Microsoft rolls out Windows 10 build 14971 for PCs enrolled in the Fast ring. This new test preview is part of the Creators Update and includes a small number of features and improvements that users will get in early 2017.
Windows 10 Creators Update build 14971, according to the company, brings a set of new features and improvements for Microsoft Edge, including the ability to open epub files in the browser. The new Paint 3D app replaces the good old Paint bringing 3D to everyone. PowerShell takes a more important role in Windows 10 fading out Command Prompt even further. And Microsoft also announces a new Get Office app that aims to be functional and not just a way to nag users to get Office on their computers.
The company is also announcing that build 14971 is the first flight including visual components of the Windows Holographic shell, but even though you can launch the first run app, it won’t detect any hardware.
As always, this Creators Update release ships with a number of fixes as well as some known issues.
What’s new on Windows 10 build 14971
Microsoft Edge
In this new flight, Microsoft Edge adds support for unprotected epub file format. You can customize the experience with options to change the font, text size, and choose between a light, sepia, or dark theme. Navigate the epub files using its table of content or seek bar at the bottom of the browser. Leave bookmarks, and you can research a word using Cortana.
Paint 3D
The new Paint 3D app now becomes part of Windows 10 and replaces the old Paint app on the Start menu.
It’s only available in English, but language support will come on a later flight.
In addition, Remix 3D, the community to share Paint 3D project is expanding to Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland, but it’s only available in English for now.
PowerShell
The command line plus scripting tool, PowerShell, takes a more prominent role in Windows 10 build 14971. PowerShell now replaces Command Prompt in the Power User menu (Windows key + X), in the File Explorer’s File menu, and on the context menu when you use the Shift + right-click in File Explorer.
Get Office (beta)
In the new Creators Update preview the Get Office app moves away from being a collection of links to an app that is actually useful.
The new Get Office app will help you explore and manage your Office experience. You can now discover and launch apps, see recent documents, manage your account, get help and trainings, and more.
Additional fixes and improvements for PC
On Windows 10 build 14971, Microsoft removes the “Snooze” feature for Microsoft Edge.
In addition, the web browser includes a number of fixes to properly copy links, making sure Edge remembers the window size after closing, and pinned tabs will now be restored.
The operating system now supports OAuth for Yahoo Mail accounts. And this flight fixes the Start menu to properly preserve preference after rebooting.
Known issue for PC
- Opening the Battery settings page will crash the Settings app.
- Keyboard monitor hotkeys to adjust brightness won’t work as expected.
- Certain apps may launch on their own after your PC has been inactive for a period of time.
- Opening an Excel file from File Explorer will crash Excel.
- Certain Microsoft Studio games will freeze at the splash screen on launch.
- Windows Holographic First Run app is available in build 14971, but it won’t detect any hardware as the experience still under development.
Microsoft is listing the complete set of the features, fixes, and known issues for build 14971 at the Windows Blog.
You can also use the following resources:
Windows 10 build 14971 is available immediately through the Fast ring. It’ll download and install automatically on your PC, but you can always force the update from Settings > Update & security > Windows Update and clicking the Check for updates button.
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].