Microsoft Announces Official Windows 10 Creators Update Release Date: April 11

After eight months of testing, Microsoft will officially launch its latest revision of Windows 10 called the Creators Update, version 1703. Previous releases included the Anniversary Update (1607), November Update (1511) and the initial release, 1507. For those interested in knowing, the final build number is 15063.0, but this will be incremented with cumulative updates over time. Windows 10 is part of Microsoft’s software as a service strategy, which constantly delivers new features and functionality through frequent Windows updates. So far, the company has maintained a cadence of two major updates per year.

New features have also been delivered as major out of band updates through the Windows Store. Each release adopts a theme. The Creators Update, for instance, puts emphasis on creativity, with a plethora of features for users who want to make and share stuff, whether it’s 3D imagery using the new Paint 3D app or annotations made with the improved inking features. The Creators Update is bursting with a lot of refinements and the more than two years of constant feedback and testing has done wonders for the operating system.

Windows 10 Creators Update Coming April 11, 2017

Originally code-named Redstone 2, the new update includes a vast collection of improvements. One of the core benefits of the new development process is security. A new Windows Defender Security Center application provides users a centralized environment for managing the health, protection, and performance of their computer. Microsoft is also listening to customers carefully. Users can see this in areas such as the improved Windows Update experience, which removes the hardline approach to installing updates. More transparent privacy options also help users to better understand what they are sharing with company.

Here’s what Yusuf Mehdi, Corporate Vice President, Windows and Devices Group said on the Windows Experience Blog:

Today, I’m excited to share our latest update to Windows 10, the Creators Update will begin to roll out on April 11. The Creators Update is designed to spark and unleash creativity, bringing 3D and mixed reality to everyone and enabling every gamer to be a broadcaster. Beyond creativity, it brings new features to Microsoft Edge, additional security capabilities and privacy tools, and so much more. Source

Of course, you don’t have to wait until April 11 for the release—official ISOs for the Creators Update are currently available on Microsoft Servers. You can also download the Upgrade Assistant, which will kick off the upgrade right away. If you have not already, check out some of our previous coverage of the new Creators Update features, such as Paint 3D; improved Microsoft Edge Web Browser; Night Light; improved Start menu and Cortana; better touchpad gestures; Dynamic Lock; Windows Defender Security Center; Hyper-V Quick Create and more personalization and color options.

Windows 10 Creators Update is a free upgrade for existing PCs and devices running Windows 10. Remember to review our prep guide before installing the new version. The follow-up release to the Creators Update is code named Redstone 3. Windows Insiders are expected to see the new version soon. Not much is known about it, but features that were cut from the Creators Update such as the My People app and new user experience are likely to show up later this year.

How has your experience been with Windows 10 since its initial launch? Let us know what you think in the comments.