Windows 10 Spring 2021 Update: Everything You Need to Know

Microsoft has confirmed that its latest update to Windows 10, version 21H1, will arrive in the spring of this year, first in a tech community post on Monday and in a more formal corporate blog post on Wednesday. This follows Microsoft’s usual model of rolling out two major Windows 10 updates per year, this one following the last one. October 2020 update. (If you are using Windows 7, you can still free download Windows 10 for the latest updates.)

While we can expect a few useful new features to arrive this spring, it seems likely that Microsoft is using this smaller update cycle to prepare for a larger Windows 10 user interface update. which would be codenamed Sun Valley, which will be part of Microsoft’s renewed focus in Windows. 10 that executives mentioned last year. We won’t know exactly what this means until a bigger update is confirmed, but we’ve rounded up a few rumors below.

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

What is Windows 10 version 21H1?

Windows 10 version 21H1 will be Microsoft’s last operating system update, arriving this spring. These updates often end up being referred to as the April or May Update.

Usually, Microsoft releases a larger feature update in the spring and a smaller one in the fall. But version 21H1 also appears to be a more minor update, rather than a redesign.

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What new features will the new update include?

According to the Microsoft blog post, new features in Windows 10 will include:

• Multi-camera support for Windows Hello, allowing users to choose an external camera when using high-end displays with built-in cameras.
• Improvements to Windows Defender Application Guard, including optimization of document open scenario times.
• Improvements to the Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) Group Policy Service (GPSVC) update, to support remote working.

“The features we’re releasing in this update focus on the core experiences that customers have told us they rely on most right now,” the post read. “We have therefore optimized this version to meet the most pressing needs of our customers.”

According to Digital Trends, the update will also include new icons, updated settings pages, and a few changes to Cortana and the search box experience.

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When can I download the new update?

Microsoft has said the Windows 10 21H1 update will be released during the first half of the year. A report from Windows Central says it will arrive in May, although Microsoft has not confirmed it.

Microsoft started rolling out version 21H1 for Windows Insiders in the Beta program on Wednesday. New features will be released in future versions of Windows Insider Preview when they are ready.

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

When it is generally available in the spring, you will be able to download version 21H1 by going to Settings> Update & Security> Windows Update, and clicking Check for updates. If available, you will see Feature update to Windows 10, version 21H1. Click on Download and install.

What’s that biggest Windows 10 update that could come next?

In an October 2020 earnings call, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said Microsoft was “doubling down” on Windows and PCs, and would continue to innovate.

That could come in the form of a major operating system update for Windows 10 later this year that would bring a major UI design refresh, according to a report from Windows Central. The update, which would be codenamed Sun Valley, could bring 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, according to Windows Central, but that could change.

Another factor: Microsoft said its Windows 10X operating system was designed for dual-screen devices like the Surface duo and the Surface Neo, is should be for single screen devices first.

For more information, consult the The three best new features in the Windows 10 October 2020 Update, and Six Simple Security Changes Every Windows 10 User Should Make.