According to the company announcement, Windows 10 build 21354 introduces a new “Cameras” settings page with new features for network cameras and webcams. You will also find several changes for built-in apps (Snipping Tool and Paint), tweaks to the Start menu, improvements for the “News and interests” feature, and more. In addition, this release represents the first build available in the “CO_RELEASE” branch. The “CO” is for the Cobalt internal codename. Usually, when Microsoft changes the release development branch, it means that the team is in the process of completing adding the scope of features and improvements planned for what could be the next version of Windows 10. In this case, version 21H2, which the company is expected to ship during the second half of 2021.
Windows 10 build 21354 new features
Here are the new features, changes, and improvements with the latest preview of Windows 10.
Cameras settings
Starting with build 21354, Windows 10 introduces a new “Cameras” page in the “Devices” section of the Settings app. The new page includes settings to add, remove, disable, and configure network cameras, built-in cameras (front and rear), and external USB webcams. In the configuration settings, you can also remove the backlight that causes shadows on your face. And you can even adjust brightness and contrast, enable Video HDR or Eye Contact, or correct the camera rotation.
Displays settings
In the Display settings, you will now have the ability to disable content adaptive brightness control (CABC), which is a feature that improves battery life by adjusting the contrast and brightness of the display based on the content shown in the display. However, the feature can cause distracting brightness changes that also decrease the image quality that might be something important when you need to show content with color accuracy, as such now, there is an option to disable it. The feature is called: “Automatically adjust contrast based on the displayed content to help improve battery,” and it will be available depending on the camera support.
Start menu improvements
As part of the Start menu improvements, build 21354 no longer includes a Windows Tools folder. Instead, it is now an option with a new icon that opens the new Windows Tools folder in Control Panel. In addition, the Windows Tools folder now combines all the options previously available in the Windows Accessories, Windows Administrative Tools, Windows PowerShell, and Windows System folders. As a result of this change, you will no longer find these folders in the Start menu or across the operating system. Furthermore, all the tools are searchable using Windows Search, and you can now pin them to the taskbar or Start menu. Finally, File Explorer now appears in its own place in the Start menu.
Device usage settings
Starting with build 21354, Windows 10 officially introduces the “Device usage” settings page in the “Personalization” section, which allows you to specify how you plan to use the device to allow the system to show suggestions for tips, tools, and services that will help you make the most out of the operating system.
Windows Update changes
Windows 10 build 21354 also brings changes to the “Change active hours” feature. For example, now you see the “Automatically adjust active hours for this device based on activity” toggle switch enable if you never configured the feature. Using this new default setting, Windows Update will be able to schedule automatic updates when you are not actively using the computer.
ARM improvements
For ARM64 devices, it’s now possible to enable compatibility settings for x64 applications.
Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)
In WSL, the default path has been changed to \wsl.localhost\ from \wsl\ to improve reliability and performance. However, you will still be able to use the \wsl\ path to access the files.
Applications changes
There is a new version of the Microsoft Paint app that does not introduce any new features in this flight, but now it’s an app that updates through the Microsoft Store and includes a new modern icon. The Snipping Tool also becomes an app that receives updates through the Microsoft Store. The company also says that this app has been combined with the Snip & Sketch app, which means that they both will receive updates simultaneously. Furthermore, the Snipping Tool is no longer part of the Windows Accessories folder, and it will appear in its own place in the Start menu.
News and Interest improvements
This flight also brings some improvements for the News and Interests widget in the taskbar. Starting with this release, you will find more ways to personalize the feed with the new “Manage interest” button that appears when hovering over the weather in the taskbar. The button opens the feature personalization experience in your Microsoft account online page. The page includes more ways to select topics of interest. You can use the search box to find more topics. You can manage the topics you follow by selecting “Followed interests” in the left navigation. Also, the “Tune your feed” is available from the left pane on the “My interests” page. “This experience makes it easy to explore and follow publishers from [the Microsoft] partner ecosystem and select example articles that pique your interest.” In addition, the “Followed Publishers” option in the left pane lets you manage the publishers you follow. Finally, when you click the “X” on top of the card, you can remove it and provide feedback, including “Not interested in this story,” “Don’t like the source,” or “Report an issue.” These changes are available in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, India, and Australia.
Microsoft Edge
Although Microsoft Edge receives updates independently from Windows Update, pinned sites should now show all the open tabs across windows as of the latest release of the browser. Microsoft is listing the complete set of improvements, fixes, and known issues for Windows 10 Insider Preview build 21354 at the Windows Blog.
Download Windows 10 build 21354
The build 21354 preview is available immediately through the Dev Channel, and it will install automatically. However, you can always get it manually from Settings > Update & security > Windows Update and clicking the Check for updates button. You can learn more about all the changes available in the current development process of Windows 10 in this guide. All content on this site is provided with no warranties, express or implied. Use any information at your own risk. Always backup of your device and files before making any changes. Privacy policy info.
