In many ways, Microsoft designed one of the best operating systems I've ever created with Windows 10. One of the reasons it's so popular is the way Microsoft continues to support it with great free updates, such as Windows 10 Redstone 4, or the Spring Creators update.
As with any major update for Windows 10, Spring Creators Update will bring a lot of exciting new features to the operating system, and we'll pick up everything we know about the next update and dump it here in this article.
Now also available for Windows Insiders, and we have a guide on how to download and install the Windows 10 Spring Creators Update at this time.
We were looking forward to the Spring Creators. The release of the update was made on April 10, but was delayed due to some reliability problems that lead to frequent BSOD on some PCs. Fortunately, it seems that those problems have been patched, so we should see a public release soon.
Cut to the hunt
- What is it? The next important update for Windows 10
- When did it come out? It was written on April 10, but now it was delayed
- What will it be? How much? As with the main Windows 10 updates, it will be free
Windows 10 Update Spring Creators date
So, when can we expect Windows 10 Spring Creators Update to launch? This update is the product of more than a year of work, with features that were tested for the first time by Windows Insiders, a group of testers that test the first versions of Windows 10, at the beginning of 2017.
Then, the 31st August 2017, Windows 10 Build 16353 was released to Windows Insiders, which is part of the development branch of Redstone 4. This indicated that Microsoft was preparing for the launch.
There were a lot of rumors about when we would see the version of Windows 10 Redstone 4 for the public. On March 13, a Microsoft blog post hinted at an expected release date of & # 39; April 2018 & # 39; Then, Windows Central, citing anonymous sources, hinted that the Spring Creators Update would launch on April 10. Everything indicated that this date was real, until a major error pushed Redstone 4 back until at least the end of April.
It was then everyone, but they confirmed that the Windows 10 Spring Creators Update will be released on Tuesday, April 10. However, that date came and went without any official release.
We then discovered that the Windows 10 Spring Creators Update has been delayed due to a serious error. The solution could take some weeks, so we may not see the update until the end of April.
Name of Windows 10 Redstone 4
Redstone 4 is just the code name of the next major update of Windows 10, so it is expected to have a more attractive name closer to the version. The previous major Redstone updates were called & # 39; Anniversary Update & # 39 ;, & # 39; Creator Update & # 39; and & # 39; Update from Fall Creators & # 39;
It seems that Microsoft may have missed what will eventually call Windows 10 Redstone 4, with a reference found in its Comments Hub for & # 39; Spring Creators Update & # 39 ;.
Microsoft quickly removed the reference, but not before people could take screenshots, like the one shown in the tweet below:
Is Windows 10 Redstone 4 the Spring Springs Creators update? This search for Windows Defender Guard search this month Bug Bash seems to like that name! Thanks to @ WildDreamer95 for the tip. pic.twitter.com/vvkg2xJwEXFebruary 3, 2018
At the moment, we are quite convinced that Windows 10 Redstone 4 will be called Spring Creators Update. For starters, Microsoft's haste to eliminate the reference makes us quite suspicious. It also follows the naming convention of Redstone's previous updates.
Another leak revealed that Microsoft will probably call Windows 10 Redstone 4 the Spring Creators update, this time from Microsoft's infamous fleeting WalkingCat . The reference to Spring Creators Update was found in the update code, which confirms the name.
Windows 10 Spring Creators Update confirmed features
Due to the extensive testing process of Windows 10 Redstone 4, we have a good idea of some, but not all, of the features included in the Spring Creators Update. These are the characteristics that we know so far.
Timeline
The Timeline feature was supposed to come with the Fall Creator Update last year, but Microsoft did not. that was ready, so it was cut off from the launch. Now, after months of testing, it looks like it will debut on Redstone 4.
It shows a visual timeline of the desktop, allowing the user to go back to what he was doing on another device, and that includes Android and iOS Phones .
In addition to allowing this smooth transition when switching from one device to another, it also allows the user to revisit a desktop state from a previous time. A bit like a Windows version of MACOS Time Machine.
It could be a really useful feature, so they crossed their fingers to be ready in time.
Improvements in the user interface
The way in Windows 10 looks will get a major renovation with Redstone 4, with the look of & # 39; Fluent Design & # 39; which makes the operating system look better than ever when the Spring Creators Update arrives.
Many windows and menus you're used to seeing will get a fresh side of paint, and not only Windows 10 will look better, the operating system will be easier to use as well.
Near Share
Microsoft is looking to make sharing files wirelessly between devices easier than ever in Redstone 4 thanks to its new Near Share feature.
With Bluetooth and Near Share activated (from the Action Center), you can share documents quickly and more by pressing & # 39; Share button in applications (or in Windows Explorer) – which will then show nearby devices to which you can send the file.
Quick Pairing with Bluetooth
The connection of your device with Windows 10 to the Bluetooth peripherals is also configured to be much faster and easier in Redstone 4 thanks to the new feature of fast pair . When a device in pairing mode is within range of your Windows 10 device running the Spring Creators Update, a notification will appear asking you to pair it. Click on it and your Windows 10 device can access it, without having to go into Settings.
At the moment, this only works with Microsoft peripherals, but we hope that devices from other manufacturers will use it when Redstone 4 officially launches.
Progressive Web Applications
Microsoft Store and Microsoft's Edge browser will also receive some new features in Redstone 4. The most notable thing is that you can run Progressive Web. The applications (PWA) from Edge, and these can be installed through the Microsoft Store.
PWAs work like normal Windows applications, but being web-based means they are lightweight and many do not need to be installed. By making them searchable in Microsoft Store, Microsoft offers them the same billing as full Windows 10 applications, and offers users more applications to choose from.
Edge Enhancements
The Edge web browser is also getting a lot of updates with Redstone 4, as Microsoft continues to improve its software to compete with Chrome and Firefox.
A new look menu gives you quick access to your bookmarks, history, and other essential parts of the browser, and you can now quickly set eBooks to the Start Menu when you read them in Edge.
Edge will also be better at filling out forms automatically with your information, making it easier to register on websites and the like. You will also remember the details of your payment card (but not the security code on the back), which will facilitate payment online. It's good to see these new features, which Edge's competitors have had for a while. Better late than never.
If you are tired of websites that emit sounds and music when browsing, the new possibility of right clicking on a tab and mute it will be a blessing, and InPrivate mode can now execute certain extensions if you wish.
Printing has also been improved thanks to the & # 39; Clutter Free & # 39; It eliminates unnecessary text, images and more of the pages when you print websites, which makes them look better and saves ink.
Edge will also get an updated look to match the Windows 10 Fluent Design theme.
Mixed reality updates
Recently I also heard Microsoft is adding a range of new features to its mixed reality platform with what is expected to be the Spring Creators update.
Topping the list of improvements is a new virtual environment for users to roam around. In addition to the existing Cliff House, now people can enjoy the Skyloft with its impressive view of the city (as opposed to the perspective of the previous ocean). Think of a modern superimposed attic, basically.
Other important changes have been implemented on the SteamVR front, including the introduction of haptic feedback for motion controls in SteamVR games. In addition, overall performance levels have been improved in these games, with Microsoft managing to tune things up to use a significantly lower amount of video RAM.
You can also take screenshots in mixed-reality applications easily with the controllers, and the video performance in the applications is also improved.
All of these are welcome additions that should make mixed reality even more competitive compared to Oculus Rift and HTC Vive.
Windows 10 Mode S
For a long time, Windows 10 S and Windows 10 existed independently of each other. If you want to move from the closed nature of the operating system of the S brand, you will have to pay a fee to upgrade to a full version of Windows.
Now, with Redstone 4, that's a thing of the past, and you can simply press a button that will take it out of Windows 10 S mode (or send it) and allow you to use the full Windows 10 grease at no charge.
Update Windows 10 Spring Creators: what we want to see
So, while we get a clearer idea of the new features that Windows 10 Redstone 4 will bring, also known as Spring Creators Update, we still have a list of things we'd like to see in Windows 10.
Fewer Annoying Updates
While Microsoft has been making Windows 10 less annoying when it needs to restart to install an update, it's still not perfect, and we know some people who have lost their jobs because Windows 10 reboots without warning.
Fewer windows to change settings
There are some instances where Windows 10 still feels like two separate operating systems, something that many people hated about Windows 8. One of the most atrocious examples of this is that to change certain configurations you need to use the Configuration application, while others require that you use th
e traditional control panel. [19659002] Not only does it feel a bit clumsy, it also confuses users. Putting all the settings in one place would be a fantastic addition.
Stop the automatic opening of applications and windows when restarting
Microsoft brought a new feature to the Fall Creators Update that reopened all applications, windows and websites that you had open the last time You turned off your PC
While this function has its uses (and reflects a feature that has been in the Apple macOS operating system for years), quite frustrating, Microsoft did not include an option to disable the feature. This means that anyone who wants a new and empty desktop every time they start Windows 10 should make sure that everything is closed manually every time they want to turn off the PC.
What we would like to see is an easy task: to use toggle that allows us to choose if we want this option to be activated or deactivated. That's not asking too much, is it?