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Windows 10 21H1 Coming with Remote Work Features

Microsoft says Windows 10 21H1 is a quality-focused update with some new remote work tools, including Windows Hello external camera support.

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Earlier this week, confirmed 21H1 will launch this spring across all Windows SKUs. This was the company putting an official stamp on a build we already knew was coming. Now we are finding out some more about what to expect in this latest major platform update. It seems Microsoft is focusing on in this build.

We are usually used to the first half of the year being feature rich, with the second half of the year release focusing on quality. Microsoft is reversing that schedule this year. Windows 10 21H2 which will arrive in the fall is gearing up as a overhaul update, including a new design. It seems will be a smaller update:

“Windows 10, version 21H1 will have a scoped set of features improving security, remote access and quality,” explains John Cable, Microsoft's head of Windows Servicing and Delivery. “The features we are releasing in this update are focused on the core experiences that customers have told us they're relying on most right now.”

Among the changes coming this spring include remote work features:

  • multicamera support to set the default as the external camera when both external and internal Windows Hello cameras are present.
  • Application Guard performance improvements including optimizing document opening scenario times.
  • and Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) Group Policy Service (GPSVC) updating performance improvement to support remote work scenarios.”

Extrernal Camera Support

It's hardly a surprise that Microsoft is boosting the remote work capabilities of Windows 10. Over the last year, the COVID-19 pandemic has created a wave of remote workers. While most will return to work, millions will remain working from home. Reliable apps and tools that enhance the remote work experience are becoming hugely popular… just ask Zoom or Microsoft Teams.

Looking at the new features more closely, changes to camera tools allows users to use an external Windows Hello camera. This provides all the same abilities as a built-in webcam on a Windows Hello compatible PC. While Windows 10 already supports external webcams, integration with Windows Hello is not a smooth experience in its current form. Windows 10 21H1 aims to change that.

Tip of the day:

Tired of Windows 10's default notification and other system sounds? In our tutorial we show you how to change windows sounds or turn off system sounds entirely.

Luke Jones
Luke Jones
Luke has been writing about all things tech for more than five years. He is following Microsoft closely to bring you the latest news about Windows, Office, Azure, Skype, HoloLens and all the rest of their products.

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