Microsoft is releasing a new Spring Creators Update preview for Windows 10 (build 17123) in the Fast ring. This is a small update part of the Redstone 4 development, and it introduces a number of fixes and new improvements.
Windows 10 Insider Preview build 17123, according to the company, introduces the High Efficiency Image File Format (HEIF), which is an image container that uses modern codecs like HEVC to improve quality, compression, and capabilities compared to earlier formats like JPEG, GIF, and PNG.
Also, this new format supports encoding image sequences, image collections, auxiliary images like alpha or depth maps, live images, video, audio, and HDR for improved contrast.
Microsoft notes that in this release, you’re getting the essential viewing support, but it’s not possible to edit HEIF images.
Starting with this Windows 10 version 1803 preview, you can try this new image format in the latest version of the Photos app. Additionally, any application that uses WIC, WinRT Imaging APIs, or the XAML Image control can now add similar support for viewing single HEIF images.
In addition, with build 17123, upgrading from the Fall Creators Update will no longer enable Embedded Handwriting Panel by default, and you’ll need to enable it manually using the Pen & Windows Ink settings.
The company is also pointing out that on this flight there are still a number of issues with the Windows Mixed Reality features.
Windows 10 Spring Creators Update is nearly complete
Take in to account that we’re not seeing new features or big changes, because at this point everything expected to arrive with the Windows 10 Spring Creators Update is already coded into the latest pre-release. We’ll continue to see minor updates like build 17123, but they’ll only contain fixes to prepare Windows for its final release in April.
Microsoft is listing the complete set of bug fixes and known issues for Windows 10 Insider Preview build 17123 at the Windows Blog. In case you missed it, you can read all the changes for Windows 10 build 17120 in this article.
Downloading Windows 10 build 17123
Although there are no ISO files for Windows 10 build 17123, the update is available immediately through the Fast ring for PCs. This preview build will 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.
You can also check out these resources:
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].