Windows 10 9901 Leak Spills More Secrets

We don’t yet know everything about the features Microsoft has plans for regular users when its Windows 10 operating system launches in the second half of 2015. That being said, Windows 10 9901, a leaked version of the operating that made its way to the internet this weekend, includes tons of big changes that aren’t available in the versions Microsoft released publically.

News of Windows 10 9901 broke this past weekend and spread like wildfire. It’s safe to say that this version of Windows 10 is the biggest leap we’ve seen to date. Microsoft has made a new versions of the Windows 10 Technical Preview available for all since late September, but those builds focused on behind the scenes work and changes to the way people work on the Desktop.

Windows 10 9901 is the first version of the operating system available to everyone that includes the Cortana personal assistant. Previous versions included universal search, but users weren’t able to ask Cortana about the weather or search the internet. Not only is a Cortana present in Windows 10 9901, there’s a toggle in the settings indicating Microsoft will let users flip a switch and have Cortana always ready for a command without a button press.

Read: Windows 10 vs Windows 8 Walk Through: What’s New & Better

In the past, Microsoft has taken a very reactionary approach to different devices. Typically, when there was a new device type the company simply rolled out another version of Windows to address that device’s specific needs. That’s how we ended up with Windows 8, Windows Phone 8 and Windows 8 RT. Windows 10 9901 is the first version of Windows 10 to show the new merged Store that’ll be at the core of the Windows 10 experience. Already, a look inside the new store app shows music, video and apps. Right now it’s populated with Windows Phone apps too.

Read: 11 Windows 10 Features Coming Worth The Upgrade

Dozens of changes are also scattered through this build. Each app Windows has a new coat of paint to match the rest of the Windows environment, putting an end to Microsoft’s experience with translucency in the Desktop and finally giving users the cohesive design they should have gotten in Windows 8. The Settings Charm is now gone from the Charms Bar. Instead, individual apps have their own Settings option in the Menu Microsoft added to Windows 10 back in September. Cortana, the personal assistant, is accessed by a new default Search box that sits in the Windows taskbar.

A new Xbox app has replaced the old version that’s been around since Windows 8 debuted back in 2012. It doesn’t appear to include any big new features. That being said, it’s more of an Xbox companion app that the original version ever was.

For now, users at home will have to be content with not trying Windows 10 9901 for themselves. Those who have are reporting that the operating system isn’t quite stable enough for everyday use. That makes sense, as it wasn’t meant to be released to the public. It’s always a bad idea to install pre-release versions of Windows on any device that you’re going to need to use daily.

Read: January 21st Windows 10 Reveal Confirmed

Earlier this month Microsoft confirmed that there wouldn’t be another release of Windows 10 until next year. Presumably, that release will come on January 21st, that’s when Microsoft has a press event focusing on Windows 10 scheduled on its campus. At that event we’ll hear more about the complete Windows 10 story from users. Reports are that users can expect an updated Windows 10 Technical Preview and reveals of Windows 10 features that haven’t yet surfaced in leaks or previous builds. Users will be able to watch that press event at home.

Earlier this month Microsoft confirmed that there wouldn’t be another release of Windows 10 until next year. Presumably, that release will come on January 21st, that’s when Microsoft has a press event focusing on Windows 10 scheduled on its campus. At that event we’ll hear more about the complete Windows 10 story from users. Reports are that users can expect an updated Windows 10 Technical Preview and reveals of Windows 10 features that haven’t yet surfaced in leaks or previous builds. Users will be able to watch that press event at home.

Windows 10 isn’t expected to launch in final form until sometime in late 2015. It’s unclear whether it’ll be a free upgrade for Windows 8 users.