With a market share exceeding ten percent and more than 200 million devices under its wing, Windows 10 continues to gain ground, and all eyes are now on the Anniversary Update that Microsoft will launch during the summer. Those users who participate in the Insider program have the possibility to download a preview of that update through the new build 14316, which incorporates the long-awaited Bash, improvements for Cortana, changes to the start menu, and finally, a dark mode for the desktop.
Testing the Future with Windows Insider
Windows 10 is divided into five general editions, but when it comes to determining the updates each receives, there is an additional subdivision into four 'branches' of development. If you have Windows 10 version 1511 installed, also known as the November Update or simply '10586', it is most likely in the 'Current Branch'. However, those who want to live a little more on the edge can join the Windows Insider program and receive beta software that 'could' break a thing or two on a bad day. The advantage of Windows Insider is that it provides early access to many new features in the operating system, and the most striking example is the Anniversary Update that Microsoft announced at its Build conference. Without a doubt, this update is on par with a Service Pack, especially considering everything it brings:
Bash Arrives on Windows
Among developers, the real star of the Anniversary Update is Bash. Microsoft and Canonical surprised more than one with such an announcement, but it is no publicity stunt. To download it, you need to activate 'developer mode' in Windows 10 14316, enable the feature 'Linux Subsystem for Windows (beta)' in the Windows Features section, and then type 'bash' in a system console (the download may take a few minutes).
A Dark Mode for the Desktop
Next we find the so-called dark mode, something that, while it already existed on mobile devices, was a bit delayed on the desktop. Microsoft indicates that the switch to dark mode should activate in most universal applications, but it will not affect apps that use their own themes or classic Win32/.NET programs.
Cortana Becomes More Connected
Finally, Cortana received cross-platform improvements, including sending low battery alerts from your smartphone (Windows 10 Mobile and Android with Cortana 1.5) to your computer, locating it or making it ring, and sharing directions from the computer to the smartphone.
Other Refinements in Build 14316
Among the 'minor' optimizations, so to speak, we discover a new beta of Skype as a universal app, an 'active hours' setting for Windows Update that prevents hotfix installation during critical moments, progress in extension support for Microsoft Edge, more emojis, several adjustments to the start menu (the app list takes up more space), and broader customization of the notification system.
To close, we must point out that the new Windows 10 build 14316 is in the 'fast ring' of the Insider program, and remember: Everything here is beta.
