Lots of new functions: That brings the big Windows 10 update

In spring, Windows 10 will receive a very extensive update, the so-called "Creators Update". A beta version for Insiders already shows the new features, n-tv.de has already installed Build 15002.

Microsoft will probably release the "Creators Update" in April. Some new functions were already revealed when it was announced last October, including a demonstration of the upcoming 3D capabilities and programs. But it wasn't more than a glimpse. How extensive the update will be is now shown in advance versions that participants in Microsoft's Windows Insider Program are currently receiving. The most recent beta is Build 15002. Microsoft names many not yet seen innovations in a blog entry, n-tv.de has tried them out. Not everything will be implemented 1: 1 in the spring update, but the differences shouldn't be big anymore. Here are the most important changes.

Edge just keeps getting better

The Edge browser, which was a slimmed-down light version when Windows 10 started, has a particularly large number of new functions. In the future, users will be able to show all open tabs as previews in an overview bar. With a large number of tabs, the list can be scrolled sideways. You can also save tabs for later and restore them individually or completely from a collection with one click. There are two new symbols for this, which can be found in the top left next to the Edge symbol.

In addition, you can now read e-books in the browser and start new or private windows via the Edge symbol. Under the hood, Microsoft has built in speed and stability improvements and Edge now basically blocks Flash content. Pages that have been saved in folders under "Favorites" can be opened in one go in tabs and more information is displayed for downloads.

Folder in the start menu

Microsoft has also come up with a practical innovation for the start menu: tiles can now be grouped in folders in the mobile version. To do this, you simply drag one app over another. A click on the folder dissolves the grouping, another restores it.

If the user wants to share content, a window opens with an overview of the apps with which this is possible. The list should adapt to the user's habits.

In addition, after the update you can take screenshots of screen areas using the Win + Shift + S key combination, desktop apps look better on high-resolution displays, window animations are smoother and VPN connections can be restored more easily. Dealing with multiple accounts has been made easier and the calendar in the taskbar now also shows the traditional Chinese lunar calendar.

If you use a stylus like the Surface Pen, you can now see in advance which color has been selected when working in Windows Ink apps. There is also another, finer eraser.

Cortana is learning

Apps that support this show possible voice commands for the voice assistant Cortana when used. Once you've internalized it, you can deactivate the display and speak to Cortana directly. Microsoft collects applications on a website that can be controlled by voice commands. Cortana now also reminds you of monthly or yearly recurring events.

To activate the listening mode, you now use the key combination Win + C and no longer Win + Shift + C. This combination will open the Charms menu in apps in the future. Cortana can now help people with poor vision set up their computers for the first time, but she is still gaining experience in this area. For the visually impaired, Microsoft has also improved the app view in high contrast.

Defender protects better

The on-board protection program Windows Defender also receives updates to make the system more secure for free. There are other options for fast, advanced or full scans and you can check the performance and health of the system. In addition, Microsoft has visually overhauled the virus monitor, improved its performance and you can reset Windows 10 directly from the program.

After the update, there is a separate area for apps in the settings and additional information is displayed, for example links to support or feedback. Bluetooth and connected devices now have a common place in the device settings. The screen settings have been simplified and Windows 10 now has a night mode in which the color temperature automatically warms up at sunset or at a specific time. In addition, the last used colors can be found in the color selection. The designs can now be managed directly in the settings.

Users who use multiple Windows 10 devices can finally "Allow apps on other devices to open apps and continue working on this device's interface" in the data protection settings.