Windows 10 May 2020 Update

Windows 10 May 2020 Update (also known as version 2004 or 20H1) is an update for Windows 10 which was released on 27 May 2020. This version is notable for having the first Insider Preview builds released before Windows 10 November 2019 Update, which it has replaced. It is the last Windows 10 feature update to use the former YYMM scheme for the version number which had been in use since Windows 10 November Update as Microsoft started to use the YYHx scheme for future updates starting with Windows 10 October 2020 Update. It is also the last Windows 10 feature update to add any notable major new features as later Windows 10 feature updates were minor updates that mostly added features for enterprises and focused on bug fixes and security updates as Microsoft shifted future major feature development to Windows 11.

After its release, Microsoft released a number of new builds to the Dev Channel (formerly the Fast ring) that were not tied to any particular Windows 10 release (Manganese, Iron, and Cobalt), while the Beta Channel (formerly the Slow ring) received builds of the Vibranium-based October 2020 and May 2021 updates and the Release Preview Channel received updates to this version. It is the first version of Windows to support upgrade paths to Windows 11.

New features and changes

 * Most references of PC have been replaced with device, such as in the message when a BSOD appears. This is because device also targets non-PC devices such as laptops or tablets.
 * A new option to restore the device over the cloud (this means the system downloads the restore image from the internet) has been added as an alternative to the now-called local restore.
 * Windows Subsystem for Linux has been updated to version 2. This version uses an actual Linux kernel rather translating Linux to Windows NT commands. It was later ported back to Windows 10 May 2019 Update and Windows 10 November 2019 Update.
 * Virtual Desktops can now be renamed.
 * Added support for DirectX 12 Ultimate within supported games.
 * Improvements to accessibility features.
 * Cortana is now completely decoupled from the Windows shell and replaced by a UWP app of the same name which features an updated chat-based user interface.
 * Added Optional Updates screen to Windows Update.
 * Bandwidth limits can now be set in Windows Update.
 * Task Manager gained some new features like the ability to view the disk type and the GPU temperature (Must support WDDM 2.4 and later).
 * The network status page in Settings has been redesigned.
 * Added built-in support for IP-based cameras.
 * Header has been added to the Settings app.
 * Added Quick Search buttons to the main page of Search.
 * Added Eye Control.
 * Redesigned the Language Settings page.
 * You can now adjust the size and color of the text cursor.
 * The user picture was updated to a lighter variant.

Removed features

 * Disk Cleanup no longer lets the user delete the files in the Downloads folder.
 * Windows to Go has been removed.
 * The Mobile Plans and Messaging apps are now only included on cellular enabled devices.
 * Some previously available Cortana consumer skills such as music, connected home, and other non-Microsoft skills are no longer available in the new UWP app.
 * The Connect app is no longer installed by default in clean installations.