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Windows 10 release notes - May 2020

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The Windows 10 May 2020 Update (v2004) includes new features for Windows Mixed Reality (VR) headsets, such as the ability to launch Win32 applications in the mixed reality home. HoloLens (1st gen) is in Long Term Servicing (LTS), with servicing updates to be released monthly.

Upgrading to the latest PC release for Windows Mixed Reality immersive (VR) headsets, open Settings > Update & Security and select Check for updates. On a Windows 10 PC, you can also manually install the Windows 10 May 2020 Update using the Windows media creation tool.

Latest release for Desktop: Windows 10 v2004 (10.0.19041.264)

Updates for Windows Mixed Reality immersive headsets

Introducing the new Microsoft Edge

As previously announced, we've made updates to better support using the new Microsoft Edge browser in Windows Mixed Reality. The new Microsoft Edge adopts the Chromium open-source project to create better web compatibility for customers and less fragmentation of the web for all web developers. It also supports WebXR, the new standard for creating immersive web experiences for VR headsets, in place of WebVR.

Improved Settings for WMR

Thanks to your feedback, we've added and clarified settings on the Headset display page:

  • Visual quality of my home - changing these settings affects only the mixed reality home environment (Cliff House and Skyloft):

  • Adjust level of detail and quality of effects in the mixed reality home - this changes some of the rendering affects we use in the home. In particular, the visual quality of different materials (wood, concrete, and so on) will scale as you change this setting from low to high.

  • Change app window resolution - by default, most 2D windows launched in the home are launched with a 720-p resolution. While you can manually resize them horizontally & vertically, you can also opt to have them all launch at 1080p instead. Previously this option was available as the Very high (beta) option under Visual quality. We've appropriately split it out as a separate setting now.

  • Experience options - these options adjust the mixed reality experience to reduce load on systems where the hardware might struggle to keep up with an unrestricted 90 fps. You can explicitly enable or disable these additional settings, or choose Let Windows decide and let our heuristics continue deciding when to toggle these on and off.

  • Resolution - if you have a high-resolution headset like the HP Reverb, we support running it at its native resolution, or at a reduced resolution for performance reasons. Earlier headsets, like the Samsung Odyssey and Odyssey+, only support a single resolution so you can't change this setting on those headsets.

  • Frame rate - you can now manually set the frame rate of the headset display, or continue to let Windows use its heuristics to determine if 60 Hz or 90 Hz is more appropriate.

  • Calibration - as before, you can adjust your IPD (interpupillary distance) if supported by your headset.

  • Input switching - toggle the input focus switching (Win+Y) behavior to be automatic (based on presence sensor feedback) or manual.

New Cortana app

This update to Windows includes the latest version of the Cortana app, which is currently US English-only and no longer supports certain mixed-reality specific commands such as "Take a picture" and "Take a video." You' can use the new Cortana to launch apps, and it also supports new productivity focused commands like, "When's my next meeting?" or "Send an email to < name > that I'm running late."

Additional updates in available in 19041.546 (released October 2020)

This desktop monthly servicing update includes the following changes for Windows Mixed Reality devices:

  • Reduces distortions and aberrations in Windows Mixed Reality head-mounted displays (HMD).
  • Adds support for upcoming HP Windows Mixed Reality motion controllers.
  • Changes the behavior of the 90-Hz refresh rate setting in Windows Mixed Reality to no longer automatically switch back to 60 Hz in certain cases when 90 Hz cannot be achieved.

Help us improve!

We continually look to improve compatibility. If you find your favorite classic Win32 application not behaving correctly while in Windows Mixed Reality, submit feedback via our Feedback Hub.

Prior release notes

See also