14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft rolled out Windows 10 cumulative update KB3206309 to users participating in the Windows Insider program earlier this week, but without official documentation, it was pretty hard to tell what exactly was new in this patch.
It turns out, however, that this cumulative update might include some under-the-hood improvements for Windows Defender, the antivirus that’s getting revamped with the upcoming Creators Update due in the spring. There are no visual updates, but only tweaks to the code of the app.
It's important to know that cumulative updates typically don't include new features, so it makes sense for this new one to come only with bug fixes and under-the-hood tweaks for the antivirus.
Under-the-hood improvements for Windows Defender
Microsoft has already implemented an early version of this new Windows Defender app in the latest insider builds, and with cumulative update KB3206309, more improvements are being made to the application, according to a notification displayed when launching the application.
“We’re working hard on adding new features and finishing our new look, so not everything is ready quite yet. Some features you’re looking for may not be available now, which is why the previous version of Windows Defender is still available on your device. We’re looking forward to hearing your feedback on the improvements we’re making to Windows Defender!” the notification that was implemented in build 14986 when Microsoft rolled out the new app reads.
Microsoft’s Windows Defender overhaul also includes a redesign that brings it in line with the other apps available in Windows 10, and all users will be able to give it a try with the upcoming Creators Update that will be released to stable systems in early 2017.
Revamping Windows Defender is quite an essential part of the Creators Update, especially because Microsoft wants to boost security of the operating system, while the redesign certainly comes in handy to create more consistency across the desktop.
For the moment, only insiders can try out the new Windows Defender app, while more improvements, including visual facelifts and other features, should be included in the next Windows 10 Creators Update builds coming in early January.
We've reached out to Microsoft to find out if this cumulative update indeed improves Windows Defender or not and will update the article when an answer is provided.