Microsoft Gives Windows Defender a ‘New Look’ through Windows 10 Insider Update

Earlier in the week, Microsoft rolled out cumulative update KB3206309. This brought Windows 10 Creators Update build 14986.1001 to Windows Insiders on the Fast and Slow rings. As we mentioned at the time, details on the patch were sparse. However, while Microsoft is offering nothing official, users are reporting that the release adds improvements to Windows Defender. In post-installation, Windows 10 informs Insiders that it is making improvements to Windows Defender. Indeed, it seems that these improvements are an overhaul of the antivirus package. The revamp brings with it a ‘new look' UI for Windows Defender. “Windows Defender is making some improvements,” the message read. “We're working hard on adding new features and finishing our new look, so not everything is ready quite yet. Some features you're looking for may not be available now, which is why the previous version of Windows Defender is still available on your device.” Aside from giving Windows Defender a lick of paint, build 14986.1001 appears to be focused on security fixes and tidying up the previous build. Microsoft hasn't updated the knowledge base to highlight official changes, so we are just going on word of mouth.

Windows 10 Creators Update Build 14986

KB3206309 followed closely on the heels of Windows 10 Creators Update Preview Build 14986. That release found its way onto the Fast Ring earlier in the month and then moved to the Slow Ring last week. It was a good Christmas present for Windows Insiders as it was the most feature-rich preview for the Creators Update so far. The update came with changes for Cortana and the way the assistant controls music playback, while Windows Ink got some changes to improve the platform. Build 14986 was a good way to bring the Windows Insider Program to a close in 2016. The program's chief, Dona Sarkar, confirmed that it is the last build of the year. She explained that the unstable nature of some Insider releases mean the company does not want to leave users with buggy builds over the holidays.