Although it's not a trader's favorite thing to do, every so often you're going to have to take an update to Windows 10. Microsoft is always updating its software products to add new features, improve current capabilities, and prevent security breaches.
The security updates, particularly, are super-important for traders. And the major updates are fairly unavoidable because of the way Microsoft has things set up.
For Windows 10, Microsoft generally releases two updates a year. As of this writing, the last major update for Windows 10 (version 1903) was in May 2019.
In this post, I'll take a look at the current update process, along with the features of the 1903 version most likely to be interesting to traders.
Windows 10 Update Process
Windows 10 updates are released to customers in batches (i.e., a limited batch of customers get access to the update on any given day). Microsoft uses this method to ensure their update servers don’t get overwhelmed. They also want to gradually roll out updates so if there is a problem they can fix it before more people get the new features.
If you haven’t received a notification on your trading computer that installation is imminent, you can check the update status manually by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
However, DO NOT click the Check for updates button. (In the past, checking this button has caused the installation to begin immediately.)
If the update hasn't yet been installed, it may be available from this window. But read this rest of this article and consciously decide if you want to install now before taking any action.
One other thing. You’ll have to install any previous updates in order to receive the latest one.
Before You Update
Experts recommend updating only after you have taken steps to enable you to put things back as they were if something goes wrong.
Specifically, for maximum safety before any install, you'll want to do the following:
- Create a Windows Recovery Drive using the built-in Wizard.
- Find and record product keys for any installed software.
- Double check that the System Restore feature is enabled.
- Back up your personal files (especially anything related to trading).
Also, carefully choose the day and time you want to update. The process can take up to 30 minutes. Choose a time when you don't have to be anywhere else while the update is proceeding, just in case a problem arises and you need to revert changes.
Extended Time to Remain on Older Version
The latest 1903 Windows 10 update allows users to stay on the older version of Windows 10 for considerably longer than in the recent past.
If you have the Pro, Enterprise, or Education version, you can push off the update by changing the Advanced options under Update & Security.
Say you have an important meeting, critical project deadline, or trip coming up, and you don’t want to take the risk of Windows updating in the middle of that. You can use the Semi-Annual Channel option to delay the update for 60 days after release (which I would recommend as a general rule). Then also choose up to 365 days additional deferral time. It can help you avoid unnecessary headaches during a busy time.
If you have Windows 10 Home, and if the update is available to you, you'll see a Download and install now button. Just don't click it unless you're really ready. In theory, you'll be able to avoid updates indefinitely. But let's just wait and see on that one.
What's New in Version 1903
Here are the features and enhancements in the latest Windows 10 update that are most relevant to traders.
Better Search
The Settings > Search function has more options. You can now use Enhanced search mode to look through all parts of your trading computer storage. Previously, Windows 10 search only looked at files in the desktop and libraries. The Enhanced mode also lets you exclude particular files and folders from your search.
Uninstall Windows Default Apps
The latest Windows 10 upgrade allows you to get rid of Mail, Calendar, Movies & TV, and more. You couldn’t get rid of these apps in previous versions of Windows 10. So if lack of hard disk space is creating a bottleneck on your trading computer, take advantage of this new capability.
Password-less Login
Remembering the passwords for your various trading computers can be a hassle. The new Windows 10 update has password-less login.
When you need to log into a new trading computer, you can have Microsoft send you a login code via your choice of email or text.
Use the code to log in the first time. Then you can use a Windows Hello authentication method like a fingerprint or another PIN to log into the device.
Hey Cortana, Don't Let the Door Hit You…
When Windows 10 first became available, I suggested that embracing Cortana with open arms was probably not the best way for traders to go. And now Microsoft will soon be giving her the boot as well.
But in the meantime, Version 1903 separates the Cortana icon from the search bar. So if you have been accidentally triggering Cortana every so often, you won't have to deal with her anymore.
Light Themes
If you dislike the current "dark" look on Windows, now you have the option to use light themes for your Windows 10 display. The themes can be found under Settings > Personalization > Colors.
We Can Help
Even though the latest Windows 10 update is not significant, the new features should help you have a better experience on your trading computer. Just stay safe and go through the recommended preparations before you download.
And remember, if you're trading on an EZ Trading Computer, our tech team is available should you run into any problems. Just give us a call.
There are more trading computer tips like this in our buyer's guide. Check out our "How To Buy a Trading Computer" e-book. We hope today's Quick Tip helped you. If you found this helpful, you'll want to check out the other computer How-To's I've created on this page. You can always call us if you have questions: 800-387-5250.
Photo by Miguel Á. Padriñán on Pexels.
