New Windows 10 Version: Improvements and New Features In The Creators Update
Just a few days ago (April 11th), Microsoft officially released the third major upgrade for Windows 10, namely Creators Update. The name of the update suggests that Microsoft is trying to appeal to "creative" users, and through a series of improvements and additions, it actually manages to achieve that goal.
Here is what has changed in the new update.
- Creators Update – Version 1703
- Improvements and additions in Microsoft Edge
- Other new features
- Should I update to the Creators Update?
- Uninstalling Creators Update
Creators Update – Version 1703
Windows 10 Creators Update, or version 1703, codenamed "Redstone 2", is the third major update for Windows 10, and the second out of the four major upgrades planned by Microsoft with the codename "Redstone".
Microsoft has been testing the new big update for several months, which was made publicly available through Windows Update on April 11, although it was originally available since March 17 (hence the version 1703) for anyone who was willing to download it from Microsoft’s website and install it manually.
Even though the previous major update (the Anniversary Update) included major changes, the Creators Update offers smaller additions. Through the Creators Update, Microsoft appears to be converging to the definition of "creator".
The most notable additions concern the creation and editing of 3D graphics, as well as the Beam live-streaming service. Both features are now included in Windows 10, while support for Mixed Reality is even better.
But let's take a look at the most important new features.
Improvements and additions in Microsoft Edge
Microsoft Edge couldn’t be missing some updates of course. Now, it features better management of open tabs, and introduces a new feature for saving tabs for visiting them later. Additionally, you can now open PDF files from within the browser itself.
From a more technical aspect, among other things, Edge now automatically blocks Flash player and prefers playing HTML 5 content whenever it is available.
Paint 3D
With the Creators Update, Microsoft places a huge bet on the field of 3D graphics (let's not forget that it's the company that bought Minecraft).
With the new 3D Paint app, Microsoft makes 3D graphic design accessible to everyone. 3D Paint allows you to create and edit 3D objects through a set of predesigned patterns, while 3D printing is also supported.
Better control in Windows Update
Major changes have also taken place in Windows Update. Now, Microsoft is finally giving more options to users regarding updates.
More specifically, in the Advanced options you can now define a time period for which you want to defer feature updates (you can postpone feature updates for up to 365 days). Moreover, quality and security updates can be postponed as well, but only up to 30 days. Lastly, you also have the ability to pause all updates for up to 35 days.
Note that only Windows 10 Professional, Enterprise and Education have these options. Windows 10 Home users are not able to make these settings.
Windows Defender Security Center
Microsoft revised Windows Defender’s interface by replacing the old application with a modern structure called "Windows Defender Protection Center".
Windows Defender undertakes, among other things, the role of monitoring the proper operation of your device. Also, from its interface, you can easily choose to make a "Fresh Start" and restore your system to a clean and up-to-date state.
You could say that this option is like Factory reset in smartphones.
At the same time, the updated Parental Control protects the digital life of your family.
Game Mode and improvements for gamers
Significant changes have been made in the area of gaming as well.
Windows 10 introduces "Game Mode" in order to improve the performance during gaming, by ensuring that most computational resources are used for the current game.
The updated Game Bar allows you to record your gameplay sessions, capture screenshots, etc.
Windows themes are back
Themes were present in earlier versions of Windows 10, but only through the Control Panel.
Now, Windows themes are available in the Store.
Night light
A new and really useful feature in Windows 10 Creators Update is Night light. This feature changes the screen to apply warmer colors, thus reducing eye strain when working in a dark environment.
Other new features
Below are smaller improvements in the Creators Update which are more difficult to be observed.
Offline maps
You can now download and store maps locally, offline use.
Storage
The new Windows 10 version allows you to free up space in your disk with a new feature that can delete unnecessary files from your computer (temporary files and items in the recycle bin) in order to save space.
Troubleshoot
All troubleshooting applications are available in a single place within Settings (in the Update and security menu). When something is not working right, you can give these apps a try.
Privacy settings
If you’re concerned about your privacy in Windows 10, you can view and modify system and application privacy options from the Privacy menu in Settings.
Should I update to the Creators Update?
Although the new version of Windows 10 has been officially released, bringing many new features, it is wise that you don’t rush into upgrading your system.
Wait for your turn
Even though Microsoft has already started rolling out the update to computers, not all systems receive the updates at the same time.
This is not only due to the servers’ inability to serve all users simultaneously, but it’s also because the update might not be suitable for particular systems yet due to incompatibilities with software/hardware. In this case, these systems will receive the update once a solution has been found and implemented.
Therefore, it’s a good idea to wait until you’re notified that the update is ready for your system. There is no reason to rush into getting the new update, especially if your current version of Windows is working properly.
Wait until new updates are released
No matter how much the Creators Update has been tested by Windows Insiders, there are millions of users with different hardware and software combinations.
Thus, it is better to update at a later time, when the majority of the most common issues that occur at this phase are fixed. This will make it less likely to face problems.
Uninstalling Creators Update
If you have problems after installing the Creators Update, there is a way to go back to the previous, stable version 1607.
In order to do this, simply open Settings, go to Update & security, and then navigate the Recovery section. Under the "Go back to the previous version of Windows 10" title there should be a "Get started" button; click on it to begin the process.
Before reverting back though, read How To Solve Issues That Appear After Upgrading To Windows 10 Creators Update.
