Windows 10 - Build 19043.985 (21H1)

It seems like Windows 10 is constantly being updated with new features and it can be difficult to keep up with them. So take a quick read here about what is new in the Win10 21H1 build released by Microsoft this March to the Beta Channel of the Windows Insider Program and familiarise yourself with some of the new capabilities and features!

Although it is classed as a relatively minor update, it is still jam-packed with new features to explore. I will summarise some of the most major changes/updates/fixes below, however if you are looking for a more comprehensive list (including the full fix list from Build Windows 10 Build 19042.906 - 20H2), check out more info on the Microsoft website in the Inside Blog.

Having updated my personal laptop to 21H2 in March, I have had some time to get familiar with some new features, and here is a list of the ones I found the most useful.

• New Chromium-based Edge is now the default browser – this also has its own Insider programme and other versions from Dev and Beta channels that can also be installed to test new features
• Refreshed app icons with new designs and nice new rounded corners to modernise the look of the icons and move away from the legacy designs of the Windows 95-98 era
• New Taskbar feature called “News & Interests” which can be configured based on your interests and location
• Prefer those darker tones in your Desktop environment? Dark mode is now an option in the Personalisation settings
• Microsoft Tips – New feature detailing new features in your version of Windows 10
• Add emoji’s from your keyboard – Windows button plus full stop
• Snip your screen – Windows button + Shift + S

Microsoft Edge - Dev Channel

• Pin Tabs to Taskbar / Start Menu
• Vertical Tabs - takes some getting used to but soon you will forget all about those horizontal tabs!
• Jump between browser tabs using ALT + TAB – not just your open applications
• New Theme Colours - personalise your Edge experience
• Edge supports multiple profiles - tabs can be easily switched between the profiles and Favourites/Passwords can be synced between many devices
• On-demand password generation - option to auto-generate a strong password for websites
• New Extension Menu instead of numerous items in the toolbar in Edge
• Icons have been updated to be more aligned with the new Microsoft Icons
• Selective translation of text on webpages

Try out some of these features by updating your system now!

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