New Windows 10 19H2 builds bring S Mode and Defender changes

After recently releasing a bunch of new cumulative updates for multiple versions of Windows, Microsoft now rolls out two new builds to Windows Insiders in the Slow Ring.

Only a subset of Insiders will get the features turned ON

With 19H2 Build 18362.10014 and Build 18362.10015, the tech giant is once again implementing their controlled feature rollout (CFR) to gain better feedback on the build quality.

So not everyone in the Slow Ring will get the new features:

• IF you are on 19H2 Build 18362.10012– you will receive Build 18362.10014 with features turned OFF by default. This includes the below mentioned features as well as the features from the previous release.
• IF you are on 19H2 Build 18362.10013 – you will receive Build 18362.10015 with features turned ON by default.

On the other hand, if you’re on Windows 10 May 2019 Update and just joining the Slow Ring, it’s a matter of luck if you get the updates turned ON or not.

Security improvements in the new 19H2 builds

Here’s the full list of updates that come with the new builds:

• We have enabled Windows Defender Credential Guard for ARM64 devices for additional protection against credential theft for enterprises deploying ARM64 devices in their organizations.
• We have enabled the ability for enterprises to supplement the Windows 10 in S Mode policy to allow traditional Win32 (desktop) apps from Microsoft Intune.
• We’re updating the search box in File Explorer to now be powered by Windows Search. This change will help integrate your OneDrive content online with the traditional indexed results. More details here. [UPDATED for clarity.]
• We have added the ability for Narrator and other assistive technologies to read and learn where the FN key is located on keyboards and what state it is in (locked versus unlocked).

Remember that the 19H2 update will come later this Fall as a cumulative update for Windows 10 v1903 and will have small changes compared to the 20H1 update from next year.

As usual, you can update to the new builds via Windows Update in the Settings.