Windows 10 Redstone 4 promises to bring a huge range of new features to Windows 10, and here’s everything we know so far.
In a lot of ways, Windows 10 is the best operating system Microsoft has ever released. One of the main reasons it is so beloved is the way Microsoft continues to support it with major overhauls, such as the upcoming Windows 10 Redstone 4, or as it may be called soon, the Spring Creators Update.
As with any major update for Windows 10, Redstone 4 looks set to bring a host of exciting new features to the operating system, and here we’ll gather up everything we know so far about the upcoming update.
We’ll also speculate on the release date, but we’ve got our fingers on the likely release date of April 10 for Windows 10 Redstone 4. Cut to the chase What is it? The next major update for Windows 10 When is it out? Possibly around March 2018 What will it cost? As with previous major Windows 10 updates, it will be free Windows 10 Redstone 4 release date
So, when can we expect Windows 10 Redstone 4 to release? This update is the product of over a year’s work, with features that were first tested by Windows Insiders, a group of testers who try out early versions of Windows 10, back in early 2017.
Then, on August 31 2017, Windows 10 Build 16353 was released to Windows Insiders, which is part of the Redstone 4 development branch. This indicated that Microsoft was gearing up for release.
There has been a bevy of rumors about the release date of Windows 10 Redstone 4, or the Spring Creators Update. On March 13, a Microsoft blog post mentioned Redstone 4 and included an expected launch date of ‘April 2018.’ Then, Windows Central, citing anonymous sources, hinted that the Spring Creators Update will be releasing on April 10. This information is backed up by a blog post suggesting that Windows 10 build 17133 will be the final release.
Windows 10 Redstone 4 name
Redstone 4 is just the codename for the next major update to Windows 10, so expect it to have a catchier name closer to release. Previous major Redstone updates were called ‘ Anniversary Update ’, ‘ Creators Update ’ and ‘ Fall Creators Update ’.
It looks like Microsoft may have let slip what it will finally call Windows 10 Redstone 4, with a reference found in its Feedback Hub to ‘Spring Creators Update’ .
Microsoft quickly removed the reference, but not before people were able to take screenshots, like the one shown in the tweet below:
Is Windows 10 Redstone 4 the Springs Creators Update? This Windows Defender Application Guard Quest for this months Bug Bash seems to like that name! Thanks to @WildDreamer95 for the tip. pic.twitter.com/vvkg2xJwEX February 3,2018
At the moment, we’re pretty convinced that Windows 10 Redstone 4 will be called Spring Creators Update. For a start, Microsoft’s haste in removing the reference makes us pretty suspicious! It also follows the naming convention of previous Redstone updates.
Another recent leak again showed that Microsoft will likely call Windows 10 Redstone 4 the Spring Creators Update, this time from infamous Microsoft leaker WalkingCat. The reference to Spring Creators Update was found in the code for the update, pretty much confirming the name.
Windows 10 Redstone 4 confirmed features
Because of the extensive testing process of Windows 10 Redstone 4, we have a good idea of some – but not all – of the features coming in the Spring Creators Update. These are the features we know about so far.
Timeline
The Timeline feature was supposed to arrive with last year’s Fall Creators Update, but Microsoft didn’t feel it was ready, so it was cut from the release. Now, after months of testing, it looks like it will debut in Redstone 4.
It shows a visual timeline of the desktop, allowing the user to jump right back into what they were doing on another device – and that includes Android and iOS handsets.
As well as allowing for this seamless transition when switching between different devices, it will also let the user revisit a desktop state from an earlier time. A bit like a Windows version of macOS Time Machine.
It could prove to be a really useful feature, so fingers crossed it’s ready in time.
User interface improvements
The way Windows 10 looks will get a big overhaul with Redstone 4, with the ‘Fluent Design’ look giving making the operating system look better than ever when the Spring Creators Update arrives.
Many windows and menus you’re used to seeing will get a fresh lick of paint, and not only will Windows 10 look nicer, the operating system will be easier to use as well.
Near Share
Microsoft is looking to make wirelessly sharing files between devices easier than ever in Redstone 4 thanks to its new Near Share feature.
With Bluetooth and Near Share turned on (from the Action Center), you can quickly share documents and more by pressing the ‘Share’ button in apps (or in Windows Explorer) – which will then display nearby devices you can send the file to.
Quick Bluetooth pairing
Connecting your Windows 10-powered device to Bluetooth peripherals is also set to be much quicker and easier in Redstone 4 thanks to the new quick pair feature. When a device in pairing mode is within range of your Windows 10 device running the Spring Creators Update, a notification will appear prompting you to pair it. Click on it, and it will be accessible to your Windows 10 device, without having to go into Settings.
At the moment this only works with Microsoft peripherals, but hopefully we’ll see devices from other manufacturers make use of it when Redstone 4 officially releases.
Progressive web apps
The Microsoft Store and Microsoft’s Edge browser will also be getting some new features in Redstone 4. Most noticeably, you’ll be able to run Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) from within Edge, and these can be installed though the Microsoft Store.
PWAs work like regular Windows apps, but being web-based means they’re lightweight and many don’t need to be installed. By making them searchable in the Microsoft Store, Microsoft is giving them equal billing as full Windows 10 apps, as well as giving users more apps to choose from.
Edge improvements
The Edge web browser is also getting a hefty amount of updates with Redstone 4, as Microsoft continues to improve its software to compete with Chrome and Firefox.
A new-look menu grants you quick access to your bookmarks, history and other essential parts of the browser, and you can now quickly pin eBooks to the Start Menu when reading them in Edge.
Edge will also be better at automatically filling in forms with your information as well, making it easier to sign up for websites and the like. It will remember your payment card details as well (but not the security code on the back), making it easier to pay online. It’s good to see these new features, which Edge’s competitors have had for a while. Better late than never.
If you’re sick of websites blaring out sounds and music when you’re browsing, then the new ability to right-click on a tab and mute it will be a blessing, and InPrivate mode can now run certain extensions if you want it to.
Printing has also been improved thanks to the ‘Clutter Free’ option that removes the unnecessary text, images and more from pages when you print out websites, making them look nicer and saving on ink.
Edge will also get an updated look to match the Fluent Design theme of Windows 10.
Mixed Reality updates
We’ve also recently heard that Microsoft is adding a range of new features to its Mixed Reality platform with what’s expected to be the Spring Creators Update.
Heading up the list of improvements is a brand-new virtual environment for users to wander around.
