Microsoft has just announced the release of Windows 10 20H1 Insider Preview Build 19018 to the Fast Ring. Alongside some updates to the search experience, there are a few changes in this release, ranging from the settings app, profile pictures syncing, Cortana, and more.
The biggest fixes in this release happen to be everything included in the last cumulative update for build 19013. This includes fixes for an issue with the Remote Desktop experience. Microsoft has also fixed an issue where Windows Update might have thrown an error even though the update has succeeded. Here are some of the other fixes and improvements.
- We’ve fixed an issue where the Settings app was hanging or crashing when accessing the System or Ease of Access sections.
- We fixed an issue where if a new account profile picture synced down from the cloud, your old one might not be listed in the picture history in Accounts Settings.
- We fixed an issue where Windows Update history might show an update having failed with error 0x80240017 even though the update had actually succeeded.
- We fixed an issue that could result in Search sometimes not rendering in the enter space available within the Search window.
- We fixed an issue that could result in exe using an unexpectedly high amount of CPU when your device was unplugged in recent builds.
- We fixed an issue that could result in Cortana not responding to Hey Cortana.
- We fixed an issue that could result in Cortana not being visible in the taskbar right after upgrading, or being visible but not working, until you restarted your PC.
- We fixed an issue resulting in not being able to keep the Shift key pressed in order to type capital letters in certain languages recently when typing with the onehanded touch keyboard.
- As some Insiders know, a few releases ago we announced a new keyboard shortcut (WIN + Ctrl + Shift + B) in order to help troubleshoot black screens. With today’s build, in this vein, we’re announcing a new keyboard shortcut (WIN + Ctrl + Shift + L) to help investigate issues with the login screen. Simply press the keyboard shortcut while your PC is locked, reproduce your issue, and then press the keyboard short again–a reference number will be displayed that you can share when reporting your issue. Please note, currently this is only supported for local sessions that have connected to the network and power, and for whom Diagnostic Data is set to Full.
- Narrator no longer announces changes in fonts when they have not changed.
- We updated Narrator’s autocorrect sound to be more consistent with the editing experience.
- We improved Narrator’s navigation and reading experience within Chrome.
- We’ve improved the Outlook experience with Magnifier when Magnifier is set to track the text cursor in the center of the screen. Arrowing up and down in a list of emails will no longer force the viewport to the left of the list of messages.
In addition to the above, fixes, this build also has the ongoing known issue with certain versions of BattlEye anti-cheat software. Other known issues include a problem where Settings still isn’t available outside of launching via the URI. Microsoft is investigating this. Also, note the following:
- Some Insiders are reporting that after successfully installing printer drivers from the Optional Updates section, the same driver is still showing as available for install. We’re looking into the issue.
- If this build attempts to download an install before you have completed the first login of a prior install (such as Build 19013), you will experience a 2-hour window before you can install this new build.
Please note that Microsoft will also be closing Skip Ahead with the release of this build. That means that you no longer will see Skip Ahead option under Settings > Update & Security > Windows Insider Program. Windows Insiders who have opted into Skip Ahead are also being migrated back into the Fast ring. You won’t be seeing this in the future either, as Microsoft says that its goal is to provide everyone in the Fast ring the freshest builds at the same time.
