Last month, we asked Windows Insiders to vote for their favorite features (so far) in our Windows 10 Insider Preview Builds for 20H1. As with previous surveys, the results include some expected—and many unexpected—favorites. Here’s a quick summary:
At the top of the list was a feature that can make it a lot easier to reset your PC. We’ve heard feedback that some of you would rather download a recovery copy of Windows from the cloud vs using the backup copy of Windows on your PC. The new Windows cloud download feature lets you do just that—which can also provide you with a more reliable and faster PC reset experience.
Along with PC management tools, it seems that Search updates caught the interest of Insiders, with two features among the top three favorites. One enables your PC to better detect when you’re busy on your PC—and hold off indexing files for later, for better overall PC performance. Another feature personalizes your search experience in File Explorer by providing you with your recent search terms and suggested files, including files on OneDrive.
Rounding out the top list were updates for better passwordless security, more control over app notifications, plus a new version of Windows Subsystem for Linux, providing developers with even better performance. Insiders also liked the updates and improvements we brought to Bluetooth pairing, Snip & Sketch and the Calculator. And yet another favorite: being able to make and receive calls from their phone directly on their PC with the Your Phone app.
Thanks to all who participated in this survey! As always, these results will help shape our priorities for the next version of Windows and beyond. For more details on each feature, simply click on the links below. If you haven’t already explored these updates, check our Quick Start guide for tips on installing the latest builds.
We can’t wait to hear what’s next on your favorite feature list.
Windows 10 Insider Preview (20H1)—Top 10 List
- #1 CLOUD RESET YOUR PC
Instead of loading installation media on a USB stick, you can now download Windows directly from the cloud. - #2 A MORE EFFICIENT WINDOWS SEARCH
Search can better detect peak disk usage and hold off on indexing to improve PC performance. - #3 FIND YOUR FILES FASTER WITH FILE EXPLORER
See your recent search terms and suggested files, including files on OneDrive. - #4 MORE CONTROL OVER UNWANTED NOTIFICATIONS
Notification settings are now easier to access and manage. - #5 FASTER BLUETOOTH PAIRING
No need to go to Settings to finish pairing a device—it can all be done in Notifications. - #6 WINDOWS SUBSYSTEM FOR LINUX 2
Get faster file system performance plus full system call compatibility. - #7 GO PASSWORDLESS
Instantly switch all Microsoft accounts to Windows Hello Face, Fingerprint, or PIN for easier, more secure sign-in. - #8 ANSWER PHONE CALLS ON YOUR PC
Use the Your Phone app to answer and initiate phone calls from your Android phone. - #9 ZOOM IN ON SCREENSHOTS IN SNIP & SKETCH
Make smaller images easier to see and annotate. - #10 KEEP THE CALCULATOR APP ALWAYS ON TOP
It’ll remain above other windows on your desktop for easier access.
