Windows 10 21H2 (Sun Valley) is the next major refresh expected to release during the second half of 2021 with tons of new features and visual improvements.
Although we already have a glimpse of what that update will look like with the Dev Channel changes, some screenshots made their way onto the internet (via Twitter user @thisbookisclosed), revealing possibly additional features coming to the next version of Windows 10.
This guide highlights some of the new changes in the Settings app expected to arrive with the Sun Valley update for Windows 10.
Device usage settings
Starting with version 21H2, Windows 10 will include a Device usage page in the Personalization section that will include settings to help you set up your device with tools and services based on how you plan to use it.
If it sounds familiar, it is because Microsoft has already made this feature available as part of the out-of-box experience (OOBE) when setting up a new device or installation.
Windows Spotlight settings
Windows Spotlight is not completely unknown. We have seen bits of this feature in previous builds, but it is not until now that we can see it in action.
The feature is available through the “Background” settings page, and it’s called “Spotlight collection.”
When you enable the option, the desktop will set the background from Bing images. You will also see a “Learn about this picture” button at the bottom-right corner of the screen. Hovering over it shows the location’s name and source credit, and if you click the button, it will take you to Bing images to see this and related images.
Touch keyboard settings
Finally, the Settings app is also getting a new Touch keyboard settings page in the Personalization section that is meant to customize the touch keyboard experience.
On this page, you will find options to change the keyboard size, background image, and opacity for the background. You can also change the key color and opacity as well as the key label and border colors.
While these features can already be unlocked in the latest preview of Windows 10, it is unclear whether they will be officially available in future releases.
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. Email him at [email protected].