Windows 10 'Threshold 2' Due November

Microsoft has unveiled a batch of new features and fixes for Windows 10. However, it's not confirmed when they will be available for the average users.

The changes revealed by Microsoft's Gabe Aul are currently only available to members of the Windows Insider Preview program with the "Fast Ring" option selected. Those are the people who have effectively chosen to act as guinea pigs by being the first to test new features in a real world situation.

If all goes well, the features and fixes will eventually make it into Microsoft's new general public update system. That's where batches of fixes come out as and when they are ready, rather than on a regular schedule. The first such batch, codenamed Threshold 2, is expected in November and is roughly the equivalent of a service pack on older versions of Windows.

Start Menu Gets Some Tweaks

Some of the changes revealed relate to the ever controversial Start menu. Users will be able to change from the default three columns of tiles to a four column setup that may work better for those who prefer larger tiles.

There will also be a partial fix to a bug that limited the menu to 512 tiles. There's still a limit, but at 2,048 tiles very few users should be affected. (Source: windows.com)

Most of the updates relate to the various Microsoft applications that ship with Windows 10. Some of these fixes are already available, even without being in the Insider Preview program. To check for updates, click Start then type in "check for updates" (no quotes), then click on the link that says "Check for updates" under the PC Settings sub-menu. (Source: infoworld.com)

Tablet Experience Improved

Other changes relate to tablet users. It will now be easier to move and 'snap' applications around the display, while changes to the text input panel and auto-complete suggestions should make it easier to type on a tablet screen.

There's also a behind-the-scenes change to the Edge browser that means it should be possible to use services such as Skype directly within the browser rather than run a separate app.

Threshold 2 (Fall Update) Now Released

Update 20151121: Windows 10 Threshold 2 (also known as the Fall Update) has now been released, though some users are reporting that the update is not showing up in Windows Update so it can be installed. Click here to read an article we wrote that explains how to download Windows 10 Threshold 2 onto all of your machines using a single DVD, USB or .ISO file without having to wait for it to appear through Windows Update.

What's Your Opinion?

What new features or bug fixes would you most like to see in Windows 10? Is Microsoft making changes quickly enough given it's no longer tied to a fixed update schedule? Are you interested in keeping track of Windows 10 changes or are you happy to let it update automatically?