Another Creators Update preview releases to the Fast ring. This time around, Microsoft is pushing out Windows 10 build 15046 for PC, and while it’s a minor update, this release packs a few new features and improvements over the previous build.
Windows 10 build 15046, according to Microsoft, includes the final Cortana home design, and the company is also testing pick up where you left off in Cortana.
Windows Defender Security Center gets updates, you can block users from installing desktop apps on Windows 10, and a slew of other fixes and improvements.
What’s new on Windows 10 build 15046
Cortana
In this new Windows 10 Creators Update preview, Cortana has the final home design, but there is nothing to be too excited about, as it’s simply back to the color it was before.
On build 15046, Microsoft is also experimenting with the “pick up where you left off” feature. After installing this preview, you’ll notice that Cortana now proactively shows you apps, files and websites from Microsoft Edge.
Windows Defender Security Center
Windows Defender Security Center now has a new icon in the notification area, which makes it clear the current protection status. You can now click that new icon to launch the app, and the “App and Browser” section is now functional.
Settings
On Settings, the “Gaming” section gets a new icon that feels more inline with the reset of the icons in the home page.
The new “Apps & features” section includes a new option to control what type of apps are allowed to install on your computer.
The option is available on Settings > Apps > Apps & features, and you can choose to only allow installation of Store apps, get warning when installing a non-Store app but allow their installation, or choose to allow installation of apps from anywhere.
Whatever option you choose, you’ll see a message when attempting to install a non-Store app. The warning open the Store where you can download an alternate app (if available). This is an opt-in feature, and the default setting is to allow installation of apps from anywhere.
Other improvements
On Windows 10 build 15046, based on feedback Microsoft is making translation for non-English languages, especially in the out-of-box-experience and some new settings.
This flight doesn’t include any significant issues, but some computers will fail to update to this build at 71% and roll-back to the previous build.
Microsoft is listing the complete set of the features, fixes, and known issues for build 15046 at the Windows Blog.
You can also use the following resources:
Windows 10 build 15046 is available immediately through the Fast ring. It’ll download and install automatically on your device, but you can always force the update from Settings > Update & security > Windows Update and clicking the Check for updates button.
Microsoft is expected to officially release the Windows 10 Creators Update in April 2017.
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].