As we prepare for the full release of Windows 10 May 2020 Update (version 2004, “20H1”), a new feature has been revealed. Microsoft has added a tool that allows the platform to handle specialized displays in a more efficient way.
Coming with the latest update for the OS, the feature lets users remove the display from the Windows desktop. This means Windows 10 May 2020 Update will not show the Start menu, desktop wallpaper, or error messages on this display.
Instead, the Specialized Display tool will only work with specific applications, such as:
- Fixed-function arcade/gaming rigs like cockpit/driving/flight/military simulators
- Medical imaging devices that have custom panels (e.g. grayscale X-ray displays)
- Dedicated video monitoring scenarios (e.g. Avid Pro)
- Monitor panel testing and validation (e.g. in the factory)
- Video walls
It is worth noting this feature is not available for all Windows 10 versions. Instead, it is designed for Windows 10 Enterprise and Windows 10 Pro for Workstations. If you’re a Windows Insider on those SKUs, you can check out the feature via this path:
Settings > System > Display > “Advanced display settings” > “Remove display from desktop”.
Accessibility Improvements
Last week, we reported on accessibility improvements coming to Windows 10 May 2020 Update. Microsoft is essentially extending tools it already offers in the standard mouse cursor to the text cursor, including the ability to adjust size and color.
The Magnifier is also getting a bump. It will now track with the text cursor in the center of the screen. Microsoft has added a text-to-speech tool that reads out text within a browser. It supports Edge, Chrome, Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint.