Everything You Need to Know About the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update
The next biggest update to Windows 10 will arrive on October 17. If you’re like most Windows 10 users, then you haven’t heard much about the update so far. We’re here to change that. Here are the most important features, benefits, and changes you’ll notice after the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update is released on October 17.
My People
Microsoft released a creators update earlier this year, in April. They had initially planned to launch the My People feature as part of that update – but it was pushed to the fall update.
My People is a surprisingly helpful feature that places contact cards on your taskbar. You can place three contact icon on your taskbar. They’re designed to help you connect immediately with the most important people in your life. You can use the My People feature to access multiple communication options for each individual.
The Launch of Mixed Reality Headsets
Windows 10 will support “mixed reality headsets” starting with this fall’s update. Mixed reality headsets are a new augmented reality system introduced by Microsoft. A number of Microsoft’s major hardware partners – including Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo – will release mixed reality headsets this October.
The headsets will be cheaper than conventional options like the HTC Vive and the Oculus Rift.
Even if you don’t buy a mixed reality headset, you’ll be able to experiment with Windows 10’s mixed reality functionality with the help of the View 3D app, which is expected to be released alongside the Creators Update.
Another Line of Defense Against Ransomware
We’ve seen a surge in ransomware attacks in 2016 and 2017. Microsoft is taking ransomware protection seriously with a feature called controlled folder access.
Controlled folder access protects your files and folders from unauthorized changes by unfriendly applications. You can enable controlled folder access through the Windows Defender menu. If unauthorized software tries to mess with your protected folders, it will be blocked, and you’ll be notified about the attempt.
Certain folders are protected by default, including your Documents, Pictures, Movies, and Desktop. You can’t remove this protection. You can also choose to manually protect other folders. You can even whitelist individual programs, allowing them to make changes to your protected folders.
Ultimately, when used correctly, this feature will completely prevent ransomware from targeting your most important files and folders. Kudos to Microsoft for this feature.
Cross-Device “Pick Up Where You Left Off” Support
If you’re the type of person who works on multiple devices throughout the day – like a desktop PC at work, a mobile phone on the ride home, and a tablet at home – then the newest Windows 10 update could be a gamechanger.
Microsoft has added extensive “pick up where you left off” support that allows you to transfer data and work between apps. It even works on non-Windows platforms (you just need to install Cortana first).
When you fire up an app on your device, you’ll get a notification from Cortana asking if you want to pick up where you left off. Click that notification, and it’s like you never switched devices.
A Revamped Action Center
The Windows 10 Action Center is getting an overhaul. Microsoft is making the information more accessible, including better separation between news items, with the most important items available at the top of the menu.
Overall, the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update introduces several crucial changes to Windows 10 – although it’s not quite as big as the Creators Update from this spring. Wait for the update to arrive on October 17.
