The latest feature update, the first of the year 2021, for Windows 10 systems is here. The update, which is named Windows 10 May 2021 or Windows 10 21H1, was released on 18th May 2021. Microsoft release two feature updates for Windows 10 laptops and desktops every year. The first feature update, the H1, that arrives between March-May is usually the major one with the inclusion of new features and many changes. While the other feature update, the H2, which generally comes in the latter half of the year, is the minor one that only brings out the security fixes and polish features of previous updates.
For example, in 2020, the first update, i.e., Windows 10 2004, was a major one with lots of changes. On the other hand, the second feature update of 2020, i.e., Windows 10 20H2, was a minor one and brings out few security changes and bug fixes.
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However, contrary to the tradition, expectations, and leaked details, this year’s first half feature update, i.e., Windows 10 21H1, is not a major one and brings out a few minor changes and additions. Microsoft has delayed the major feature update, which was initially planned for 21H1, to Windows 10 21H2, which is expected to arrive in late October or early November.
Let us discuss what new you will find in the latest Windows 10 21H1 feature update.
What’s new in the Windows 10 21H1?
For an average user, there is nothing new or exciting in this feature update. If you dig into it, you will find the following significant changes:
Windows Hello Multi-Camera Support
Windows Hello allows users to sign in to a PC using facial recognition, fingerprint, PIN, security key, password, and picture password. Previously, if you were using Windows Hello Face for login, you were allowed to set only one camera to recognize that you could not change. Now with the Windows 10 May 2021 feature update, you can set the external camera for facial recognition if you are using multiple cameras on your device. Microsoft should have added this feature a long ago, but better late than never.
Windows Defender Application Guard
Microsoft has introduced an improved version of Windows Defender Application Guard (WFAG). This feature lets the administrators launch the applications in isolated and virtualized space for security reasons. Now from Windows 10 21H1, opening the applications, especially the documents, would be faster.
WMI Group Policy Changes
Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) is used by enterprises to control the policies of connected computers. Microsoft has enhanced the WMI Group Policy Service (GPSVC) and made it faster to support remote work scenarios.
Changes in the Taskbar
Some users who have updated to the Windows 10 21H1 have reported that they have noticed the ‘News’ and ‘Interests’ widget on the taskbar, which also displays the current temperature. Although this feature was originally planned to be released in 21H2, many users are getting it in 21H1 itself. If you have updated to 21H1 and still not getting this feature, then don’t worry, it does not have any practical value, and you won’t miss it. You will, anyhow, get it in Windows 10 21H2. The purpose of this feature is to keep you engaged on your computer so that you don’t have to open your phone to check the news and other things from time to time.
How to install the Windows 10 21H1?
Microsoft has started to deploy the Windows 10 May 2021 update to the users from the 18th of May. On your Windows 10 PC, navigate to Settings->Update & Security. If your PC is ready for the upgrade, you will see the option to install the Windows 10 21H1. Click on the Download and Install to begin the installation.
If the feature update is not yet available for your device, you can wait for a few days or directly download and install Windows 10 21H1 from Microsoft’s official website.
I would advise you that instead of downloading it manually, you must wait for Windows 10 May 2021 officially available for your device. This would eliminate the risk of any compatibility issues.
Bottom Line
Many users might be disappointed with this feature update of Windows 10, but as every cloud has a silver lining, this minor update is not bad after all. Historically, every Windows 10 major update brings bugs and security vulnerabilities along with the features. So, with this tiny feature update, you will expect fewer or even zero bugs. This will allow you to update to Windows 10 21H1 quickly, rather than waiting 4-6 months for it to become stable.
Peter is an Electrical Engineer whose primary interest is tinkering with his computer. He is passionate about Windows 10 Platform and enjoys writing tips and tutorials about it.
