Windows 10 is nearing the end of its lifecycle, with support set to wrap up on October 14th this year. With less than ten months left, users face a decision: upgrade their current systems, invest in new PCs, continue using unsupported devices, or switch to a different platform entirely. Microsoft has been quite vocal about this upcoming change, sharing numerous warnings and blog posts, along with various prompts about the end of Windows 10’s support. Interestingly, despite the looming deadline, Microsoft has started testing a fresh feature for Windows 10.
Yes, you heard it right—the operating system approaching its finish line might see a new feature, assuming all goes smoothly in testing. Microsoft recently introduced a new calendar feature within the Windows 10 taskbar to Insiders in the Release Preview Channel. This update showcases the weather forecast directly in the calendar taskbar flyout.
Windows 10’s calendar flyout already boasts more functionality compared to its Windows 11 counterpart, a point driven home by the existence of third-party apps like Calendar Flyout designed for the newer OS. Soon, Windows 10’s calendar tool might just outshine the feature on Windows 11 entirely. This enhancement was spotted by the user phantomofearth on X (formerly known as Twitter).
In an unexpected twist, Microsoft actually rolled out two features to Insiders in the Release Preview; however, one might be seen as a setback. The newest Insider build of Windows 10 introduces the revamped Outlook. Since Microsoft decided to discontinue the Mail & Calendar app, a replacement became essential—enter the controversial new Outlook.
We’ve covered the anticipated shift to the new Outlook on Windows 10 PCs, and more details have come to light. An optional update arriving on January 28, 2025, will automatically install the new Outlook, with more installations to follow during the security update on February 11, 2025.
👉 For further reading: "Microsoft is wrong: The new Outlook for Windows is not ready for prime time"
While folks at Microsoft might perceive this new Outlook as an upgrade, that view isn’t widely shared outside the company. I’d wager not everyone at Microsoft is on board with this opinion either, but that’s purely speculative.
Many argue that since Mail & Calendar was free, Microsoft stopping support in favor of a new app isn’t a big deal. However, Microsoft’s plans to replace the classic Outlook app with the new version will likely aggravate those who aren’t fans of the change.
For now, I’m focusing on the new flyout feature arriving in Windows 10 and the controversial new Outlook heading to the OS on its way out. Here’s Microsoft’s detailed changelog for Windows 10 22H2 Build 19045.5435:
Windows 10: New features and improvements
- [Calendar] New! The taskbar now lets you stay updated with weather forecasts and upcoming holidays and events.
- [Mail] New! The new Outlook for Windows app is now the default mail app, with a fresh icon appearing in the Start menu. If the old mail app was pinned to your taskbar, the new icon will take its place.
- [GB18030-2022] This update includes support for this amendment.
- [Virtual memory] Addressed an issue where virtual memory might deplete, causing some apps to fail.
- [Chinese Pinyin input method editor (IME)] Bing will cease providing automatic suggestions in search boxes for engines like Baidu. Use Ctrl + Tab or the chevron button (>) for manual suggestions.
- [Near Field Communication (NFC) readers] Fixed: Occasional failures in reading card Universal Unique Identifiers (UUID) after multiple scans by POS apps.
- [USB Print and IPP Over USB] Fixed: An installed printer fails when the spooler initializes.
- [Windows Kernel Vulnerable Driver Blocklist file (DriverSiPolicy.p7b)] The update adds to the list of drivers at risk for BYOVD (Bring Your Own Vulnerable Driver) attacks.
- [Screen capture] Fixed: Capture Service and Snipping Tool become unresponsive when Windows logo key + Shift + S is pressed repeatedly while Narrator is on.
