The Creators Update for Windows 10 has been in development for a few months now, and during the October press event Microsoft gave us a clearer picture about the features and improvements we’ll see in early Spring 2017.
However, while the company talked about 3D, mixed reality, 4K Windows 10 gaming, and MyPeople bar as the major changes, a fast-pace video introduced during the event highlights even more features coming with the Windows 10 Creators Update.
Windows 10 Creators Update features
Action Center improvements
On the Windows 10 Creators Update, Action Center is getting some interesting improvements.
Quick Actions will get more functionalities and things will look a little different. In the video, we can see that Microsoft will drop the square design for most of the buttons.
You’ll be able to control volume right from Quick Actions, and you’ll also get a slider to set brightness to any percentage you want.
Some buttons, like Tablet mode, Airplane mode, Rotation lock, and Quiet hours, will retain the old square design.
Continue where you left off
We have previously heard of Microsoft trying to build some sort of continuity feature similar to Apple’s Continuity that allows devices to work together letting you, for example, start a document on one device and then pick up where you left off on your computer. In the Windows 10 Creators Update, this feature seems that it will become a reality.
According to the demo video, when you start a document on another device or you’re reading an article online, you’ll be able to resume your work by using Action Center to pick up where you left off on your other devices.
Personalization changes and paid themes
Microsoft has been constantly improving the Settings app, and the next update will bring even more ways to customize the operating system.
The Creators Update will include a new way to set color accent on Windows 10 by adding a color picker to let you select any color you want, and not just a set of predefined colors.
Additionally, Microsoft will also be delivering free and paid Windows themes through a new Personalization section in the Windows Store.
Windows Defender
Although the user interface looks the same as in previous versions, Windows 10 includes an entirely new Windows Defender antivirus software. The Creators Update will introduce a brand-new user interface using the same app design language you see today on the Store apps.
Based on the video, the new version of Windows Defender will no longer only be a place for malware protections, but to any security related feature, including firewall and network protection, computer performance and health, and family safety too.
Microsoft Edge new tab management
Microsoft Edge will be getting a much-improved tab management system. Currently, you can hover over tabs to get a small preview that overlays over your current tab. In the Windows 10 Creators Update, Microsoft Edge will include a new design tab management system where you can simply click a button that reveals a preview of all your open tabs.
Then there is a new feature called “Tabs I’ve set aside,” which based on the demo, it seems that it a way to save a group tabs for later viewing.
Groove music maker
Many apps in the Creators Update will get new features, including Groove Music. In the next major update, it seems that you’ll get a tool called “Groove music maker” to mix and create new tracks without the need of extra software.
It would be interesting to see if the new feature also works to create podcasts, which will make it a great alternative to Apple’s GarageBand.
Windows Ink on Word
According to the video, Windows Ink will play a major role in Word, as you will be able to use a pen to do different editing tasks, such as cross a line on text to delete it from the document you’re working on.
It’s worth pointing out that Microsoft has already showed off this feature, but it seems that it didn’t make it to the Anniversary Update.
Maps Collections
Maps will continue to evolve too. The new update will bring a new section called “Collections”. While we’re still don’t know anything about the feature, based on the video, it seems that you’ll be able to save maps along with photos you may have taken on trips.
Here’s the fast-paced Microsoft video showcasing the other new features coming to the Windows 10 Creators update:
Along with these new small set of features, Microsoft has also announced a number of other features expected to arrive with Windows 10 version 1703.
Additionally, we have already seen other features in the test preview builds of Windows 10, including a new option to hide the app list from the Start menu, new gestures for precision touchpad, under the hood changes, and a lot more.
According to the company, users enrolled in the Windows Insider Preview program will slowly start seeing some of these features in upcoming preview rollout of the operating system.
What do you think about the new features coming to the Windows 10 Creators Update? Tell us in the comments below.
Source Microsoft
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 15 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 21 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. Email him at [email protected].