Microsoft is preparing to roll out its second test build of Windows 10 19H2, AKA 1909. As expected, there's fixes and new features galore, which can be applied immediately. However, the new features are all turned off by default. As of now, in order to test the off-by-default technology, it will use when the update is fully delivered to all users by November.
The most recent 19H2 test build, No. 18362.10005, has added the option to enable third-party digital assistants like Amazon's Alexa, which can be voice-activated above the Lock screen. There's also a key-rotation or key-rolling feature that allows secure rolling of recovery passwords on MDM-managed Azure Active Directory devices in specific situations in order to stop the instances of disclosing recovered passwords. Another addition is an update to prevent Windows containers from supporting mixed-version container pod-scenarios, given Windows containers need matched hosts and container versions.
In the final version of Windows 10 19H2/1909, all these features will be off by default and the Microsoft team will activate them via controlled rollouts to ensure better build quality and good feedback. The company will do a follow up of the recent build with another 19H2 test build that should activate the features for a subset of Insider testers.
Apart from the mentioned features, the 19H2 test build also includes fixes and repairs that were part of the Cumulative update for May 2019 Update. Microsoft released this on Patch Tuesday last week.
Microsoft officials said earlier this month that 19H2 will act like a cumulative update for anyone who is running Windows 10 19H1 (Windows 10 1903). This will only be a minor update with exciting features turned off by default, as mentioned. Those who don't have 1903 who want to go to 19H2 when it's available simply have to use the usual tools and processes in order to proceed to 19H2.
"As mentioned previously, we may ship features in these updates turned off by default and turn them on via controlled feature rollouts," Microsoft wrote. "Doing this helps us gain better feedback on overall build quality. With today's 19H2 build, we are testing this experience. Our plan is to quickly follow-up with another 19H2 build that turns these features on for a subset of Insiders and proceeds from there based on feedback and quality."
Note that the latest build is only available to a subset of Insiders in the Slow Ring, that means not everyone in the Slow Ring will actually get this new build. That's the new CFR system in action for you.
