Windows 10 spring 2021 update: every new feature, when to download and more

Microsoft has confirmed that its latest Windows 10 update, version 21H1, will appear in the spring of this year, first in a tech community post on February 15th and in a more formal blog post from the company on February 17th. It follows Microsoft’s usual pattern of implementing two major Windows 10 updates a year, the latest of which follows October 2020 update. (If you use Windows 7, you can still download Windows 10 for free to get the latest updates.)

While we can expect some handy new features this spring, it seems likely that Microsoft will use this smaller update cycle to prepare for a larger Windows 10 user interface update, believes the code name Sun Valley, which will be part of Microsoft’s renewed focus in Windows 10 that drivers mentioned last year. We will not know exactly what this means until a major update is confirmed, but we have gathered some rumors below.

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Here’s what we know so far about Windows 10 version 21H1, and what it might mean for the future of the operating system.

What is Windows 10 version 21H1?

Windows 10 version 21H1 is Microsoft’s latest operating system update, coming sometime in the spring. These updates are often called the April or May update.

Usually Microsoft releases a bigger feature update in the spring and a smaller update in the fall. But version 21H1 also appears to be a less important update, rather than an overhaul.

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What new features will the new update include?

According to Microsoft’s blog post, new Windows 10 features will include the following:

• Multicamera support for Windows Hello, which allows users to select an external camera when using high-definition cameras with integrated cameras.
• Improvements to Windows Defender Application Guard, including optimizing document opening times.
• Improvements to the Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) Group Policy Service (GPSVC) update to support remote work.

“The features we are announcing in this update are focused on the core experiences that customers have told us they currently trust the most,” the report said. “We have therefore optimized this version to meet our customers’ most urgent needs.”

According to Digital Trends, the update also includes new icons, updated settings pages, and some adjustments to Cortana and the search box experience.

When can I download the new update?

Microsoft has said that the Windows 10 21H1 update will be available in the first half of the year. According to a Windows Central report, it will arrive in May, although Microsoft has not confirmed it.

In March, Microsoft began implementing a 21H1 build for Windows Insiders in the Beta program. New features will be offered in future Windows Insider Preview builds as they are ready.

When the update is widely available, it will be the first time that an H1 (first half of the calendar year) feature update will be delivered with Microsoft’s service technology. This means that it will come in the same way as monthly Windows 10 updates. It is also in the same way as the October 2020 update has been released. If you are already using Windows 10 version 2004 or version 20H2, it is a quick installation process to get the latest update.

When it is usually available in spring, you can download version 21H1 by going to Settings> Update & Security> Windows Update, and click Check for updates. If available, you will see Feature Update for Windows 10, Version 21H1. Click on Download and install.

What is this major Windows 10 update that may come next?

In a revenue call in October 2020, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said that Microsoft is doubling down on Windows and computers and will continue to innovate.

This could take the form of a major OS update for Windows 10 later this year that will bring a major design update to the UI, according to a report by Windows Central. The update, reportedly codenamed Sun Valley, could offer a redesigned Start menu, Action Center and File Explorer, with a more modern look and new features. Sun Valley is expected to be released around the 2021 holiday season, Windows Central says, but that may change.

Another factor: Microsoft has said that its Windows 10X OS is designed for dual-screen devices such as the Surface Duo and the Surface Neo, is is expected to come to single screen devices first.

For more information, visit the best three new features in updating windows 10 october 2020, en six simple security changes that all Windows 10 users should make.