Microsoft Corp. has released the latest Windows 10 Insider Preview build to Windows Insiders in the Fast ring. Build 16241 details the new features and improvements we can expect from the Fall Creators Update.

Build 16241 includes mixed reality improvements, update delivery options, password reset and more. The company has also opened its final “bug bash” challenge, taking place from July 14, which takes us one step closer to the promised September debut of the operating system.

In addition, to build 16241 for personal computer users, Microsoft also released an updated Windows 10 Mobile preview build 15230, which includes a few fixes, but no new features.

Here’s a look at the new features and updates in build 16241:

Password reset feature

If a user forgets their pin or password, they will be able to gain access to their managed service accounts and Azure AD Premium accounts without needing to contact their administrator.

On the login screen, select the “I forgot my password” option below the login prompt > select the relevant Microsoft account > select how you want to receive your security code. Options include email, text or an app. Once you have received your security code, you will be able to reset your password.

Refined Acrylic Material

Build 16241 also includes the softening of the noise layer of Acrylic Material, which forms part of Microsoft’s Fluent Design System to debut in the Fall Creator’s Update. The Fluent Design System makes the OS more responsive on the variety of devices used by Windows 10 users, including Microsoft’s HoloLens mixed reality headset. It will also be incorporated into Xbox One.

Task Manager improvements

Microsoft introduced the new GPU section of the Task Manager Performance tab two builds ago and is including additional improvements in build 16241. The name for each GPU will be shown on the left-hand side of the tab, a new total GPU memory text counter has been added and the default multi-engine view will display more information like 3D, Copy, Video Encode and Video Decode engines.

To see which tabs are using the most resources, each Microsoft Edge tab process in the Task Manager will now receive a label of the actual web page currently running.

Mixed reality improvements

In anticipation of the mixed reality headset development kits due out in August from Acer Inc. and HP Inc., Microsoft has announced some mixed reality improvements in build 16241.

The improvements include support for mixed reality motion controllers via USB; connection reliability improvements; improved headeset stability; the ability to share mixed reality captures to Facebook; speech command improvements; improved support for ASMedia and other third-party USB controllers; improved 4K 360 Video streaming, improvements for 3Glasses headset and controller and more.

Delivery Optimization

The Delivery Optimization Advanced Options page in build 16241 will allow you to enable and disable peer-to-peer functionality and manage the amount of bandwidth Windows uses for updates.

The new page is accessed via Settings > Update & security > Windows Update > Advanced Options > Delivery Optimization. Users will be able to configure how updates are delivered, limit the impact the updates have on their system and provide an overview of the monthly quota that has been met.  

Build 16241 also includes a new Activity Monitor, which will show the amount of data Windows updates require, including Feature and Quality updates as well as Store App downloads and updates. Users will also be able to see the amount of data coming from other PCs on their local network or other PCs on the internet.

Windows Console and Bash on Windows

Microsoft also announced this week that it will now be possible to download Ubuntu Linux directly from the Windows Store, an option that is currently only available for users in the Windows Insider Program. This follows Microsoft’s announcement last year of native support for Ubuntu in Windows 10.

When the Fall Creators Update is officially released, all users will be able to download and install Ubuntu and access it from within Windows 10.

Other updates

PC gaming improvements include the fixing of an issue that stopped profile cards working in the Xbox Live in-game experience. While an issue which caused the Game bar to crash during broadcasting has also been fixed.

Build 16241 also fixes a variety of other issues picked up in previous builds, including the battery status that wasn’t updating for certain laptops when unplugged; the touch keyboard that wasn’t automatically displaying uppercase letters at the start of a sentence; and all  Storage Spaces issues discovered in 16237 have been fixed. Build 16241 also includes the graying out of the “Pin to Taskbar” option for InPrivate sessions in Microsoft Edge.

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