Windows 10 review: April 2018 update on the way

Windows 10 review: What does it get right?

So Windows 10 has better support for the kind of myriad of devices that Windows 8 was supposed to tackle, and without compromising the desktop experience. What else does it get right?

Windows 10 review: Settings things straight

One thing that’s gone from Windows 8 was the much-hated Charms bar. In fact, Settings has had a complete makeover for the better. For starters, all the key settings are now in one place, called Settings, which is easily accessible from the Start menu. This new app has a clean and clear design, and is spaced so that you can also make changes via a touchscreen.

Speaking of touchscreen devices, there’s now the Action Centre. This slides out from the right of the screen at a swipe and provides quick access to the kind of settings you need from a mobile device but not a static one: you can force your device into Tablet mode, adjust screen brightness, engage Flight mode and more, as well as access to the main settings if required.

Windows 10 review: Desktop management

Whether you’re at your desk on the go, Windows 10 has numerous tools and shortcuts for keeping that mass of tasks and windows in check. It’s expanded on previous efforts and you can now quickly snap windows to full screen, half screen and even quarter screen using keyboard shortcuts (primarily the Windows key and cursor keys). When you snap a window to half the screen, it offers up your other open windows to fill the other half. All this also works well on touchscreen devices, but with swipes and drags replacing the keyboard shortcuts.

Read more in how to manage windows in Windows 10

Even if you just want to use one app at a time, Windows 10 has you covered. Task switching is much improved thanks to the new Task View. This brings up thumbnails of all your open windows, so you can select the one you need. It also shows you any virtual desktops you have, so you can switch between them.

See how to switch tasks in Windows 10

Yes, that’s right, Windows now has built-in virtual desktops, which will have organised types celebrating. Now you can divide up your tasks over numerous desktops, with different tasks for each. It means that you can have a desktop for each project you’re working on, or have one for work and one for play. We found we could have full-screen apps open on multiple desktops and then flick between them in an instant, from a game, to Netflix, to a word doc, just like that.

See how to use virtual desktops in Windows 10

As always, Windows is more than happy to play host for multiple users. You can add any number of user accounts: Microsoft accounts for slick integration with the company’s cloud services such as Outlook, Office and OneDrive; local accounts, for a more traditional and private desktop experience; or accounts with parental controls, so you can restrict and monitor their usage. It’s a complete package and offers flexibility and controls that neither Android, iOS or OS X can compete with.

See how to manage users in Windows 10

Windows 10 review: Xbox Play Anywhere

If you’re a gamer, you’ll appreciate Xbox Play Anywhere. The integration between Windows and Xbox is finally a reality. PC gamers can now play Xbox-exclusive games such as Gears of War 4 and Halo Wars 2 without having to buy an Xbox. Having the ability to play Xbox titles on a Windows machine is Microsoft’s push towards seamless gaming.

Xbox Play Anywhere games are still limited, as they need developers to code the game differently; but we’re seeing a rise in numbers of supported games and gamers rejoicing the opportunity to save money or play their favourite Xbox games on their PCs.