Hello Windows Insider,

If you haven’t run a Windows 10 Insider Preview Build recently, you’ll definitely want to check out the latest builds. They’re loaded with an exceptional number of exciting, new features. Here are just a few highlights for Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 14986 for PC:

• Cortana just got even more awesome.* Now you can use voice commands to have Cortana turn off your computer, change volume — even control music playback and volume on more of your favorite music apps (U.S. only) like iHeartRadio and TuneIn Radio. Cortana can also now recognize music for customers in China. And check out Cortana’s new look when using “Hey Cortana” (it’s not only gorgeous but even more useful, as you’ll discover).
• A big leap in full-screen gaming support. One of the most common requests we see for Windows 10’s GameDVR feature is the ability to use the Game Bar with more games running in full-screen mode. With this build, we’ve added support for an amazing 19 additional games.
• Do more with Windows Ink. We’ve made our new note-taking and sketching feature even cooler with a more authentic ‘pen-and-paper’ experience, the ability to resume previous screen sketches, a more functional ruler and more.

Other highlights include a more convenient Windows Update experience, accessibility improvements in Narrator, an easier way to view and control your device security and health features and improvements to the Windows 10 experience in Asia.

If you are running a Preview Build on your phone, click here for details on the latest Windows 10 Insider Preview Build for Mobile.

• More good things for #WINsiders4Good. Have a look at our new #WINsiders4Good website! It currently features details on our most recent #WINsiders4Good initiative — the Nigeria Fellowship — designed to help 25 entrepreneurs build businesses aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians. Read the stories behind this fascinating group of entrepreneurs. And learn more about how #WINsiders4Good helps all Insiders build better communities through their amazing creativity and technical skills.
• Computer science made fun (really fun). As part of #WINsiders4Good, we’re also supporting a concentrated global effort to bring computer science to every classroom, including Hour of Code — a fun, easy tutorial on coding basics that’s available to millions of students and teachers in over 180 countries. Get a hands-on look. Complete the Minecraft Hour of Code project — and feel free to share this link with family and friends.

Info for Developers

• Get your app into the Windows Store with Desktop Bridge. If you’re a developer who has used Desktop Bridge to create a Windows app package for your existing desktop app or game, we can help you get it published into the Windows Store.
• Get started testing your apps with Appium. Windows now can use Appium to help test any Windows App. That means you can programmatically test your app interface to quickly know that everything works! This works with any Windows UWP, Win32, WPF and VB6 app – if it runs on Windows, it can be tested. Scott Hanselman has a great article on getting started with Appium on Windows.
• The UWP Community Toolkit 1.2 now released. The UWP Community Toolkit is a collection of helper functions, custom controls, and app services. This release has seven new helpers, a new control, bug fixes, and a bunch of updates! Check this Building Apps for Windows Blog for more details and to download.

Info for IT Pros

• New enterprise capabilities in Creators Update. Find out about new features and capabilities coming to Windows 10 Creators Update that will bring even more security advancements to enterprise customers. Equally exciting: over the next few weeks, some of the Creators Update features will start to show up in Preview Builds!
• Windows 10 1607 is ready for deployment. Also known as Windows 10 Anniversary Update, Windows 10 1607 has been declared as Current Branch for Business (CBB) and is ready for deployment. This is an important milestone and signifies that this version has been validated by customers, OEMs and partners giving organizations the confidence to further accelerate deployments at scale.
• Windows 10 IT Pro Essentials Support Secrets. If you are an IT Pro supporting Windows 10, or if you’re the person that friends and family call on for help, this Windows 10 support training is for you. Join author and Microsoft MVP Ed Bott as he walks you through the key tools and methods you can use to keep your users’ and friends’ systems running smoothly.

You can follow the lead for the Windows Insiders Program, Dona Sarkar, on Twitter @donasarkar. For other updates on the program, including special events and activities, follow us on Twitter @windowsinsider.

Thanks!

The Windows Insider Team