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What’s new in Windows 10 21H1, arriving next year

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What’s new in Windows 10 21H1, arriving next year

Microsoft is developing two Windows 10 feature updates simultaneously.

The first update called ’20H2′ is expected to arrive later this year, while the next update ’21H1′ will debut in the first half of 2021 with WSL and other improvements.

In this article, we’ve highlighted the new features that Microsoft is currently testing for Windows 10. It’s worth noting that many of these features are in early development and they may or may not appear in the Windows 10 21H1 update.

DNS over HTTPS (DoH)

This update introduces initial support for DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and it enables DNS resolution over encrypted HTTPS connections.

With support for DoH support, Windows 10’s next update is expected to boost your privacy and reduce online tracking by encrypting DNS queries.

“If you haven’t been waiting for it, and are wondering what DoH is all about, then be aware this feature will change how your device connects to the Internet and is in an early testing stage so only proceed if you’re sure you’re ready,” Microsoft said in a blog spot.

In Build 20185 or newer, you can configure DoH directly in the Settings app.

To configure DoH for ethernet connections, follow these steps:

Open Settings > Network & Internet > Status.
Click Properties.
Select Edit IP assignment or Edit DNS server assignment.
Enable DoH in the popup.

To configure DoH for Wi-Fi connections, follow these steps:

Open Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.
Click the adapter properties link.
Select Edit IP assignment or Edit DNS server assignment.
Enable DoH in the popup.

For more detailed information, see our article on how DoH works on Windows 10.

WSL

Windows 10 21H1 will add support for GPU and new command-line options for the Windows Subsystem for Linux. Microsoft would be adding CUDA and DirectML GPU computing support, which will allow you to use artificial intelligence and machine learning apps in WSL.

“This update will include support for NVIDIA CUDA, which will help enable professionals to use their local Windows machines for inner-loop development and experimentation. Additionally, this will also support DirectML, which will empower students and beginners to use hardware accelerated training on the breadth of Windows hardware, across AMD, Intel, and NVIDIA GPUs,” Microsoft said.

In addition, there are plans to enable support for Linux GUI apps in Windows Subsystem for Linux.

For more detailed information, see our article on WSL improvements in the preview build.

Disk Management in Settings

Microsoft is slowly migrating legacy Windows apps or tools into modern versions found in the Windows Settings. Starting with Windows 10 21H1 update, Settings app is also getting the new Disk Management tool.

Microsoft has introduced a modern ‘Manage Disks and Volumes’ utility that has better integration with the Storage Spaces and Storage Settings. Microsoft says its new disk management tool has been rewritten and it allows you to view disk information, create and format volumes, and assign drive letters.

To access this new tool, you need to go to the Settings > System > Storage and click on Manage Disks and Volumes.

For more detailed information, see our article on the new Disk Management tool.

GPU

Windows 10 21H1 update will also give users greater control over multiple GPUs when running apps in Windows 10.

If your computer has two GPUs, Windows 10 will use integrated one as a power-saving GPU and the discrete graphics card as the high-performance GPU.

You can go to the Graphics settings under Settings > Display > Graphics Settings and specify whether an app should use the high-performance or power-saving GPU.

In 21H1 update, users with multiple discrete GPUs will be allowed to decide which graphics card should be set as the default high-performance card. In addition, Windows 10 will let you specify the GPU for each app.

For more information, read out article on GPU controls in Windows 10.

Improved Sound Device Settings

Microsoft will also allow you to set default devices for your speakers from Settings > System > Sound.

In addition, there’s now a link to the per-app sound screen in the classic Volume Mixer.

These improvements will again reduce your dependency on legacy components.

Also read: Top 10 Main Reasons for Outsource Website Development

Windows will tell you the new features and improvements in updates

Starting with 21H1, Windows 10 will tell you exactly what a new feature update has delivered in terms of features and major improvements. Microsoft is testing this new post-update experience in the latest preview builds of Windows 10.

This new feature aims to address the concerns of unknown changes in Windows 10 after feature updates.

“We know that it doesn’t always feel clear what changed with a major update, or even how you can learn about and try out new features and improvements. This means that updates can feel time consuming without real benefit to you, and we want to change that,” Microsoft said.

Microsoft says it will run the post-update experience via the Tips app that will highlight the most exciting changes on your PC after a major Windows 10 feature update is installed.

For more detailed information, check out our article on Windows 10’s new post-update experience.