What's new in Windows 10 20H2, arriving later this year

Following the launch of May 2020 Update (version 2004) in May, Microsoft is now preparing the next version of Windows 10 called "version 20H2". This update is currently available for beta testing with Windows Insiders and is already live in the Beta Channel of the program.

It does not bring a major overall to Windows 10, but there are still a few important changes coming in the Windows 10 version 20H2, including the new theme-aware Start Menu.

While the Windows 10's fall feature update focuses on performance enhancements and bug fixes, these are some noticeable new features that we have outlined below.

Theme-aware Start Menu

Windows 10 20H2 will finally ditch the colored backgrounds tiles in the Start Menu for partially transparent theme-aware tiles that look much better and modern.

This new theme-aware Start Menu was first announced in a sneak peek that Microsoft posted on Instagram and other social media platforms. As you can see in the screenshot above, new Start Menu sports transparent tiles rather than ones with a solid background.

"We are freshening up the Start menu with a more streamlined design that removes the solid color backplates behind the logos in the apps list and applies a uniform, partially transparent background to the tiles," Microsoft said.

Microsoft Edge (Chromium) is now built-in

Microsoft has also confirmed that the next Windows 10 update will integrate the newest Chromium version of its Edge browser.

Currently, Microsoft Edge is available only through the Windows Update or as a manual download from the company's website.

Starting with 20H2, Chromium Microsoft Edge will be integrated directly into Windows 10, which should expand the user base given new Edge comes with a better design and privacy-focused approach.

Alt + Tab

This version of Windows 10 will also change the way you use the At + Tab keyboard shortcut.

Currently, Alt + Tab app switcher allows you to switch between the open windows of your apps, but in version 20H2, Microsoft says it has updated Alt + Tab to show your browser tabs right alongside your apps.

According to Microsoft, this could make switching between open tabs as seamless as switching between open windows.

Currently, only Microsoft Edge (Chromium edition) is supported.

System settings About page is getting better

Microsoft is making Settings even better in this release by bringing capabilities from Control Panel forward into Settings. Starting with 20H2, all your information found in Control Panel’s System page will be migrated into the Settings under Settings > System > About.

In other words, Control Panel's System applet will now direct you to About in Settings. In addition, it's now possible to copy your device information.

Tablet experience for 2-in-1 devices

In Windows 10 20H2, when you detach the keyboard on a 2-in-1 device, notification toast asking you to switch to tablet mode will no longer appear and instead, Microsoft will switch you directly into the new tablet experience.

You can change this setting by going to Settings > System > Tablet.

Change Refresh Rate of your display

You can now change your display refresh rate from Settings > System > Display > Advanced display settings.

Modern Device Management (MDM) improvements

Administrators can now make granular changes to a local group on a managed device, thanks to the new Local Users and Groups modern device management (MDM) policy

How to get Windows 10 20H2 now

If you can't wait until the version 20H2 update is released, you can grab the update via Windows Update after joining Windows Insider program.

If you're a member of the Windows Insider Program, here's how you can download and install the next feature update before everyone else:

1. Open Start menu.
2. Search for Settings and launch it.
3. Navigate to  Update & Security > Windows Insider Program.
4. Click Get Started on Windows Insider page.

   

5. Link your Microsoft account (Email should be the one that you used earlier to sign up for Insider program).
6. Get into the Beta Channel by selecting 'Beta Channel' option.
7. Read the legal stuff when asked and confirm it.
8. Restart the system and your device will be set to receive updates from the Beta Channel.
9. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for updates.
10. Under 'Windows 10 version 20H2', click on 'Download and install'.
11. Restart the system to finish the installation.

If the Windows Insider program is active and the update is not showing up when you check for updates, you may need to wait for 24-48 hours for Windows Update to process the changes.

Unlock Windows 10 20H2 features in version 2004

Starting with Build 19041.423 or newer, you can now unlock the 20H2 features in Windows 10 version 2004 by tweaking your Registry.

The Registry hack highlighted below will allow you to unlock the new Start menu, updated Alt-Tab, and other improvements without upgrading to Windows 10 20H2.

It's important to understand that the Registry Editor is a powerful tool, and it is recommended that you first create a backup of the registry before making any changes.

To unlock 20H2 features, follow these steps:

1. Open Notepad.
2. Enter the following Registry code:

   Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

   [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\FeatureManagement\Overrides\0\2093230218]
"EnabledState"=dword:00000002
"EnabledStateOptions"=dword:00000000

3. Save it as 20H2.reg

4. Close Notepad.

5. Run .reg file.

6. Restart Windows and you'll have the new Start menu.