Microsoft releases Windows 10 20H1 Build 18945 -- on purpose! -- with improvements to Cortana, Windows Subsystem for Linux and File Explorer

Earlier in the week, Microsoft rolled out a new Windows 10 build on the 20H1 branch. Build 18947 arrived with a new retro Start menu without Live tiles, and a GIF search feature. There was just one problem -- it was released by accident.

Today the software giant rolls out Build 18945, and this one is intended for installation. It comes with a new Cortana experience, Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) Improvements, and an updated File Explorer.

SEE ALSO:

• Microsoft reveals what you need to do if you have rogue Windows 10 Build 18947
• Microsoft accidentally releases internal Windows 10 preview build with new Start menu and no Live Tiles

The new Cortana is available as a beta for Insiders in the US and features a brand-new chat-based UI that gives you the ability to type or speak natural language queries. It also offers both light and dark themes in Windows, a new, less intrusive screen for 'Hey Cortana' queries, and comes with new speech and language models, and significantly improved performance.

The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) update lets you connect via localhost to WSL 2 Linux apps from Windows, and there are global WSL configuration options too.

There have been some accessibility improvements made in this build as well, and the updated File Explorer search feature is now rolling out to all insiders.

Other general changes, improvements, and fixes include:

• Fixed the issue causing some Insides to experience install failures with error code c1900101 due to a compatibility bug with a storage driver on their device.
• Made a few fixes to improve reliability when installing a Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 distro.
• Microsoft is extending Windows Defender ATP capabilities beyond the Windows OS and as a result is renaming to Microsoft Defender to reflect its cross-platform approach to endpoint security.
• Fixed an issue where Settings might crash if you selected Activation under Updates & Security.
• If your network connection is unexpectedly disconnected, the Miracast banner will now have a close button for you to use if needed.
• Fixed an issue where the Performance tab of Task Manager wouldn’t expand from a collapsed state if you double clicked on the text.
• Updated the Details tab of Task Manager so if you right-click a process, Provide Feedback will now be listed after End Task and End Process Tree (rather than between).
• Fixed an issue where the network icon in the taskbar might show that there was no internet, even though there actually was connection.
• Fixed an issue impacting Windows Hello reliability in recent flights.
• Fixed an issue where if you manually updated the DNS server settings in Settings, it wouldn’t apply.
• Fixed an issue from the previous two flights resulting in mobile hotspot unexpectedly turning off if enabled.
• Fixed an issue that could result in the system hanging after resume from hibernation.
• Fixed an issue potentially resulting in the error, "MMC has detected an error in a snap-in and will unload it." when you try to expand, view, or create Custom Views in Event Viewer.

Known issues in this build are:

• There has been an issue with older versions of anti-cheat software used with games where after updating to the latest 19H1 Insider Preview builds may cause PCs to experience crashes. To minimize the chance of running into this issue, please make sure you are running the latest version of your games before attempting to update the operating system.
• Some Realtek SD card readers are not functioning properly.
• Tamper Protection may be turned off in Windows Security after updating to this build. You can turn it back on. In August, Tamper Protection will return to being on by default for all Insiders.
• Occasionally, the candidate selection in prediction candidate window for the Japanese IME doesn’t match with the composition string.
• Insiders may notice some changes in Magnifier with today’s build. These aren’t quite ready yet for you to try, but Microsoft will let you know once they are in an upcoming flight.

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