Microsoft Corp.’s Windows 10 Creators Update is set to be launched in the spring, introducing a host of new features.
Creators who are part of the Windows Insiders program can get early access to the various “Preview Builds” that the company is releasing in the lead up to the spring launch.
According to end-of-year stats from NetMarketShare, Windows 10 is now running on 24.4 percent of all desktop machines. Microsoft announced at the end of September that the operating system was running on more than 400 million devices, but has not provided an update since then.
Here’s a look at the latest features in Preview Build 15014, which includes a new power management setting, the ability to buy ebooks in the Windows Store and more:
Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 15014 features
Power management
In Preview Build 15014, Microsoft makes it easier for users to adjust their PC’s power options using the new power slider found in the main battery section.
Previously when users wanted to adjust their power settings they had to go to the Control Panel > Hardware & Sound > Power Options. Starting with the latest build, Microsoft is introducing a new slider that will allow users to adjust their PC’s performance. At this stage, Microsoft is only testing the user interface of the slider on a small number of PCs in the Insider program; however, the functionality will be available in future builds.
Purchase ebooks from the Windows Store
Microsoft first introduced the ability to read EPUB books in Microsoft Edge in Preview Build 14971. With the latest Preview Build, Microsoft now offers ebooks that can be purchased directly from the Windows Store for Windows Insiders in the U.S. (pictured).
Purchased ebooks can be found in a new Books section of Microsoft Edge. When reading your ebook you will be able to use Cortana to define specific words, leave bookmarks, view embedded videos and adjust the font size, spacing and themes.
All your books will also be available to read while you are offline.
Custom accent colors
Preview Build 15014 introduces the ability to select a custom accent color. Located under Colors Settings, users can select a color from the color picker or click “more” and enter the RGB, HSV or HEX color code.
Microsoft has also made Cortana’s search box a shade lighter and the text size for Cortana notifications also gets slightly larger and uses the accent color.
Automatically free up space on your PC
Microsoft has added a new feature to Storage Settings that will automatically free up space on your PC. The feature will automatically locate and delete temporary system files and files that have been in your recycle bin for more than 30 days.
The feature is switched off by default, but it can be turned on by going to Settings > System > Storage Settings. Select which items you want it to automatically clean up.
Merged Wi-Fi settings
Microsoft has merged Wi-Fi settings, including Wi-Fi Sense and Paid Wi-Fi Services into a single section. The new section, called Wi-Fi services is found under Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Wi-Fi services.
Other features arriving in the Windows 10 Creators Update
Other features that Windows 10 users can expect when the Creators Update is released in the spring include Paint 3D, 3D support for Office apps and new inking features. There is also easier sharing with the My People feature and game broadcasting technology.
Other changes include PowerShell, which becomes the default Command Prompt and various security and device management features for enterprise users.
Privacy dashboard
The Windows 10 Creators Update will also receive a simplified privacy dashboard that makes it clear to users what data the company collects and how to erase it. The company will also force users to select whether to give Microsoft “minimal” or “full” access and have eliminated the intermediary options.
Dynamic Lock
Thanks to Windows Hello users can log into their PC using facial recognition. Rumors suggest that Microsoft is working on a new Dynamic Lock feature, known internally at Microsoft as “Windows Goodbye,” that will automatically lock a user’s PC when they step away.
Documents on all devices
With iOS 10, Apple Inc. introduced its continuity feature that allows users to access documents on all their Apple devices.
In the Creators Update, Microsoft will introduce a similar feature that will provide quick links to recently viewed websites and cloud-based documents across different computers.
Image courtesy of Microsoft
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