Windows 10 Technical Preview: the complete summary of leaked features (part 2)

Windows 9 logo green

Since the first screenshots of Windows 10 Technical Preview leaked onto the web, we learned many features and changes Microsoft is planning for the next version of its operating system. My previous summary on the topic gathered everything that was uncovered until that date, but since then, a few more pieces of information surfaced and I’m recapping them all here.

Thus far, we’ve seen three different leaked versions of Windows 10: build 9821, 9834, and 9841, but build 9834 was the first and primary build that gave us the big picture. All of these builds are the ones Microsoft made available to partners to test the operating system, and hopefully, we all will have the chance to test drive the Technical Preview in a few days. So until then, here is all you need to know:

Start menu

We’ve seen the new Start menu, we already know it’s a mixed of the old Start menu with the Start screen, and now we also know that it will blend even more with the desktop. Recent screenshots show that the Start menu is capable of changing colors to match the Windows color set by the current desktop background. Even more, we know that you can pin pretty much any element you want to the Metro side of the menu, and you can resize Tiles to any size. Also, removing all the Tiles from the new menu will leave you with a more traditional menu.

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Feedbacks

There will be a Windows Insider Program that users will use to send feedback to Microsoft, and a new toast notification will appear occasionally asking users to provide feedback on certain tasks they are doing.

8K resolution support

New information shows that the partner’s version of Windows 10 will also support future displays of up to 8K pixel resolution with better handling of high DPI scaling. (I’m really hoping this also includes support for high DPI scaling on multiple monitor setup because now external monitors look horrible when scaling is applied to the primary screen.)

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File Explorer

The File Explorer is getting some tweaks as well. In the latest leak, we can see a new default “Home” location that replaces “This PC” when opening File Explorer. In-Home, you’ll find your Favorites pinned locations, Frequent folders, and Recent files. However, to navigate your storage drives, you will still need to go to This PC, located in the left pane.  There is also a new Share button in the Share tab that works in the same way as in Windows Phone.

Home location in Windows 9

These are not the only improvements; my previous summary shows all the other pieces we learned about Windows 10, such as virtual desktops, Notification Center, the drop of Charms, windowed modern apps, new desktop improvements with flat design, Cortana, and more.

We’re expecting Microsoft to publicly unveil the Windows 10 preview on September 30 during a special event in San Francisco. However, the company won’t offer a live stream for the event for everyone to watch. According to various sources, this is because Microsoft may not want too much hype about the next version of Windows, as the event primarily aims to show what’s new to enterprises.

Also, for those waiting to download the ISO file of Windows Technical Preview, recent information suggests that Redmond won’t deliver the bits to the public until early October.

Well, this is all you need to know right now. Stay tuned. I’ll continue my close coverage on Windows 10 as it happens.

What do you think about Windows 10 thus far? Do you like the changes Microsoft is adding? Be the first to leave your thoughts in the comments below.

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.