Microsoft Windows 10 Spring 2019 Update Takes Shape With Early 19H1 Builds, Windows Hello Redesign
Many of you reading this might not even have the October 2018 Update for Windows 10 installed, as Microsoft yanked the second annual upgrade to fix a file deletion bug. Microsoft is testing a fix to Windows Insiders, but so far has not resumed downloads to the public. Be that as it may, Microsoft is also currently testing its Spring 2019 Update.
We don't know if that's what it will be called, as Microsoft has changed the naming convention a few times since Windows 10 first hit the scene. Here's a history of releases so far:
- Windows 10 (1507) Threshold 1
- Windows 10 (1511) Threshold 2: November Update
- Windows 10 (1607) Redstone 1: Anniversary Update
- Windows 10 (1703) Redstone 2: Creators Update
- Windows 10 (1709) Redstone 3: Fall Creators Update
- Windows 10 (1803) Redstone 4: April 2018 Update
- Windows 10 (1809) Redstone 5: October 2019 Update
Assuming the same kind of timetable, we're looking at a spring release for the next major version of Windows 10. For right now, Microsoft is referring to test builds as "19H1" builds, starting with the Windows 10 Insider Build 18272. This was pushed out to Windows Insiders on Halloween, hopefully with more treats than tricks.
As always, Microsoft is making a number of changes and feature updates to Windows 10. One of the changes is a redesign of the sign-in options for Windows Hello. Users found the previous design "cluttered and confusing," Microsoft says, and so it is making an effort to simplify the sign-in options from within the Settings menu.
"Ultimately, we want to help you make the right decision for your situation. By condensing each sign-in option into a list that explains individual properties and next step for setup, we hope you feel more informed the next time you decide how you want to sign in using enhanced security features with Windows Hello," Microsoft says.
The Spring 2019 Update will also expand SwiftKey's typing intelligence to more languages, and will introduce Indic phonetic keyboards to the mix as well.
Microsoft is mostly testing out minor updates and tweaks at this early stage. For example, the Snip & Sketch tool is gaining the ability to add borders to screenshots, as well as a button in the toolbar to print directly from the app (or print to PDF). You can also expect Sticky Notes to sync faster.
There's also a report that Microsoft may introduce the ability to transfer calls from smartphones to Windows 10 PCs. Aggiornamenti Lumia discovered strings of text in a new system app update referencing "Transfer to PC Speaker" and "Transfer to Phone," which suggests Windows 10 may offer native functionality similar to Dell's Mobile Connect app for Android and iOS.
Now, if only Microsoft can get its October 2018 Update out the door...
