.: Windows 10 Preview Builds Changelog and History

sâmbătă, 28 mai 2016

Windows 10 Preview Builds Changelog and History

UPDATED on May 26, 2016: Addition of Windows 10 preview build 14352.

When Microsoft released the first preview build of Windows 10, its build number was 9841. It was released on September 30, 2014 via fbl_release channel of Microsoft. Since then Microsoft has released several Preview builds of Windows 10 to public.

Today in this exclusive article, we are going to list the major changes and new features introduced in all public Preview builds of Windows 10. We'll not mention each and every small change. We'll only highlight the important changes and features of each build of Windows 10.

Initially this changelog was a part of our exclusive Windows 10 review article but on readers demand, we are putting it in a separate article. We have added information about many new Preview builds of Windows 10 which was not given in Windows 10 review article.

So without wasting time, lets start the article!

Following are some important and worth to mention changes in all public Preview builds of Windows 10:

Windows 10 Build 6.4.9841 Changelog:

It was the first Preview build of Windows 10 which was released to public on October 1, 2014. It was released via fbl_release development branch of Windows 10. This build was referred as Windows 10 Technical Preview build.

Following were the important changes and new features in this build:

Addition of Start Menu which can be replaced by Start Screen using Taskbar Properties
Modern (metro) apps run in windowed mode on Desktop
Improvements to Snap feature with addition of Snap Assist
New Task View feature to quickly switch between running programs
Addition of Search and Task View buttons on Taskbar
Multiple (or Virtual) Desktops feature to add more than one Desktop screen
Improvements to Windows Explorer such as display of recent files and frequently visited folders in new Home view
Improvements to Command Prompt
Charms Bar disabled
Improvements to Internet Explorer
Metro IE (Immersive Internet Explorer) app removed
Some new icons

Windows 10 Build 6.4.9860 Changelog:

Windows 10 build 9860 was released on October 21, 2014 via fbl_release branch.

Addition of Windows Phone style Notification Center or Action Center
Addition of new animation while switching between multiple Desktops
Addition of Data Sense and Battery Saver options in PC Setting app
New option to select Slow or Fast ring of Windows 10 builds download in PC Settings app
Addition of new zPC Settings app for testing purposes

Windows 10 Build 6.4.9879 Changelog:

Windows 10 build 9879 was released on November 12, 2014 via fbl_release branch.

New built-in options in Taskbar context menu to show/hide Search and Task View buttons
3 dots menu replaced by Hamburger-style (3 lines) menu in metro apps titlebar
Ability to pin favorite folders to Home in File Explorer
Improvements to Internet Explorer
New Storage Sense option added in PC Settings
Hidden Continuum feature which was very buggy
Popup messages in metro apps are windowed now
Important changes in OneDrive such as use of selective sync
New updated animations
Some new icons
New horizontal battery indicator icon in Taskbar
New 3-finger gestures for precision touchpads
Native support for MKV and H.265 HEVC

Windows 10 Build 10.0.9926 Changelog:

Windows 10 build 9926 was released on January 23, 2015 via new fbl_awesome branch.

New improved Start Menu developed in XAML
Cortana enabled on Desktop
New Tablet Mode (aka Continuum)
New Settings app
New Notification Center (or Action Center)
New Modern (Metro) apps such as Photos, Maps, Xbox
Windows Store beta added
Progress bar is shown while downloading Preview Builds
Improvements to ALT+Tab user interface and functionality
New full screen button added in Modern app titlebar
Improvements to Internet Explorer F12 Developer Tools
Charms Bar removed
New icons and animations

Windows 10 Build 10.0.10041 Changelog:

Windows 10 build 10041 was released on March 18, 2015 via new fbl_impressive branch.

New setup/installation UI
Transparent Start Menu
New icons and improved UI in Start Menu
New Login Screen
Minor changes to startup/shutdown screens
New improved Task View (Virtual Desktops) interface
Smaller Windows logo on Start button
New Network fly-out from Taskbar
Date is also visible in small Taskbar
Cortana is available for more locales
Updated apps
New icons

Windows 10 Build 10.0.10049 Changelog:

Windows 10 build 10049 was released on March 30, 2015 via fbl_impressive branch.

Addition of new web browser
Updated apps

Windows 10 Build 10.0.10061 Changelog:

Windows 10 build 10061 was released on April 22, 2015 via fbl_impressive branch.

Transparent and dark Start Menu and Taskbar
Start Menu is now resizable
Power button moved to bottom-left corner in Start Menu
Transparency in Start Menu can be disabled
Start Menu and Taskbar color can be changed
Improvements to Project Spartan web browser
Improvements to Continuum aka Tablet mode
Improvements to Virtual Desktops (Task View)
"Screen resolution" option renamed to "Display settings" in Desktop context menu which now opens Settings app
New Calendar fly-out from Taskbar
New option to validate settings upon exit in TCP/IP settings
Some new metro (modern) apps
Some updated apps
Some new icons

Windows 10 Build 10.0.10074 Changelog:

Windows 10 build 10074 was released on April 29, 2015 via fbl_impressive branch. Since the release of build 10074, Microsoft started calling the testing builds as Insider Previewbuilds instead of Technical Preview builds.

Return of Aero Glass transparency with blur effect in Start Menu and Taskbar
New animation for live tiles in Start Menu
New sound scheme which is also set as default
Improvements and UI changes in Continuum (or Tablet Mode)
Improvements to Task View, Snap Assist and Alt+Tab screen
Improvements and UI changes in Cortana
Improvements to Windows Store beta
Personalize option in Desktop context menu now opens Settings app
Some UI changes in Settings app
Some updated apps

Windows 10 Build 10.0.10122 Changelog:

Windows 10 build 10122 was released on May 20, 2015 via fbl_impressive branch.

Improvements to Start Menu
Removal of Full Screen (Expand) button from Start Menu which was used to switch between Start Menu and Start Screen
Improvements to Continuum (or Tablet Mode)
Improvements to Project Spartan web browser including addition of New Tab page
Improvements to default filetypes handler program
Improvements to user interface

Windows 10 Build 10.0.10130 Changelog:

Windows 10 build 10130 was released on May 29, 2015 via fbl_impressive branch.

Improvements to Start Menu
New customization options for Start Menu in Settings app -> Personalization -> Start
Improvements to Continuum aka Tablet mode
Improvements to Project Spartan web browser
New keyboard shortcut WIN+C to launch Cortana
New UI for Jumplists in Taskbar
New Taskbar settings for Virtual Desktops in Settings app -> System -> Multitasking -> Virtual Desktops
New Taskbar animations for events like moving files, downloads, etc
Improvements to UI of Action Center (aka Notification Center)
New and updated icons set
Some updated apps
Some changes in user interface

Windows 10 Build 10.0.10158 Changelog:

Windows 10 build 10158 was released on June 29, 2015 via fbl_impressive branch.

Project Spartan web browser renamed to Microsoft Edge
Improvements to Microsoft Edge web browser
Lots of changes in user interface including new animations
Improvements to Cortana including new dark theme

Windows 10 Build 10.0.10159 Changelog:

Windows 10 build 10159 was released on June 30, 2015 via fbl_impressive branch.

Addition of new Hero wallpaper
Improvements to Login Screen including addition of Hero wallpaper as background image

Windows 10 Build 10.0.10162 Changelog:

Windows 10 build 10162 was released on July 02, 2015 via fbl_impressive branch.

Improvements to reliability, compatibility, performance and battery usage

Windows 10 Build 10.0.10166 Changelog:

Windows 10 build 10166 was released on July 09, 2015 via fbl_impressive branch.

New Microsoft Wi-Fi app to purchase paid Wi-Fi through Windows Store

Windows 10 Build 10.0.10240 Changelog:

Windows 10 build 10240 was released on July 15, 2015. Unlike previous Preview builds, this new build arrived via a new branch "TH1" (ThresHold1). TH1 development branch contains Windows 10 RTM candidate builds. So this new build 10240 was actually the final RTM build.

No watermark (or build number) on Desktop. You can still know the build number usingwinver command
Performance improvements to Microsoft Edge web browser

This build was released to public as Windows 10 RTM on July 29, 2015.

Windows 10 Build 10.0.10525 Changelog:

Build 10525 was the first new build since the release of final RTM version of Windows 10. It was released on August 18, 2015. Unlike RTM build, this new build arrived via a new branch "TH2" (ThresHold2).

Colored titlebars back (in RTM build, titlebars were White and we had to usetweaks to get colored titlebars)
Improvements to memory management by implementing compression store feature

Windows 10 Build 10.0.10532 Changelog:

Build 10532 was the 2nd new build since the release of final RTM version of Windows 10. It was released on August 27, 2015. Similar to previous build, this new build also arrived via "TH2" (ThresHold2) development branch.

Improvements to context menus with modern look-n-feel
Improvements to light and dark themes
Improvements to Microsoft Edge web browser
Users can now easily share feedback with others using Windows Feedback app

Windows 10 Build 10.0.10547 Changelog:

Build 10547 was the 3rd new build since the release of final RTM version of Windows 10. It was released on September 18, 2015. Similar to previous builds, this new build also arrived via "TH2" (ThresHold2) development branch.

Improvements to Start including new "Show more tiles" option in Settings -> Personalization -> Start page
Start now supports up to 2048 tiles instead of the previous 512 tiles limit
You can now disable background image on Login Screen using Settings app
All classic options have been restored to Themes page in Personalization window
Context menus now have grey background color instead of white
Improvements to Tablet Mode including new "When I resize a snapped window, simultaneously resize any adjacent snapped window" option in Settings -> System -> Multitasking page
Improvements to Microsoft Edge web browser
Improvements to text input panel
Many updated apps
New animation for opening and closing modern apps

Windows 10 Build 10.0.10565 Changelog:

Build 10565 was the 4th new build since the release of final RTM version of Windows 10. It was released on October 12, 2015. Similar to previous builds, this new build also arrived via "TH2" (ThresHold2) development branch.

The context menus are smaller again (No huge blank gap between context menu items)
Dark colored titlebars with full color intensity and same accent color
Improvements to context menu on Start Menu with the addition of icons
Improvements to Microsoft Edge web browser including tab previews and syncing feature
You can now select a different drive as save location to install apps in Settings -> System -> Storage page
You can now set Windows Spotlight as Lock Screen background
Instant change in screen scaling without clicking on Apply button in Settings -> System -> Display page
New "Find My Device" option in Settings -> Update & Security page
Now Windows 10 can be activated using previous qualified Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 product key
Addition of Skype messaging, calling and video capabilities
Improvements to Cortana
Improvements to managing default printer functionality
Some new icons such as Registry Editor and many devices in Device Manager
Many UI Improvements to Settings app such as logos, colors, etc

Windows 10 Build 10.0.10576 Changelog:

Build 10576 was the 5th new build since the release of final RTM version of Windows 10. It was released on October 29, 2015. Similar to previous builds, this new build also arrived via "TH2" (ThresHold2) development branch.

Improvements to Microsoft Edge web browser including media casting to any Miracast or DLNA enabled device
Ability to use "Ask Cortana" feature while reading a PDF file in Microsoft Edge web browser
Improvements to Xbox beta app
Improvements to nested virtualization functionality in Hyper-V
Improvements to Settings app
Improvements to Taskbar context menu with modern dark look-n-feel

Windows 10 Build 10.0.10586 Changelog:

Build 10586 was the 6th new build since the release of final RTM version of Windows 10. It was released on November 05, 2015. Similar to previous builds, this new build also arrived via "TH2" (ThresHold2) development branch.

Bug fixes and general improvements

This build was released to public as Windows 10 November update (version 1511) onNovember 12, 2015.

Windows 10 Build 10.0.11082 Changelog:

Build 11082 was the 1st Insider Preview build of Windows 10 released after November Update build 10586 (Threshold 2). It was released on December 16, 2015. This new build arrived via new "RS1" (RedStone1) development branch.

Bug fixes and general improvements

Windows 10 Build 10.0.11099 Changelog:

Build 11099 was the 2nd Insider Preview build of Windows 10 released after November Update build 10586 (Threshold 2). It was released on January 13, 2016. This new build arrived via new "RS1" (RedStone1) development branch.

Bug fixes and general improvements

Windows 10 Build 10.0.11102 Changelog:

Build 11102 was the 3rd Insider Preview build of Windows 10 released after November Update build 10586 (Threshold 2). It was released on January 21, 2016. This new build also arrived via new "RS1" (RedStone1) development branch.

New "History" menu in Microsoft Edge web browser which can be accessed by right-clicking on Back or Forward buttons. It shows recently visited websites list for quick access.

Windows 10 Build 10.0.14251 Changelog:

Build 14251 was the 4th Insider Preview build of Windows 10 released after November Update build 10586 (Threshold 2). It was released on January 27, 2016. This new build also arrived via new "RS1" (RedStone1) development branch.

Bug fixes and general improvements

Windows 10 Build 10.0.14257 Changelog:

Build 14257 was the 5th Insider Preview build of Windows 10 released after November Update build 10586 (Threshold 2). It was released on February 03, 2016. This new build also arrived via new "RS1" (RedStone1) development branch.

Bug fixes and general improvements

Windows 10 Build 10.0.14267 Changelog:

Build 14267 was the 6th Insider Preview build of Windows 10 released after November Update build 10586 (Threshold 2). It was released on February 18, 2016. This new build also arrived via new "RS1" (RedStone1) development branch.

New "Music Search" icon on top-right corner of Cortana app to search for the song playing quickly and easily
Improvements to Favorites bar in Microsoft Edge web browser including new context menu option to show favicons only
New "Always clear browser data after I close the browser" option in Edge browser's Settings
New option in Edge's Settings to show prompt message to choose where you want to save the file when you start a download
Improvements to Messaging and Skype apps

Windows 10 Build 10.0.14271 Changelog:

Build 14271 was the 7th Insider Preview build of Windows 10 released after November Update build 10586 (Threshold 2). It was released on February 24, 2016. This new build also arrived via new "RS1" (RedStone1) development branch.

The option "Windows should ask for the feedback" to customize feedback frequency has been permanently set to "Automatically (Recommended)" in Settings app -> Privacy -> Feedback & diagnostics and users won't be able to change it. The option is grayed out i.e. locked.
Updated the music control icons that are shown in taskbar previews in music apps like Groove to look more crisp and clean at higher resolutions.
The entire app header in Action Center is now right-clickable instead of just the app name or close (x) button.
Its now easier to dismiss all notifications from a specific app in Action Center by increasing the target area to encompass the entire app header.

Windows 10 Build 10.0.14279 Changelog:

Build 14279 was the 8th Insider Preview build of Windows 10 released after November Update build 10586 (Threshold 2). It was released on March 04, 2016. This new build also arrived via new "RS1" (RedStone1) development branch.

Lock Screen now uses same background image as Login Screen.
Cortana now supports more languages such as Spanish (Mexico), Portuguese (Brazil) or French (Canada)
You can now save useful information (notes) in Cortana as reminders
Improved performance of Japanese IME especially on typing response
Sway integration with the Photos app
A new update to the Xbox app (beta)

Windows 10 Build 10.0.14291 Changelog:

Build 14291 was the 9th Insider Preview build of Windows 10 released after November Update build 10586 (Threshold 2). It was released on March 17, 2016. This new build also arrived via new "RS1" (RedStone1) development branch.

Extensions support in Microsoft Edge web browser
You can now pin tabs in Edge browser
"Paste and go" feature added to Edge addressbar
"Paste and search" feature added to Edge search bar
Updated Maps, Alarms and Clock apps
You can now choose one-handed kana touch keyboard for Japanese text typing
You can now have a new experience with the Japanese lined-mode Text Input Canvas
New Feedback Hub app which combines previous Windows Feedback and Insider Hub apps

Windows 10 Build 10.0.14295 Changelog:

Build 14295 was the 10th Insider Preview build of Windows 10 released after November Update build 10586 (Threshold 2). It was released on March 25, 2016. This new build also arrived via new "RS1" (RedStone1) development branch.

Bug fixes and general improvements

Windows 10 Build 10.0.14316 Changelog:

Build 14316 was the 11th Insider Preview build of Windows 10 released after November Update build 10586 (Threshold 2). It was released on April 06, 2016. This new build also arrived via new "RS1" (RedStone1) development branch. This build contained many new features which were announced to be a part of the new Windows 10 Anniversary Update.

Natively run Bash on Ubuntu in Windows: To do this, first turn on "Developer Mode" from "Settings -> Update & security -> For developers". Then search for "Windows Features" and choose "Turn Windows features on or off" and enable "Windows Subsystem for Linux (Beta)". To get Bash installed, open Command Prompt and type bash.
New Dark Theme addition in "Settings -> Personalization -> Colors". Previously you needed Registry tweak to enable hidden secret Dark Theme.
New option to show colors on titlebars only in "Settings -> Personalization -> Colors". Previously you needed Registry tweaks to customize colors settings.
Using the new Connect app, you can bring the Continuum experience from your phone to PC without needing a dock or Miracast adapter. (a Continuum-enabled Windows 10 phone is required)
Cortana on your PC will now inform you of low battery power on your mobile phone.
You can now ask Cortana to find your phone, regardless of device, on your PC using the new find my phone feature.
You can now share map directions across devices through Cortana.
If you are facing problem in getting Cortana enabled on your PC, it'll automatically download the necessary speech language, if needed, and enable Cortana for you.
New and Updated Extensions for Microsoft Edge: Click on "More" (...) at the top right in Microsoft Edge and click "Extensions" to open the Extensions pane and click "Get extensions".
New Skype UWP Preview app
Improvements to Action Center.
Improvements to Virtual Desktop.
Improvements to Battery Settings.
Improvements to Windows Update settings.
New progress experience for installing Windows updates.
Updated Windows Update notification after updates have been installed so now clicking on the notification will take you straight to your update history.
Enhanced Wi-Fi flyout UI.
Ability to comment on feedback inside the Feedback Hub.
Updated Emoji.

Windows 10 Build 10.0.14328 Changelog:

Build 14328 was the 12th Insider Preview build of Windows 10 released after November Update build 10586 (Threshold 2). It was released on April 22, 2016. This new build also arrived via new "RS1" (RedStone1) development branch. This build also contained many new features which were announced to be a part of the new Windows 10 Anniversary Update.

New Windows Ink feature addition
Improvements and UI changes in Start Menu
Improvements to Tablet Mode
You can now set Taskbar to auto-hide in Tablet Mode
Improvements to Cortana and Search
You can now use Cortana on Lock Screen
Improvements to Action Center and Notifications
Action Center icon on Taskbar is now shown after the clock
UI changes in Action Center
You can now add, remove and re-arrange Quick Actions in Action Center using Settings app
Improvements to Taskbar
Taskbar settings have been moved to Settings app -> System -> Taskbar section
Improvements to Volume fly-out
Improvements and UI changes in Settings app
Improvements to Lock Screen
Improvements and UI changes in Credentials and UAC dialog box
Updated File Explorer icon
Updated Shutdown Windows dialog to use a modern icon
Improvements to Japanese IME

Windows 10 Build 10.0.14332 Changelog:

Build 14332 was the 13th Insider Preview build of Windows 10 released after November Update build 10586 (Threshold 2). It was released on April 26, 2016. This new build also arrived via new "RS1" (RedStone1) development branch.

Fixes and improvements to Bash
Improvements to Command Prompt
Cortana can now search your content in Office 365
Improved Battery Life for Connected Standby PC

Windows 10 Build 10.0.14342 Changelog:

Build 14342 was the 14th Insider Preview build of Windows 10 released after November Update build 10586 (Threshold 2). It was released on May 10, 2016. This new build also arrived via new "RS1" (RedStone1) development branch.

Wi-Fi Sense feature removed due to low usage and low demand
Extensions in Microsoft Edge web browser can now be downloaded and installed directly from Windows Store
Microsoft Edge now supports real-time web notifications
You can now swipe from anywhere on a web page to go back to the previous page in Microsoft Edge
Fixes and improvements to Bash on Ubuntu on Windows feature
Updated Skype UWP Preview app
Updated Windows Ink Workspace icon on Taskbar
Updated UI for User Account Control (UAC) dialog box which now supports dark theme mode
Action Center now supports middle-clicking on a notification to dismiss the notification
New page in Settings -> System -> Apps for websites which is currently not functional
Improvements to Feedback Hub

Windows 10 Build 10.0.14352 Changelog:

Build 14352 was the 15th Insider Preview build of Windows 10 released after November Update build 10586 (Threshold 2). It was released on May 26, 2016. This new build also arrived via new "RS1" (RedStone1) development branch.

Improvements to Cortana
Improvements to Windows Ink
Improvements to Windows Game Bar feature
Improvements to Feedback Hub
Updated File Explorer icon with more color
Ability to upgrade from Pro edition to Enterprise edition without rebooting
New "Limited Period Scanning" feature in "Settings -> Update & security -> Windows Defender" page