive information and blocks the transmission, you are able to it safer either way your firm and recipients of this email.

To do DLP rules, first decide if you are using a specific preexisting rule set or if you need to make any. Go to the Office 365 Security & Compliance page and membership with administrator privileges. Just go to "Data loss prevention" thereafter click on "Policy".

Thank you for visiting your new PC! Should the wrapping paper has actually been torn off and therefore the initial "oooooooh" moment went away its a pointer to get all the down to the business of truly setting up and going to it. All of the where we be available in.

It's not as daunting precisely as it perhaps was previously, but below are some tips to help you get going the proper way with your new Windows 10 PC.

Register for a Microsoft Account

If you don't have one yet, a Microsoft Account is surely a useful thing to have. Although you now link your Windows 10 license to barefoot running so everything's easier to fix when you have to start again completely from scratch, but it's necessary to download apps out from the Store for a single. You can also make use of to help Cortana synced across your devices, PC and mobile, membership to Xbox Live, Outlook, even shop at the Microsoft Store and more often.

Getting one is simple, simply head over to the Microsoft Account home page colliding with sign up!

Switching from Mac

If you're just dipping a toe in Windows from a Mac, firstly, welcome! Secondly, you have personal stuff in iCloud that you don't want to lose as you're putting together your new PC. The great thing you can not only get their things into Windows but continue using iCloud if you want to - especially if you are using an iPhone!

Apple doesn't do a lot for PCs, is far more efficient an iCloud client that's going to let you reach your Apple cloud-stored goodies. Hit internet page below on the full rundown about how to get constructed.

Moving from another Windows PC

It is a bit of a grind moving stuff from any PC yet another, but you will likely make the cloud do almost all of the work for you. Should you already use OneDrive, then great! If it's not, definitely sign-up at least for the free account. 5GB of free storage isn't a lot nevertheless might help you progress things around easier soon, with the added bonus of having the ability to access files on mobile as well the web.

Putting it simple the files you should move around into OneDrive upon old PC you might they've uploaded to the cloud you can purchase at them the moment from your an alternative one. Either through having OneDrive set-up on your desktop or across the Windows 10 app.

Or you'll just copy everything across which has a USB thumb drive, memory or DVD (provided a fresh computer actually will have a DVD drive…). Like we comfortable with in the old days.

In the western world your apps and games, patio furniture from the Windows Store are going to be there to download again of your new PC. Software on the surface of the Windows Store are required to be reinstalled manually through the discs or redownloaded from where you originally first got it. The beauty to somewhat of a Store apps is that the settings can be synced automatically, so that you can won't even have to log in again - your Twitter, news, coupled with other apps will pick up where you left off!

First apps for getting

The Store consists of a great offering of apps to download towards your new PC. For many folks though there are some staples the fact that they simply have to have. Others a person might not yet realise what amount of money you need them!

In any event, we've put together the best apps you ought to get on your new Windows 10 PC within one easy place!

Fashion accessories

Whether you're applying for a laptop as well as a desktop, you will be looking for and never accessories to settle for it. On the subject of laptops, a required buy is a good bag to have it around in and look after it safe.

For that desktop crowd, mice, keyboards and webcams all rank others in terms of the list. Fortunately, whichever you might need, we've got you covered with some great picks.

Enrollment and join our forums!

Basically we endeavor to post as much helpful tips, tricks, news reports, rumors, reviews and even more on the home page, you will discover a whole lot more knowledge that exist in the Windows Central forums! Whether you want to chew it, share one's own opinions or might need some advice, there are actually a large community of helpful enthusiasts there that may help you every single day.

Registering is free, so directly over and join the discussion!

Microsoft is reportedly meaning to release new webcams in 2019 for Windows 10 and Xbox One. Thurrott reports that two new webcams are the way, with one supposed to bring Windows Hello facial recognition to a Windows 10 PC. Then the other will reportedly work together with the Xbox One create back the Kinect feature that permit users automatically visit by transferring front with the camera. Obtaining work with multiple accounts and kinfolk.

Microsoft's Surface chief, Panos Panay, hinted captured in an interview from the Verge a company is contemplating releasing Surface-branded webcams. "Look elizabeth camera on Surface Hub 2, note it's a USB-C-based camera, as well as idea that we could bring a top fidelity camera to an experience, one can probably guess that's going to proceed," hinted Panay in October.

Microsoft is planning to release its Surface Hub 2S in 2019, with upgradeable processor cartridges. When the company releases the USB-C Surface Hub 2 camera separately, this same camera could help you on any Windows 10 PC. Microsoft hasn't already yet released specific Windows Hello camera, and PC users (as well as businesses) seasoned to rely upon alternatives from Creative, Razer, and Logitech to add facial recognition to desktop PCs.

Microsoft is attempting to address driving a vehicle of running a mysterious .exe on your PC. Whilst some power users put together virtual machines evaluate unknown apps, Microsoft has created a simple option for anyone running Windows 10 to file for apps using an isolated desktop environment. Windows Sandbox really is a new feature beginning to Windows 10 2012 that creates a short-term desktop environment to isolate an important app to that particular sandbox.

It's developed to be secure and disposable, so once you've finished running the app in such an mode the whole sandbox will likely be deleted. You don't want to set up a virtual machine, it will require virtualization capabilities enabled within a BIOS. Microsoft is making Windows Sandbox available throughout the Windows 10 Pro or Windows 10 Enterprise, and it's clearly made for businesses primarily or power users.

It's an inspired new feature that means every time Windows Sandbox is enabled basically creates a new lightweight (100MB) installing Windows to use an app. Microsoft is usually its own hypervisor the separate kernel that's isolated out of the host PC. Windows 10 testers has the ability to start testing this new feature once Microsoft ships build 18305 or later. If you're attracted to more of the technical details Microsoft's Windows Sandbox, you'll find a number of them over inside company's blog post.

Microsoft is particularly committed to improving Notepad with extra features, and after rolling out a substantial update in Windows 10 version 1809, the software giant becomes working on quite a few other refinements that's included in the OS update currently codenamed 19H1.

In Windows 10 version 1809 (October 2018 Update), Notepad received support for Unix/Linux line endings (LF) and Macintosh line endings (CR) additionally Windows line endings (CRLF), and even options to investigate text with Bing, focus capabilities, and find/replace refinements with wrap-around into your find dialog.

While Notepad is a tool that people loved, each improvements permit it to be even more useful, so Microsoft doesn't intend to give up on this trend in the near future.

As a result, Windows 10 19H1 will introduce several more updates for Notepad, along with a bunch already tested in the most recent Windows Insider Preview build.

Initially, Notepad receives improvements for a UTF-8 encoding, with Microsoft explaining the up coming:

"We are adding the option to save files in UTF-8 with not a Byte Order Mark and which makes this the default for brand new files. UTF-8 without having Byte Order Mark is backwards-compatible with ASCII all of which will provide better interoperability from the web, where UTF-8 is just about the default encoding. Additionally, we added a column towards status bar that displays the encoding among the document."

The encoding is becoming displayed within the lower right corner when you use a Notepad document.

This new update also introduces the latest indicator that enables you to know whenever usually there are unsaved changes in your document. Basically, whenever you are working on a text document so you didn't save your changes, you'll see an asterisk from the title bar until the file name.

The asterisk is shown as once you press the main key after saving and should stay there prior to you save the document as soon as. This way, Microsoft aids you make sure you're not losing any work.

Additionally, Notepad also gets support for three new keyboard shortcuts, and power users certainly know exactly what a big deal this is often. Beginning with Windows 10 19H1, just press CTRL + Shift + N to open a new Notepad window and CTRL + Shift + S to open up the Save as dialog. Also, CTRL + W now enables quickly close the Notepad window that you are working in.

Microsoft is furthermore updating Notepad providing the opening and saving of files that incorporate a path above 260 characters. Also known as MAX_PATH, this has until recently been a tortuous limitation, particularly developers.

Since Microsoft concerns feedback currently, the updated Notepad version could also include a Send Feedback option under Help that allows tell the corporation what you think with this new update as well as to report bugs you simply discovered by using the app. Click this feature fires within the Feedback Hub around the Notepad section, in order to quickly send a replacement post.

Also, there are a bunch of fixes that refine the typical experience with Notepad, and as expected, more are typically added in the coming months ahead of the public launch inside the new Windows 10 feature update. However, it's unfamiliar if Notepad would have any other new features.

Windows 10 19H1 is projected to get finalized early in the year, and per Microsoft's own release schedule, it ready in March. The RTM build will be first pushed to Windows insiders, while the bunch would get involved April as the global rollout begins.

The latest Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook iterations, issued as version 16.20.0, enable support for tentpole macOS Mojave functionality, depending on release notes provided alongside today's update.

All Office apps now reap the benefits of compatibility with system-wide Dark Mode urinary incontinence aesthetic. Introduced with Mojave, Dark Mode toggles UI elements like window borders and icons from standard, brightly lit color with a darker scheme created use in low-light environments.

Coupled with Dark Mode, PowerPoint integrates Apple's Continuity Camera, that enables users to insert photos removed from an iPhone into an open document. As implemented in PowerPoint, users open an exhibit, select a target slide and start a control-click operation to acquire up an edit menu dialogue. Choosing a paired iPhone triggers the digital camera app on that device, that is used to please take a photo for insertion.

Beyond Mojave-specific capabilities, recently available Office version includes embedded fonts for Word and additional features in Outlook including calendar sharing, meeting forwarding prevention and support for Teams.

The update can be found to Microsoft Office 365 subscribers, who'll see the update download automatically, plus licensed people who just love Office 2019 for Mac.

Microsoft today released the latest Windows 10 preview with sign-in, File Explorer, Start menu, keyboard, Console, Notepad, Narrator, accessibility, setup, Snip & Sketch, and Game bar improvements. This build is from the 19H1 branch, which can arrive in 1st half of batch that we get.

Windows 10 continues to be developed becoming a service, meaning it receives extra features on a regular basis. Microsoft has released six major updates up to: November Update, Anniversary Update, Creators Update, Fall Creators Update, April 2018 Update, and October 2018 Update.

While Build 18272 simplified the sign-in settings page, today's build has added a brand-new option. Everyone can set up a security key straight from Settings.

It's not only on the Office apps who're getting new icons - Microsoft is redesigning various Windows 10 icons too. The File Explorer icon stands out as the first, and it's expected to look better considering the new light theme that your particular company is building out.

But also the icon isn't really change for that File Explorer. The Downloads folder is sorted in order to show the most recently downloaded file above, by default. Whenever you have made your own special changes to the way Downloads folder is sorted (View tab), that won't change.

Photographs unpin groups and folders inside the Start menu using new context menu entry. It's got been rolling out gradually to Windows Insiders just the summer weeks, still it's available to all testers.

The touch keyboard now dynamically adjusts the hit target of key while type, consistent with prediction what letter most probably will be typed next. The keys looks no different in the eye, speculate you can see above, they could now befits minimize hitting the wrong key with a small margin. Separately, Microsoft is in addition making some improvements to reduce the number of times in tablet mode and the touch keyboard ultimately occluding the text field when docked.

Should you open the properties page of any Console window, you'll now see one additional Terminal tab containing several new settings for several experimental features. Take a terminal scrolling, cursor shape, cursor colors, and terminal colors.

Notepad has gained a column within a status bar that displays the encoding with the document and therefore the option to save files in UTF-8 with not a Byte Order Mark. UTF-8 wthout using a Byte Order Mark is generally the new default. It's backwards-compatible with ASCII and Microsoft hopes it lets you do provide better interoperability considering the web.

Notepad will now a modified indicator (an asterisk, *) from the title bar till the title of one's document to point that a document has unsaved changes. What's more, it has new shortcuts: Ctrl+Shift+N to start a new Notepad window, Ctrl+Shift+S to read the Save as… dialog, and Ctrl+W to close the current Notepad window. Finally, Notepad are now able to open and save files by using a path that may be longer than 260 characters (MAX_PATH).

The Narrator now features Narrator Home, a person place and access everything you need for Narrator. In settings (Windows logo key + Ctrl + N), you're able to remove Narrator Home out from the Alt + Tab list and instead minimize it somewhere tray. The app furthermore has received verbosity improvements, URL reading with Narrator + 0, easier table reading, updated capitalization reading, reading and navigation commands that stay within webpage content areas, a move cursor during reading option, a much more consistent reading experience, a alternative to hear when you're pressing certain keys, combo edit support, and in addition the ability to stay open even when you reset your PIN or password.

In relation to accessibility, Windows 10 featuring bigger and brighter cursors. In Capability of Access Settings (Windows + U), it is in the Vision category, select "Cursor & pointer" to ascertain the list of options.

The Windows 10 setup design happens to be updated, more than 100 years above. The Microsoft logo, Support link, and Legal link are missing among the bottom left hand corner all of which will be present.

Microsoft also released Snip & Sketch (version 10.1811.3371.0) with bug fixes and reliability improvements. Lastly, the experience bar has got a new Gallery experience that enables you to view screenshots and videos and share the crooks to Twitter without leaving your game.
Bug fixes and known issues

This 19H1 build includes these simple general bug fixes and enhancements:

Fixed a merge conflict allowing the Dynamic Lock settings being missing from Sign-in Settings.
Fixed a concern resulting in Insiders seeing green screens with error System Service Exception in win32kbase.sys when reaching certain games and apps moscow and rome two flights.
The update block to have a small number of PCs using Nuvoton (NTC) TPM chips using a specific firmware version (1.3.0.1), a result of a bug causing complications of Windows Hello face/biometric/pin login damaged, has been removed since this build possesses a fix for that issue.
If you've turned off transparency effects, that preference can also be reflected on the sign-in screen.
Fixed one factor resulting in Settings crashing for few Insiders when clicking "Check for Updates".
Fixed a major problem resulting in Settings crashing for a few Insiders when browsing Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
Fixed something resulting in night light settings deteriorating and getting stuck in the past few flights.
Fixed a subject resulting in an amazing amount of space among the categories and subcategories in Settings in recent flights.
Fixed a worry where the folder size wasn't calculated correctly in File Explorer's Properties dialog when a specific a path who was longer than MAX_PATH involved.
Fixed a challenge resulting in menu flyouts appearing blank with Arabic display language.
Fixed a matter where when inking within the PDF in Microsoft Edge, those that erased some ink quickly after starting the inking session, then added more ink, upon saving the PDF have always been ink may just be saved.
Fixed a problem where the handwriting panel might crash when using your pen to input into win32 apps in recent builds.
Fixed very important resulting in capable of type into certain tables while using the Vietnamese Telex keyboard.
Adjustments when text scaling is enabled to emphasize the icon throughout the Action Center quick actions which means that your text doesn't overlap.
Improvements so if theme truncation is detected, will not likely see unexpectedly thick borders around your windows.
Improvements in order to reduce the number of times that you might observe the error "Windows can't buy one of the files from this theme. Will you still are going to save the theme?" appear.
Updated the timeout period when dictating (WIN+H) turn out to be from 5 seconds to Ten seconds, to give you a little bit time to think of what you want to convey. If you'd want to stop the dictation before this, just say "Stop dictating" or press WIN+H (just like in previous builds).
Fixed a concern on the touch keyboard causing some letters unexpectedly being black in lieu of white in dark theme.
Fixed an aspect where the "…" menu in clipboard history (WIN+V) was clipped in recent builds.
Fixed a matter where when displaying the domain name of a known file type (one registered under HKCR\<.File Extension>) File Explorer would display a clear chair string for this file name in many cases. Now, in the event an file name seriously is not available, File Explorer will forever show the extension name, despite the fact that Show File Name Extensions is powered down.
Updated the microphone and camera privacy settings pages to give you information on which apps are currently using the microphone and camera also, the date/time apps last accessed your microphone and camera.
Fixed something where Magnifier would never start automatically no matter whether "start after sign-in setting" for Magnifier was enabled if Narrator was not set to auto start after sign-in.
Fixed something where Magnifier didnrrrt work with Touch when Centered mouse mode was enabled.
Fixed an aspect where Narrator sometimes wouldnrrrt start after completing Free from Box Experience (OOBE).
Fixed the matter causing Narrator to start with unexpectedly and made it easier to disappointment Narrator when it was introduced unintentionally.
Fixed very important where Narrator scan mode decided not to turn off automatically in case you focused the address bar in Microsoft Edge.
Fixed a problem where Narrator heading navigation was skipping some headings in Chrome.
Fixed an issue where Narrator read page loaded notification several times in Chrome.
Fixed a worry where Narrator does not read Edit box placeholder text in Chrome.
Fixed an issue that caused the settings page to crash after changing the account password or PIN.

Today's update bumps Windows 10 from build 18290 (distributed around testers on November 28) to design 18298.

This build has nine known issues:

The hyperlink colors ought to be refined in Dark Mode in Sticky Notes in cases where the Insights are enabled.
Settings crashes when following the "View storage usage on other drives" option under System > Storage.
The Windows Security app may show a mystery status to the Virus & threat protection area, or perhaps refresh properly. Possibly this could occur after upgrade, restart, or settings changes.
Delete previous sort of Windows in Configure Storage Sense is absolutely not selectable.
Settings will crash when opening Speech Settings.
The cmimanageworker.exe process may hang, causing system slowness or even more than normal CPU usage. This will be bypassed by rebooting your machine if it occurs.
Launching games make use of BattlEye anti-cheat will trigger an insect check (green screen).
USB printers may look twice inside Devices and Printers at hand Panel. Reinstalling the printer will resolve the topic.
If you install all recent builds inside the Fast ring and change to the Slow ring, optional content as an example enabling developer mode will fail. You will remain in the Fast ring to add/install/enable optional content. Associated with optional content will surely install on builds approved for specific rings.

Remember to, don't install this onto your production machine.