Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 17661 (RS5) - New Features and Enhancements
Microsoft is rolling out Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 17661 to Insiders in the Fast Ring and Skip Ahead channels. This update comes with a variety of new features, improvements, and fixes as part of the Redstone 5 (RS5) branch. Below are some of the major highlights from this build:
1. New Snipping Experience ✂️📸
Microsoft is improving the screen snipping tools in Windows 10, making it easier to capture and share screenshots. Now, you’ll never have to struggle with taking screenshots again (because let’s face it, we all do, right?) 😅
Screen Sketch: Originally part of the Windows Ink Workspace, Screen Sketch is now its own app. More freedom = more fun! 🎉
- Updates via the Microsoft Store 🛒 (Because who doesn’t love an app that keeps getting better?)
- Alt + Tab Support: You can now switch between open windows using Alt + Tab, and Screen Sketch will be there in the mix. Tab away like a multitasking pro. 💻✨
- Multi-window Support: Yes, you can have multiple screenshots open and annotate them at the same time. Productivity? Check! 🖼️📄
Snipping Toolbar: A new keyboard shortcut, WIN + Shift + S, brings up a snipping toolbar that allows you to capture a rectangular, freestyle, or full-screen snip. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of screenshots. 🛠️💥
Notifications: After you take a screenshot, Windows will show you a notification that lets you quickly open Screen Sketch to annotate and share away. 🎨📤
Quick Access: Now you don’t have to remember multiple shortcuts. Windows has made snipping even easier:
- Pen Settings: For users with a pen, you can set Screen Snipping to open with a single tap. Talk about convenient! 😎✏️
- Print Screen: Yep, that Print Screen key now does more than just print the screen—it opens snipping! Who knew it had hidden talents? 🤫📸
- Action Center Shortcut: A Screen Snip action is now added to the Action Center. Click it, and voila—instant snip! ⚡📱
Feedback Request: Microsoft is all ears for your feedback on this snipping experience. So if you try it, drop them a line in the Feedback Hub. Your comments could make it even better! 💬👂
2. Sets Experiment Continues 🔄📑
The Sets feature, which groups apps and tabs together for more efficient multitasking, is being gradually tested for the RS5 release. Basically, it’s like organizing your digital chaos into neat little folders. 🗂️✨
Controlled Rollout: Not all users will see the feature, but it’s expanding to more testers in the Fast Ring. Insiders who were previously enrolled in Skip Ahead will continue to have access to Sets. 🙌
Acrylic in Task View: The Task View background now has a soft acrylic effect (similar to the Fluent Design system). It’s like Task View got a chic new makeover. 💅💼
3. Windows Security Rebrand 🛡️🔒
Microsoft is rebranding Windows Defender Security Center to Windows Security. That’s right, they’re giving security a fresh coat of paint! 🎨
- Windows Security is the new home for managing your Windows Defender Antivirus and Windows Defender Firewall. Keep your PC safe and stylish. 💻🦸♂️
- Improved Notifications: The app now shows you more information on threats and actions that need attention. Stay ahead of the bad guys! ⚠️🦹♂️
4. Focus Assist Enhancements for Gaming 🎮🕹️
Focus Assist (previously known as Quiet Hours) now automatically turns on when you're playing full-screen games. No more interruptions while you're in the zone, crushing it in your game. 👾⚔️
- Automatic Detection: The system detects when you're in full-screen mode and automatically activates Focus Assist. So you can keep your game face on without distractions. 😤👾
Note: You can always manage this manually in Settings > System > Focus Assist. But really, who wants to be interrupted when you're in the middle of an epic battle? 😜
5. Sound Settings Consolidation 🎶🔧
The process of moving Sound settings into Settings continues with this build. Now you can manage your sound without hunting through different menus. 🎧🔍
- Device Properties: Found under Sound Settings, the new Device Properties page lets you name your device and select your preferred spatial sound format. So go ahead, name your speakers something cool like "Awesome Sauce" or "DJ Boombox." 🎶😎
6. Microsoft Pinyin and Wubi IME Improvements ⌨️🇨🇳
For users who write in Simplified Chinese, the Microsoft Pinyin IME has received several updates:
- Performance and Reliability Improvements: It's now faster and more stable. No more waiting around while you type! 🕐💨
- New UI: The IME toolbar has been redesigned with a new logo and dark theme support. Because who doesn’t love a sleek, dark mode? 🌑💻
- Improved Context Menu: Right-clicking the IME mode indicator now gives you easy access to more options, like custom phrases and emojis. 💬😊
7. HEIC (High Efficiency Image Coding) Support Enhancements 📸🖼️
HEIC support in Windows 10 is improving:
- Rotation Support: Now you can rotate HEIF images directly in File Explorer. No more awkwardly turning your head to view your photos! 📱↔️
- Metadata Editing: You can now edit metadata like "Date Taken" for HEIF images. Perfect for organizing your photos like a pro. 📅📸
General Fixes and Enhancements 🚧💡
- Narrator Improvements: If you use Narrator, it now announces tab information in Sets to help with navigation. Great for accessibility! 📢🔍
- Emoticon Board Updates: The emoticon board now shows a line of skin tones for emoji customization. 💅💁♀️
- Bug Fixes: Several fixes have been made, including:
- Mouse Cursor Issues: Fixed an issue causing the mouse cursor to go invisible over certain UI elements. 🖱️❌
- Edge Scrolling: Fixed an issue with scrolling on websites in Microsoft Edge. 🖱️➡️
- Game Bar Fixes: Fixed an issue where the Game Bar would sometimes fail to appear. 🎮🎯
That’s all for this build! If you’re an Insider, go ahead and test out these new features. Don’t forget to share your feedback and help Microsoft make Windows 10 even better! 🌟💬