14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has released a new preview build of Windows 10 20H1, which is the feature update projected to go live in the spring of 2020.
Windows 10 build 18970 is available for users in the Fast ring, and it comes alongside cumulative update KB4518974 as part of a test that should help Microsoft determine whether builds and CUs can ship at the same time to a large set of devices.
As for what’s new in this new build, the most notable addition is an updated tablet mode that includes increased spacing between taskbar icons, File Explorer with a touch-optimized layout, and refined behavior for the touch keyboard, as this is now automatically invoked when tapping text fields.
Cloud recovery option now official
This build also introduces a cloud recovery option that lets you reset the device using a system image stored on Microsoft’s servers.
“Previously, Reset this PC was only able to do a local reinstall and would build a new Windows installation from existing Windows files. When this feature was introduced in Windows 10 version 1507, it provided the advantage of enabling Windows to be recoverable without requiring extra disk space to store a compressed, backup copy of Windows in a hidden partition,” Dona Sarkar, chief of the Windows Insider program, explains.
“We’ve heard feedback that some of you would prefer to use your high-speed internet connection to speed up this process by just downloading Windows.”
This build also marks another step for the Cortana rollout moving forward and introduces a bunch of other changes and improvements, which can find in full in the box after the jump.
Just like every other build shipped as part of the Windows Insider program, there are several known issues here, so make sure you check them out before rushing to Windows Update to install it.