Your favorite 20H1 features

Published on in For Business, For Developers, Notes on Previews
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Last month, we asked Windows Insiders to vote for their favorite features (so far) in our 20H1 Windows 10 Insider Preview Builds.

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 instead of using the backup copy of Windows on your device. The new Windows cloud download feature lets you do just that to bring you a faster and more reliable way to reset your PC.

Along with device management tools, it seems that Search updates caught your interest, with two Search features in our top three favorites. One lets your device better detect when you’re busy and hold off on indexing files until later, for better overall performance. Another feature personalizes your search experience in File Explorer by showing you recent search terms and suggested files, including files on OneDrive.

Rounding out the list were updates for better passwordless security, more control over app notifications, plus a new version of Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL2), which brings developers even better performance. Insiders also liked the updates and improvements we brought to Bluetooth pairing, Snip & Sketch, and the Calculator. Being able to make and receive calls from their phone directly on their PC with the Your Phone app was yet another favorite.

Thanks to all who took this survey! As always, these results help shape our priorities for the next version of Windows and beyond. Select each feature below to learn more, and if you haven’t already explored these updates, start flighting Insider Preview builds today.

We can’t wait to hear what’s next on your favorite feature list!

Your top ten 20H1 features

  1. Reset this PC from the cloud
    Instead of loading installation media from a USB stick, you can now download Windows directly from the cloud.
  2. Improved disk usage for Windows Search
    Search can better detect peak disk usage and hold off on indexing to improve your device’s performance.
  3. Windows Search improvements
    See your recent search terms and suggested files, including files on OneDrive.
  4. More control over your 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—now it can all be done in Notifications.
  6. WSL2
    Get faster file system performance, plus full system call compatibility.
  7. Go passwordless with Microsoft accounts on your device
    Instantly switch all Microsoft accounts to Windows Hello face, fingerprint, or PIN for easier, more secure sign-in.
  8. Answer calls on your PC with the Your Phone app
    Use the Your Phone app to answer and start phone calls from your Android phone.
  9. Zoom in on screenshots in Snip & Sketch
    Make smaller images easier to see and annotate.
  10. Calculator app updates
    It will remain above other windows on your desktop for easier access.