The Windows 10 Creators Update is the official name Microsoft has picked up for the next version of the operating system, which up until now we simply new as the Windows 10 “Redstone 2” update. And the new release will focus on 3D, mixed reality, new sharing capabilities, and improving gaming — making all users “creators”.
The company hasn’t shared any new details about the release date of the Creators Update, but it’s scheduled to roll out as a free update sometime in spring 2017. However, recent test preview of the upcoming update included reference for Windows 10 version 1703, meaning that we could be seeing the update in March 2017.
Microsoft made the announcement during its October 26th event in New York City, where the software giant gave us a sneak peek on the features we can expect in the Creators Update.
3D for everyone
The new version of the operating system will bring 3D to the masses with a new version of Paint, which it’s simply named “Paint 3D.” With the app, you’ll be able to capture, create, view, and share new ideas in 3D.
Alongside the app, Microsoft will be also introducing Remix 3D, which is an online community for creators to share their 3D creations with the world.
During the event, Microsoft demonstrated the ability of Windows 10 to easily work with 3D and mixed reality scenarios. Including, the ability for users to scan a physical object and import the 3D rendering into Paint 3D, which you can then print.
In addition, the company is working to bring 3D capability to the most popular apps, including in PowerPoint.
Of course, Paint 3D will handle 2D creations just like in the old version of Paint, which may fade out of the operating system in a no so distant future.
Mixed reality on Windows 10
Windows 10 will also bring affordable mixed reality to every computer. The Creators Update will be able to handle augmented reality and virtual reality out-of-the-box, which will enable you to experience applications, games, and media in an entire different way.
Microsoft is also partnering with HP, Lenovo, Dell, Acer, and Asus to bring affordable VR headsets starting at $299.
MyPeople and unified communication
Along with 3D and mixed reality, Microsoft is working to integrate new productivity features into the Windows 10 Creators Update.
One of these new features include something called MyPeople, which is just a simpler way to share and connect with people in your circle.
On the Creators Update, MyPeople will appear in the taskbar. Basically, you’ll see your top four contacts next to the notification area. When you need to share a document, you would simply drag it to the person’s icon in the taskbar, which will open a new app experience to send the document using Skype or Mail.
If you need to send a quick message, you can click the contact from MyPeople, select the app you want to use, such as Skype or Mail, then create and send the message without having to open the actual app.
This is also part of a new effort of merging multiple forms of communications, including Mail, Skype, SMS, Xbox Live, Skype for Business, and Relay, into one experience.
Microsoft Edge and HoloLens
Microsoft Edge will also include a few new improvements, in addition to a new tab management system (which you can see in the screenshot below). Perhaps the most important one is the ability to pull out 3D objects from the browser when interacting with HoloLens.
Windows 10 Creators Update for gaming
Microsoft says that more people are now watching gameplay, as such the Windows 10 Creator Update will make it easier for users to broadcast and watch live gameplay using Beam.
Beam is a video game broadcasting platform, which was recently acquired by Microsoft, and now its technology will be integrated into Xbox One and Windows 10.
In addition, the update will also bring the ability for users to create custom, gamer-created tournaments to Arena on Xbox Live.
Finally, Microsoft will bring 4K gaming support to Windows 10, and the update will also bring bitstream audio pass-through including Dolby Atmos support to Xbox One with your Blu-ray player.
Wrapping things up
Keep in mind that these are just the major features coming to the Windows 10 Creators Update. We have already seen a number of other features and changes coming through the Insider preview builds of Windows 10, and we’re even expecting more tweaks and features as Microsoft goes through the development of the new update.
What do you think about the main features planned for the Windows 10 Creators Update? Tell us in the comments below.
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].