Next Windows 10 Feature Update in March 2017? What would you like to see?

Martin Brinkmann
Oct 18, 2016
Updated • Jul 5, 2017
Windows, Windows 10
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25

Microsoft plans to release two feature updates for its Windows 10 operating system in 2017. That's all the company communicated so far.

A feature update will be similar in size and shape to the Anniversary Update for Windows 10 which Microsoft pushed out in August to Windows 10 devices.

Rumors suggest that Microsoft might aim for a March 2017 for the next feature update, codename Redstone 2. This would mean that Windows 10 Version 1703 would be that major version.

The proof? A new policy in the latest Insider build of Windows 10 requires Windows 10 Version 1703. Microsoft lists major Windows 10 versions only in the "supported on" section in the Group Policy editor, at least until now.

windows 10 1703

The version is made up of two digits for the year followed by two digits for the month. 1703 would therefore indicate a release in March 2017.

If March 2017 is indeed the release date for Windows 10's next feature update, it would mean another four months of development before the update hits the public.

Microsoft's initial plan was to release Redstone 2 after the Anniversary Update in 2016. The idea was to release a smaller feature update in 2016, but Microsoft rescheduled the release to early 2017.

Windows 10 1703 Redstone 2 Update

What we know about Redstone 2 so far comes from Windows 10 Insider Builds, and to a degree announcements that Microsoft made.

Here is a list of features that may be included with the March 2017 update for Windows 10:

  1. Application Guard for Microsoft Edge.
  2. Bluetooth GATT support.
  3. Bulk update devices via USB.
  4. Contextual Syncing. Sync app data between devices to start exactly where you left on another device.
  5. Continuum improvements. Proximity feature, less prone to crashes, independent start menus, and more.
  6. F.Lux like functionality.
  7. New apps, e.g. Microsoft Paint.
  8. OneDrive Placeholders are making a comeback. The official reason why support was pulled in first place was user confusion, but it turned out later that it was because of technical difficulties instead. Placeholders mean that all files are displayed that are stored on OneDrive, even files that are not available on the local machine.
  9. Office Hub. This feature integrates Office 365 deeper into Windows 10. It provides quick access to documents and other information.
  10. OneClip. The feature allows you to copy easily between Windows 10 devices and Office 365.
  11. People Bar. Might display contact thumbs of people you have been in contact with recently in the Windows 10 taskbar.
  12. Working Sets. Better project management by creating working sets for individual projects. These include files, contact and calendar information in one place.

And numerous smaller changes. The Registry Editor gets an address bar for instance, Microsoft is working on a new File Explorer app, and more.

Sources

What would you like to see

Microsoft is working on a number of features that it has not revealed yet to the public.

One question that I would like to ask you is what you would like to see in the new update for Windows 10.

If you ask me, I'd like to see improvements in the following three areas more than anything else:

User Control:  User control of the operating system, updates and settings, seems to get less and less with every new version of Windows. I'd like to see more options for users to control the operating system.

Give users control to remove features they don't require, manage update behavior, disable the lockscreen, make it easier to select set default apps and get Windows 10 to honor those changes, or customize the start menu according to their needs.

Microsoft Edge: I talked about several of the annoyances of Microsoft Edge earlier this year, and fixing those would be a good start. I'd like Microsoft to open up the Store for extensions from all developers to see more extensions being released for Edge. Also, Edge needs a lot of polishing before it becomes a viable alternative.

Privacy: I want more transparency when it comes to privacy. What kind of data is Windows 10 collecting, and what is Microsoft doing with the information?

Now You: What would you like to see in Windows 10 Version 1703?

 

Summary
Next Windows 10 Feature Update in March 2017? What would you like to see?
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Next Windows 10 Feature Update in March 2017? What would you like to see?
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Microsoft plans to release two feature updates for its Windows 10 operating system in 2017, with the first being released in March 2017.
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Comments

  1. kenneth maynard said on January 31, 2017 at 8:15 am
    Reply

    I hope that a scale to full screen for older programs is returned. At present windows locks the screen resolution and it cannot be changed to full screen thur the graphics option as in 8 and 8.1

  2. Ismet Hundraproc said on November 9, 2016 at 2:09 am
    Reply

    -Better privacy options
    -More control of updates
    -Better scaling across the board
    -All settings in one place

  3. gerald brennan said on October 23, 2016 at 1:38 pm
    Reply

    Let me set the size and screen location of program and data windows.
    They fuck with it constantly and leave things a mess.
    Such an OBVIOUS need and never a fix.

  4. Tom said on October 19, 2016 at 7:39 am
    Reply

    I would love to these Win7’s features back:

    Network > Network and Sharing Center:
    The straightforward visual ‘map’ on “View your basic network information and set up connections
    COMPUTER NAME (This computer) === NAME Home Network === Internet
    with ‘See Full Map’ link
    and the
    > Manage Wireless Networks
    It’s a one-place comprehensible WiFi management tool.

    With the current Win10 you have to click ‘Connections’ > ‘Wireless Network Properties’ > ‘Security’ to check passwords and restricted to the current — connected — one.

    No way to check all the SSID and Passwords previously stored, and preference order.

    1. Marc said on January 11, 2017 at 11:41 am
      Reply

      I want my calculator back.

      I do not want a new version of MS Paint.

      I do not want an update to uninstall any software that was working perfectly in windows 7/8.

      When I set a shortcut to open a window full screen please do open that window full screen and not to a size at MS discretion.

      Make new apps an option not mandatory using it.

      I want the old start menu back EVERY TIME MS-SUCKERS (using classic shell, but needed updating that after Anniversary Update nightmare).

      I am on my last legs with Windows, just a diminishing few apps prevent me from using Linux all the time.

      And Windows (Anniversary edition) helps with that a lot. A friend moved to Apple because the software she relied on did not work after the Anniversary edition update. I know I could spend a day to get it working again, but how frustrating this f… is.

      OK, March 2017 could be END OF LIFE of Windows. Could be terminal, finally. I have been with Microsoft since MS DOS 3.1 and Windows 3.11. On my travel laptop I already have Linux since Windows 8 came out and when that was unusable on my laptop for my purposes.

      Windows 10 started out with repairing lots of things that were bad in Windows 8/8.1, but with the Anniversary update MS is screwing us over to force their way upon us again, without a real option of going back.

      Just I found out the Thunderbird is not working properly on some aspects after the latest Windows update.

  5. Kenny said on October 19, 2016 at 2:39 am
    Reply

    I would like updates that actually work without breaking things… That would be nice.

  6. sugfsxukdf said on October 18, 2016 at 8:23 pm
    Reply

    Some evil hacker really has to destroy Windows User Experience.

    Once and for All.

  7. T J said on October 18, 2016 at 7:52 pm
    Reply

    I don’t use Win 10. I am glad that I chose not to accept the free upgrade.
    Reading about all the problems with Win 10 ( Loss of user control, forced updates killing systems, non removable apps, bundled updates containing god knows what, telemetry, etc, ad infinitum…….), I am very happy that I stayed with Win 7 and kept wearing my tin foil hat.
    I CAN control what does or does not run on my Laptop and CHOOSE which updates or apps to install. Being able to boot into safe mode with f8 if my Laptop borks and then run a System Restore is the icing on the cake.

    Still, MS might have a change of heart and rewrite Win 10 for the user’s benefit. That’s about as likely as flying pigs :)
    Good luck Win 10 users.

  8. 420 said on October 18, 2016 at 6:47 pm
    Reply

    What is funny is, all the things YOU want, are exactly the opposite of what M$ will give you. It will be less control, more non transparency and generally like someone else had mentioned you will be a user and M$ will be the only admin, if you ask me, it is already kind of that way anyways, when I have the pro version and I can not change certain things. Another person mentioned it and I will agree Linux land is a breath of fresh air after M$. In addition to the normal mint ubuntu distros, I would highly reccomend Manjaro based on Arch Linux.

    1. Lurking About said on October 19, 2016 at 3:48 am
      Reply

      I would recommend Manjaro or Antergos to more experienced users. Arch family distros are rolling releases and they will on occasion require a bit more TLC than Linux Mint or the various ‘buntus. The TLC is not as severe as with Windows.

  9. CaptnAmerca said on October 18, 2016 at 5:11 pm
    Reply

    To stop changing my settings back with these updates. I’m pretty sick of removing the Live Tiles at this point.

    1. Andrew said on October 18, 2016 at 6:15 pm
      Reply

      Supposedly that is going to be a part of the next release. I believe once you delete a metro app now it won’t come back when you “upgrade”

  10. Jonnyredhead said on October 18, 2016 at 4:50 pm
    Reply

    A couple of good dark / night time themes using all the bells and whistles. Inc softer font smoothing options. All default windows programs / apps, and windows and pop ups (everywhere) included.

  11. jr said on October 18, 2016 at 3:22 pm
    Reply

    Applocker in Windows 10 Professional

  12. Ben said on October 18, 2016 at 1:46 pm
    Reply

    > What would you like to see?
    All telemetry and phone home bullshit removed.
    All system configuration stuff in one place.

  13. DaveyK said on October 18, 2016 at 1:43 pm
    Reply

    I think you’ve hit the nail largely on the head with the privacy options (and an “off” mode that actually means off), plus the ability to control the updates/OS a bit better.

    These are two of the biggest things preventing me from using Windows 10. Right now with Windows 7, I control my PC, whereas with Windows 10 currently, it controls your PC. That’s not acceptable to me.

    I also agree with adding back F8. The extra half a second you shave off the boot time just isn’t worth the extra inconvenience and struggling you get if the system won’t boot for some reason.

    With an F8 menu, control and transparency over the privacy issues, and a lot more control over updates, Windows 10 may become more palatable. Right now, it’s a complete no-go on my systems.

  14. Velocity.Wave said on October 18, 2016 at 1:00 pm
    Reply

    Actually, I’d be pretty ecstatic with a couple of less features, namely that whole background telemetry thing.

  15. Anonymous said on October 18, 2016 at 12:38 pm
    Reply

    Windows for Sales! No thank YOU!

  16. Robert G. said on October 18, 2016 at 12:01 pm
    Reply

    M for Microsoft and for Marketing, i.e. blablabla…..

  17. Dave said on October 18, 2016 at 11:12 am
    Reply

    I’d like less features. The OS should be a platform for whatever I want, not a tool that tries to include every possible function out of the box. So the feature I would like is the ability to remove more stuff via Add/Remove Windows Components: stuff like Cortanna, IE, Egde, Windows Store, .NET Framework…

    Any time now we should see an antitrust lawsuit since Microsoft has used their dominance in one product area (Desktop OS) to take control of another (Software sales and licence management). It’s an obvious anti-trust violation, but the law moves slowly. Apple can do this because they aren’t the dominant player. Google did it before they were dominant in mobile, so again that’s OK. Anti-trust law is simple, and MS can’t do what they’re doing. I suspect the EC will be the body to take action first, in 2020.

  18. pissed_by_W10 said on October 18, 2016 at 8:34 am
    Reply

    I want F8 during boot to give me service mode. Having to start it from start menu is beyond ridiculous when the last patch made windows 10 stuck in a loop.

  19. Count Soxington said on October 18, 2016 at 7:27 am
    Reply

    Lockscreen wallpaper support for DUEL MONITORS.

    They had this feature in windows 8, but apparently removed it in windows 10 for no reason what so ever.

    The guy that worked on it in MS has no idea this is something people enjoyed because its not upvoted in there terrible feedback app, but has HIGH demand on their Feedback forum.

    Please Upvote this within the Feedback App. The many people with Duel Mons will thanks you!! (Eg helps against screen burn etc)

    Its the smaller features like these i would love to see returned, that were removed for unexplained reasons

    1. Corky said on October 18, 2016 at 7:05 pm
      Reply

      If i had to guess they probably removed it for the same reason they first removed the startmenu, not enough people using it, it’s one of the issues i have with Microsoft tracking their customers, while a feature may not have a high percentage of users doesn’t mean it’s not important, unfortunately Microsoft has always put to more faith in statistics than actual feedback from their customers.

  20. Jeff said on October 18, 2016 at 7:24 am
    Reply

    LOL somehow none of these features seem interesting to me? I don’t want anything over what I already have in Windows 8.1 with Classic Shell. Most of these features seem to be for Windows 10 Mobile or again bringing over mobile features to desktop.

    1. bob smathers said on December 25, 2016 at 3:07 am
      Reply

      auto form fill

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